red check engine light BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997 Owners Manual

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) ths device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and
Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
When the PASS-Key
III system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel
will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using
a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes. If
when trying to start the vehicle, the engine does not
start and the
SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and
try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and
Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty.
See your Buick dealer or a locksmith who can service
the PASS-Key I11 to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
111 decoder to learn the
transponder value of
a new or replacement key. Up to
ten additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is for learning additional keys only. If all
the currently programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your Buick dealer or a locksmith
who can service PASS-Key
I11 to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
I11 to get a new key blank that is a cut
exactly as a current black colored driver’s key that
operates the system.
Do not use a gray colored valet
key for this procedure.
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Your Buick is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation
of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system
is called OBD I1 (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. (In Canada,
OBD I1 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE
SOON
light comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that
there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions
often will be indicated by the system before any
problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
1 NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is
on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during
a malfunction in one
of
two ways:
0 Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service is required.
0 Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
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If’ the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
e Reducing vehicle speed.
e Avoiding hard accelerations.
0 Avoiding steep uphill grades.
0 If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the
engine.
If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following: Did
you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out.
A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
“Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you
put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration
or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to
turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
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Oil Pressure Light
OIL
This light tells you if there
could be a problem with
your engine oil pressure.
There are three ways the oil pressure light can come on
briefly, which are normal and don’t show a problem.
They are:
The light comes on when you turn your key to RUN.
It goes off once you turn the key to START. That’s
just a check to be sure the light works. If
it doesn’t,
be sure to have
it fixed so it will be there to warn you
if something goes wrong.
If you’re “idling” at a stop sign, the light may blink
on and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come on
for a moment.
When this light comes on and stays on, and a chime
sounds, it means oil isn’t
going through your engine
properly. You could
be low on oil, or you might have
some other oil problem. See your dealer for service.
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and
is not covered by
your warranty.
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Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display such as:
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW
0 ENG COOLANT LOW - CHECK LEVEL
ENGINE OIL LOW - CHECK LEVEL
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
CHECK TIRE PRESSURES
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE
DOOR AJAR
TRUNK AJAR
Pressing any
of the DIC buttons will remove the above
messages or warnings from the DIC display.
Driver Information Center
Personal Choice Programming
The DIC can be used to program personal choice
features available with your vehicle, such as memory
seats, memory door locks, security feedback, delayed
locking and perimeter lighting. See “Personal Choice
Features” in the Index.
The DIC is used to program the personal choices of
two drivers. The driver’s are recognized by DRIVER
#1
and DRIVER #2. You will let the DIC know which
driver you are by using your Remote Keyless Entry
transmitter or by pressing the appropriate memory
seat control button located on the driver’s door. The
remote transmitter was pre-programmed to belong
to
DRIVER #1 or DRIVER #2.
The last driver number remembered by the DIC will show
on the display each time the UNLOCK button on the same
transmitter is pressed, and the ignition is turned on.
When you press UNLOCK on your transmitter, the DIC
will automatically change driver numbers and the
vehicle will recall the personal choice settings that were
last made to correspond to your transmitter.
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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:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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?
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Your Park Avenue Ultra has a 3800 Supercharged
engine. Buick chose supercharging rather than
turbocharging because Buick emphasizes smooth,
refined power.
The supercharger
is a device which is designed to pump
more air into the engine than it would normally use.
This air mixed with fuel creates increased engine power.
Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an
engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is
available at all driving conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure
required during specific driving conditions. When this increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during
idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All
of these controls working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800
V6 Supercharged Buick engine.
The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on
the rear (driver’s side) of the engine block. See
“Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when you
should check the fluid.
Engine Oil
3 \
c
.
If you have the Driver Information Center, an ENGINE
OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when
the engine oil is approximately
1 quart (IL) low. If the
message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add
oil as needed.
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