wheel BUICK PARK AVENUE 1998 Owner's Guide

NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system
parts. For example, just a few
drops
of minerallbased oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system
parts so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
Don’t let someone gut in the
If you spill brake fluid OEI your vehicle’s
painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful
not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Case” in
the Index. wrong
kind of fluid.
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc
brake pads have built-in wear inchcators &at make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except
when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
ProCarManuals.com

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properiy
torqued whee! nuts irre necessary to heIp
prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake
pacts for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced 2s complete
axle seis.
See "Brake System Inspectioc" in Section 7 of this
nanuai under Part C "Periodic Maintecance
Inspections."
Every time
you apply the brakes, with or wiFhcut the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
Tie braking system a modem vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work weII
together if the vehicle is io lxwe reakly good braking.
Your vehicle \vas designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake puts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake kings wear
down and you have to Rave new ones put irn -- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If YOQ
don't, your brakes may no ionger work properly. For
example,
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rex brzkes can change -- for the worse. The braking
performance
you've come to expect cm change in many
other ways if someone ~dts in the wrong replacement
brake
parts.
Every new Buick has an ACIMCQ ~reedcm~ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. Wen it's
time for a new battery, we recommend m ACDelco
Freedom battery. Get one
that has the replacement
mrnber shown cn the original battery's label.
ProCarManuals.com

Wen rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the Eront and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See "Wheel Nut Torque" in
the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

''I+he brcadwear grade is a comparative rating based Q~Z
t tze wcx rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one md a
Mf (I U2) times as well on the government course
:H tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
tErrc to variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
'The traction grades, from highest
to !owest, are A, 3,
and C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop ora
wet pavement as measured mder controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
2nd concrete. A tire marked &: may have poor
traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based
on
braking (straight alead) traction tests and does not
ifgcllude cornering (turning) traction. heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled csndidsns on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive ternperaFure can lead to sudden fire faifwe.
The grade C corresponds to a level of pedomance
which ail passenger cx tires must meet e~nder the
Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Stmda-d No. i09. Grades
B asci A represent higher levels of perhmance an the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
The wheels OR your vehicle were aligned and balanced
careEulIy at the factory to give you the longest tire life
acd best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment
and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling GR~ way OF the other, the akignment
may need
to be reset. If YOU notice your vehicle
vibrating
when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need
to be rebalaaaced.
ProCarManuals.com

-.- ,. sed 7-h $.-&&&c,:&,~ =- ‘0 . -.‘?3. r ?;%;?e& .- .%
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
:-.-% 0 iCI?&?,S -
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where Begal and only when
YOU must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size
for your tires. Install
them
on the front tires and tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them.
If the contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

1 I rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft dean towel. A
I NOTICE:
-
I wax may then be appied.
-I
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
abrasive cleaning brushes OR them because you could finish or leave swirl marks.
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
surface of your vehicie. Don’t use strong soaps,
damage the surface.
You may use chrome polish on
chrome wheels, but avoid any painted surface
of the
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other wheel,
and buff off immediately after application.
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain on painted that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon
as possible. If brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners ihat
are marked
safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces
are subject to aging, weather To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over
a period I
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After I NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care
to wipe off any overspray or splash from all
painted surfaces
on the body or wheels of the
vehicle. Petroleum-based products
may damage
the paint finish.
ProCarManuals.com

The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive)
Pan Removal and Replacement ................................................... 6 quarts (5.6 L)
After Complete Overhaul ...................................................... 1 I quarts (10.4 E)
When draining or replacing torque convertep; nzore fluid may be needed.
Belt Tensions
Automatically controlled by a Self-Tension idler pulley. Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System ............................................................. 13 quarts (12.3 k)
Engine Crankcase
Oil change with filter change ................................................... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
Power Steering
Complete System ............................................................ 1 1/2 pints (0.7 L)
Tire Pressure
See the Tire-Loading Information label on the rear edge of the driver’s door.
WheelNutTorque ........................................................ 1001b-ft(140N-m)
R-134a Air Conditioning ................................ See refrigerant charge label under the hood.
FuelTank ................................................................ 18SgaIlons(70L)
PumpOnly ..................................................................... 1pint(OSE)
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
ProCarManuals.com

Qverall
Length ................. 206.8 inches (525.3 cm)
Width ................... 74.7 inches ( B 89.7 cm)
Height ................... 58.8 inches (147.6 cm)
Wheelbase .............. B 13.8 inches (289.1 cm)
Front Tread ............... 62.7 inches (159.3 cm)
Rear Tread ............... 62.3 inches (158.2 cm)
".. - ?$ ~.p~~~$ 5 ~~4a~~.~ena~~~~ T:. '..
17. ~~~~ja-aee~~~~~~~ , ..-. yay&
Engine Oil Filter ................ AC Type PF-47
_L
Air Cleaner Element .......... AC Type A- 1096C
Fuel Filter .................... AC Type GF-627
Spark Plugs ................... AC Type 41-921
Gap: 0.060 inch (. 152 crn)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type
............................ Hook Style
Length
..................... 22 inches (56 cm)
Filter
(HVAC air filter) ..... GM Part No. 52472175
Passenger
Compartment
Air
&g&ze &yggsGyy 15 jL2Q e. ,.', E c/ I'
The 3800 (L36) engine uses an engine accessory belt.
This diagram shows the features connected by the belt
routing. See "Maintenance Schedule" in the Index for
when to check the belt.
A
C
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air Conditioning
D. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
E Tensioner
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com