check engine 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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NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics
in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts OF accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If yon ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the past of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
In very cold weather, 0 OF (- I 8 O C) or colder, the engine
coolant
heater can he8p. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine wm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
I_ -I
cigUTE[y%q @ -. .. b.8
Plugging t.he cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into
a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
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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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Fuel Range: Press the FUEL button until the display
shows
FUEL RANGE. The fuel range will calculate the
remaining distance you can chive without refueling. This
calculation is based on the average fuel economy for the
last 25 miles (40.25 km) driven, and the fuel remaining
in the fuel
tank. The RESET button does not function in
this mode.
Fuel Used: Press the mTEk button until the display
shows
IFCTIEL USED. This display will show you how
much fuel has been used since the last reset.
TQ learn
how much fuel is used from a new starting point, press
the RESET button while the fbel used is displayed
-h
the DIC.
Oil Pressure: Press the GAGES button until OIL
PRESSURE appears in the display. If there are no
problems detected with the oil pressure, the display
will
show OIL PRESSURE NORMAL. If a low oil pressure
condition is detected, the display
will show OIL
PRESSURE LOW. If you see the OIL PRESSURE
LOW message, you could be low on oil or your oil is
not going through the engine properly. See your dealer
for service.
Coolant Temperature: Press the GAGES button until
COOLANT TEMB appears in the display. If there are no
problems detected with the temperature, C~C&4NI’
TEMP NORMAL will appear in the display. If the
temperature is too
high, COOLANT TEMP HOT will
appear in the display. If you see the COOLANT TEMP
HOT message, your engine is overheated. You should
pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off your
engine as soon as possible.
This manual explains what to
do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
Battery Volts: Press the GAGES button until the
display shows BATTERY STAm.
If the voltage is
normal the display will show BATTERY STATE
NORMAE. If the voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the
display will show
BATTERY STAm LOW. If the
voltage
is above 16 volts, the display will show
BATTERY STATE
HIGH. If the display shows the high
or low message, you need
to have your battery checked.
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Oil Life Monitor (Index): Psess the GAGES button
until OIL LIFE INDEX appears in the display. The OIL
LEE INDEX NORMAL display will show an estimate
of the oil’s remaining useful Me. When the oil life index
is less
than IO%, the display will show OIL LIFE
INDEX CHANGE OIL. When you have the oil changed
according
to the maintenance schedule (see
“Maintenance Schedule” in the Index), you will have to
reset the oil We monitor.
To do this, press and hold the
RESET’
button for more than five seconds while the oil
life index
is being displayed on the DPC. The oil life will
change to
100%.
Tire Psessure Status: Press the GAGES button until
‘FWE IPWSSUWE appears in the display. TWE
PRESSUWE NORMAL is displayed when the Check
Tire Pressure System believes your ve~cle’s tire
pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure problem
is detected, the display will show gIRE PRESSURE
LOW CHECK TIRES. If you see the azRE
PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES message, you
should
st~p as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ‘‘If a Tire Goes Flat” in
the Index.)
Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as
soon as you can. See “Inflation - Tire Pressure” and
“Check Tire Pressure System” in the Index. mere
are
times when you will have to reset (calibrate)
the
Check Tire Pressure System. See “Check Tire
Pressure System” in
the Index.
jJ&m&qgs sj& &ssag@j
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DE
display such as:
0 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW
ENG COOLANT LOW - CHECK LEVEL
ENGINE OIL LOW - CHECK LEVEL
0 CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
0 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE
0 DOOR AJAR
0 TRUNKAJAR
Pressing any of the DIC control buttons will remove the
above messages or warnings
from the DIC display.
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]Is there actually such a ~~nrdition as “highway
hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness,
or whatever.
mere
is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, dong with the hum of the tires on the
road, the &one
of the engine, and the msh of the wind
against the vehicle
that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in less than a secondy and you could crash agld
be injured.
@ Keep YQW eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check YOLK rearview ~~II-QI-S and your
instruments frequently.
@ If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
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HE you drive regdarly in steep country, or if you're
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep yoas vehicle in
good shape. Check all fluid
Bevels
and also the brkes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These par"cs can work had on
mountain
roads.
8 Know how to go down hills. "he most imp~rtmt
thing to how is this: le: your engine do some of the
slowing ~QWII. Shift to a lower gear whm YOU go
down a steep or long hill.
b
If you ddt shift down, your brakes coddl get so
hot that they wouldn't work wel. YQU would then
have poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Shift down to Bet your
engine assist YOW brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
8
a,
Know how to go uphill. Drive in the highest
geX pOSSibke.
Stay in your own lane when driving an two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don't swing wide GT cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds tha': let
you stay in your own lane.
As yo.^ go over the top of a -hill, be dert. There could be
somettzlng h you- lane, %e a stailed car or m accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that wanz of
specid problems. Examples ae H~ng grades, passing or
no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding
roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate zction.
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