recommended oil BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997 Owners Manual

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you
are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in. Is
your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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0
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-23
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant
level isn’t at or above the
FULL COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and
DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant
recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for
more information.)
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix
will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
I NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mix.
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To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you
use these gasolines if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just
tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors International Product Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
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When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll
need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index,
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Add engine oil at the engine oil fill cap next to the
oil dipstick.
Be sure to fill
it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front
of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the
oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
6-14
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
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WE4
IT
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c1oo-
+ 80 -
+ 60 -
+40-
+ 20 -
0-
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t3
t2
tl
1.4
-7
-1
COLD
SAE 5W-30
SAE I I 1OW-30
PREFERRED above 0°F I-18"C)
.- e
LOOK
FOR MIS
SYMBOL
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY
OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However,
you can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going
to be colder than
60°F (16°C) before your next oil
change. When
it's very cold, you should use SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as
SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
"Starburst" symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F
(-29"C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
6-15
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Supercharger Oil
Unless you are technically
qualified and have the
proper tools, you should let
your dealer or a qualified
service center perform
this maintenance.
How to Check and Add Oil
Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the
engine to cool two to three hours after running.
A CAUTION:
If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while
the engine
is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to
blow out
of the oil fill hole. You may be burned.
Do not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs first.
What Kind of Oil to Use
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index
and use only the recommended oil.
2.
3.
4.
Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
Remove the oil fill plug using a 3/16 inch
Allen wrench.
The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads
of the inspection hole.
Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place. Torque
to
88 lb-in (10 Nem).
6-20
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Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER SIZE DESCRIPTION USAGE
994954 23 in. x 25 in. Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated
Exterior Polish
1050004 2.75
sq. ft. Chamois Shines vehicle without scratching
1050 172 16
oz. (0.473 L)
Tar and Road Oil Remover Also removes old waxes and polishes
1050173 16
02. (0.473 L) Chrome Cleaner and Polish
Removes rust and corrosion
1050 174 16
oz. (0.473 L) White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
Removes soil and black marks
1050200 1 gal. (3.785
L) Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish
'Exterior cleaner and polish
-
1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) Vinyl Cleaner
Spot and stain removal
1050427 23
oz. (0.680 L) Glass Cleaner Cleans grease, grime and smoke film
1052870 16
02. (0.473 L) Wash and Wax Concentrate
Exterior wash
1052918"" 8
oz. (0.237 L) Armor All Rvl Protector Protects vinyl, leather and rubber
1052925 16
02. (0.473 L) Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
Cleans vinyl, cloth, tires and mats
1052929 16
oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner
Spray on wheel cleaner
I 1052930 I 8 oz. (0.237 L) I Capture Dry Spot Remover I Attracts and absorbs soils
12345002"" 16
02. (0.473 L) Armor All Cleaner Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber
12345725 12
oz. (0.354 L) Silicone Tire Shine Shines tires
12377964 16
oz. (0.473 L) Cleaning Wax Protects finish and removes fine scratches
12377966
I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I I Spot cleans paint and gives high luster
Finish Enhancer
See your General Motors
Parts Department for these products. **Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See "Fluids and Lubricants" in the Index.
6-65
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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information.
Belt Tensions
Automatically controlled by a Self-Tension idler pulley. Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive)
When draining or replacing torque converter, more fluid may be needed.
Pan Removal and Replacement
................................................... 6 quarts (5.6 L)
After Complete Overhaul
...................................................... 11 quarts (10.4 L)
Cooling System ............................................................. 13 quarts (12.3 L)
Oil change with filter change ................................................... 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Park Avenue Ultra
............................................................ 19 gallons (72 L)
Engine Crankcase
FuelTank
......................,...........................................18gall\
ons (68L)
Power Steering
PumpOnly .....................................................................lpi\
nt (0.5L)
Tire Pressures, Sizes
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is located on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires.
WheelNutTorque ........................................................ lOOlb-ft(140N~m)
Complete System
............................................................ 1
1/2 pints (0.7 L)
Refrigerant (R-l34a), Air Conditioning ................... See refrigerant charge label under the hood.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to \
fill to the appropriate level, as recommended
in this manual.
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4 IMPORTANT: I
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
11
protectjon I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your Buick
dealer
for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
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Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240
000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or
limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage, transaxle
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and the
underbody contact points and linkage.
* If your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor, the
monitor will show you when to change the oil
-- usually
between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles
(12
500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe
conditions, the indicator may come on before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more
than
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months, (whichever
occurs first), without an oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you
drive in a dusty area be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL
light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor
when the oil has been changed. For more information,
see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection” in Part C of this schedule.
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