check engine light BUICK PARK AVENUE 1998 Owners Manual

If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try mother 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 €kt key may be faulty.
See your dealer or a
Iocksrnith who can service the
PASS-Key
IIH tc have a new key Bade.
It is possible for the PASS-Key IIP decoder to learn the
transponder value
of a new replacement key. Up to
ten additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is €or learning additional keys only. If all
the currently programed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
HI1 to have keys made and
programmed
to the system.
See your dealer or 2 locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
III to get 2 new key blank that is a cut
exactly
as a current black colored driver’s key that
operztes the system.
Do not use 2 gray colored valet key
for this procedure.
To program the new key:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Insert the cumrent driver’s key (black in color) i~* the
ignition
and start the engine. If the engine wiil not
start see your dealer for service.
After the engine has started,
turn the key to the off
position, and remove the key.
Insert the key
to be progrmmed and turn it to the
mn position within ten seconds of removing the
previous key.
The
SECURITY telltale iight will off once the
key
has been programmed. It may not be apparent
that the SECURITY light went on due to how
quickly
the key is programmed.
Repeat steps
1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
ff you are ever driving and the SECURITY iight comes
or; and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your BASS-Key III system, however, is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer.
You vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
III system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key I11 key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key HIT to
have a new key made.
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This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be
on your vehicle. The pictures will help YOU
locate them.
Warning lights
and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages coukl also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one
of your vehicle’s hn~tions. As YOU
will see in the details 010. the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when
you start the
engine
just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with
tis section, YOU should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Cages can indicate when there may
be or is a problem
with of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and
warning lights work together to let you how when
there’s a problem
with your vehicle. When one
of the
warning lights comes QII and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what
to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to
d~ repairs can be costly -- and even
dangerous.
So please get to how your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a driver information system
that works along with the warning lights and gages. See
“Driver Information System”
in the Index.
d Bel$ pj&&n(jgp Light
When eke key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on
for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on md stay on
for about 20 seconds, then it
will
flash for about
55 seconds. If the driver’s
belt is already buckled,
neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
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There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR
BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for rna’rfunctions. The light
tells you
if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air
bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more infomation on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index.
This light will come on
when y~u start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds.
Then the Eight
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
I€ the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes QIT when you are driving, your air bag
system may
not work p~operly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come
on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready
to wm you if there is a problem.
VOLT
“‘en you turn the hey to
RUN, this light will come
on briefly, to show the
battery charging systeE
is
working.
When the light goes off and stays off, the charging
system
is working.
Hf the light stays on, a chime will sound indicating you
need service, and you should take your vehicle to the
dealer at once. To save your battery until yo3 get there,
turn off a%B accessories and turn off glow climate
control system.
When a luge number of electrical accessories me
operating ir, the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle
for aa extended period, the engine may idle at a higher
RPM than noma1 to ensure the battery does not mn
down. This may occur when several of the following are
on: parking lamps, high-beam headlamps, rear window
defogger, heated seats and engine cooling fans, etc. It
may take longer for the rear window defogger to dear
the glass, and the heated seats may not feel as warn
as normal.
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NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a whiie, your emission controls rnay not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not PUR as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by pur warranty.
This jight should corne 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 QII during ;I malfunction in one
of ~WO ways:
8 Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission controi system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service rnay be required.
@ Eight On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction
has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer
or qualified service center diagnosis and
service
may be required.
-.- 8:. f. ,fie ~ 2s F‘fp&-!&g --
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
e Avoiding steep uphill grades.
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.
Sf 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 IO 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 vehcle to your
dealer or qualified service center €or service.
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If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be cgrrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Maw
you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to he1 your vehicie with quality fuel (see
"Fuel" in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to FJ~ as efficiently as designed. YQU may
notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you
pent the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may
go away once the engine is warned up. j
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn OR.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
chmge the fuel
brand you use. It will n-ecpire at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to tuna the light off.
If none of the above steps hove lrirade 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 nnechanicai or electnictrl
problems that
may have developed.
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Your vehicle may have 2 3800 Sqercharged engine.
Supercharging, rather
than turbocharging, emphasizes
smooth, refined power.
The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump
more ais 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, iwreased 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 tfarsttIe cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass.
AB1 sf these controk working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on
the rear (driver’s side) sf the engine biock. See
“Maintenance Schedule”
in the Index for when you
should check the fluid.
c
ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL HMBHBMrn
Ef you have the Driver Infcmation Center, an ENGINE
OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when
the engine oil is approximately I quart (fL) Isw. 11 the
message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add
oil as needed.
7r
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Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids
md Eubricmts” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid
to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
I. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than one
pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ove@Zl.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level ips
4. When the correct fluid level is obt.ained, push the
described
under “How to Check.”
dipstick back in
dl the way.
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 MI0 h) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL“ extended life coolant,
The following explains
your coding system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If YOU have a
problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL’
coolant will:
J
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 OF 129 ” C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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Ak~ag ...................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works ................................ 1-23
Location .................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1-22, 2-76
Servicing
................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates ............... 1-29
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-24
Aircleaner .................................... 6-17
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-5
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-73
Air Filter. Passenger Compartment
.................. 3-7
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent
................... 2- 16
Alarm. Instant. Keyless Entry
...................... 2-9
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-52
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-60
Antenna. Heated Backlite ........................ 3-36
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-23
Anti-Lock
Brake System Waning Light
................ 2-78. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-30
Appearancecare
............................... 6-55
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-62
Air
Control. Climate
Control System ............. 3-3. 3-4
ArbitrntionPro
gram .............................. 8-7 Armrest.
Storage
.......................... 2.60. 2.61
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-62
Assist Straps
................................... 2-66
Astroroof
..................................... 2-65
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel TQUC~ Control ....... 3-33
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-34
Audio Systems ................................. 3-10
Personal Choice
.............................. 3-30
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-24
Automatic Transaxle
Check
..................................... 7-32
Park Mechanism Check ....................... 7-34
Fluid
...................................... 6-20
Operation ................................... 2-24
Auxiliary Power Outlets
.......................... 2-64
Battery
...................................... 6-32
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyiess Entry
.................... 2-13
Rundown Protection
........................... 2-50
WmingLight ............................... 2-76
BBB
Auto Line ................................. 8-7
Belt. Engine Accessory ..................... 6-74. 6-75
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-7
Blizzard.
Driving In ............................. 4-28
Warnings
................................ 5-3, 5-4
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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-32
Fluid
....................................... 6-29
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-29
Parking
..................................... 2- 27
PedalTravel
................................. 6-32
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-32
System Warning Light
......................... 2-77
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-3 1
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check .................. 7-33
Wear
....................................... 6-31
Trailer
...................................... 4-36
Brakes,
Anti-Lock ............................... 4-7
Brahng ........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4-10
Break-In,
New Vehicle .......................... 2-20
BTSI ......................................... 2- 31
BTSI Check
................................... 7-33
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-33
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-5
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-72
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2- 15,2-32,4-29.4-35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-3 1
Cassette Tape Player ....................... 3- 10. 3. 14
Care
....................................... 3-35
Errors ................................. 3.12. 3.16
CD Changer. Trunk Mounted
...................... 3-27
Cellular Phone Readiness Package
................. 2-64
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-27
Central
Door Unlocking System .................... 2-5
Certification Label
.............................. 4-3 1
Chains. Safety ................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-54
Change Engine Oil Soon ......................... 6-16
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-22
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-79
Check Tire Pressure System
....................... 6-47
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-52
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-61
Child Restraints
................................ 1-37
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-43
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-45
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-47
TopStrap
................................... 1-42
Where to Put
................................ 1-41
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
........................ 6-60
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-63
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-65
Cleaner.
Air ................................... 6-17
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-60
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-59
Fabric
...................................... 6-56
Glass
....................................... 6-58
Inside of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-55
InstrumentPanel
............................. 6-57
Leather
..................................... 6-57
Outside
of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-59
Speaker Covers
.............................. 6-57
Special Problems
............................. 6-56
Stains
...................................... 6-56
Tires
....................................... 6-60
Vinyl
....................................... 6-57
Wheels
..................................... 6-60
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-58
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Driving (Continued)
Ch Snow and Ice ............................. 4-27
'FhroughWater
............................... 4-20
WetRoads .................................. 4-18
Winter
...................................... 4-26
WithaTrailer
................................ 4-36
DrunkenDriving
................................ 4-3
Dud Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control ......... 3-2
EIec~cal Equipment. Adding
.......... 2.23.3.34. 6.64
Electrical System
............................... 6-64
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror .......... 2-5 1
Electronic Level Control ......................... 4-32
Engine
....................................... 6-71
Accessory
Belt .......................... 6-746-75
Coolant
..................................... 6-23
Coolant Heater ............................... 2-23
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-31
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-79
Exhaltst
...................... 2.15.2.32.4.29. 4.35
Identification
................................ 6-63
Oif LeveI Check .............................. 7-31
Oil Life Monitor (Index) ....................... 2-90
Overheating ................................. 5- 12
Running While Parked ......................... 2-32
Specifications
................................ 6-73
St.arting ..................................... 2-22
Supercharged ................................ 6-12
EngineQil
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-16
Adding
..................................... 6-24
Change Engine Oil Soon ....................... 6-16 Checking
................................... 6-13
Pressure
Light ............................... 2-82
Used
....................................... 6-16
WhentoChmge
.............................. 6-16
Entry Lighting. Delayed 2-47
Exhaust. Engine ................. 2.15.2.32.4.29. 4.35
" ..........................
Exit Lighting. DeIayed ........................... 2-47
Express-Down
Window .......................... 2-34
Express-Open Astroroof ......................... 2-65
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-56
Fan Control. Climate CO~P~Q~ System ................ 3-3
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
.................... 6-8
FiIlingYourTmk ................................ 6-5
Filter
Air
........................................ 6-17
EngineOiB .................................. 6-16
Passenger Compartment Air
..................... 3-7
Finish Cae .................................... 6-59
Finish Damage ................................. 6-61
First Gear. Automatic TrmsaxEe
................... 2-27
Flashers.
Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2
Flash-to-Pass Feature ........................... 2-37
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-22
Fluid Capacities ................................ 9-72
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-36
Foreign
Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5
French Language
Manual IE
Front Center Console ............................ 2-61
Front
Storage Amrest ........................... 2-60
FrontTowing
................................... 5-9
.. ...........................
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