engine overheat BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999 User Guide

yellowblue
5-9
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:

Climb a long hill on a hot day.

Stop after high
-speed driving.

Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
5-10
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while driving
--
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
) or THIRD (3).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn't come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while you're parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the
vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what
you'll see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
5-12
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
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, drinkable water and DEX
-COOL

engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See
ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for more information.)
CAUTION:
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 mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
5-13
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 mixture.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there's one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
5-28
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the system off. (See
ªTraction Control Systemº in the Index.) Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly
spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may free
your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries,
you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be
towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-24
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC

cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an AC

thermostat
is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system 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
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-25
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
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 mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-26
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located on the driver's side
of the engine compartment.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-4
Driving (Continued)
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-23, 3-33, 6-66 . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-49 . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-77, 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-14, 2-32, 2-33, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Life Monitor (Index) 2-86, 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercharged 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil 6
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Monitor (Index) 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercharger 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entry Lighting, Delayed 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-14, 2-32, 2-33, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting, Delayed 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Open Astroroof 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter
Air Cleaner 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-to-Pass Feature 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-8
Outside Mirrors 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parade Dimming 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel Park Assist Mirror 2-53, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park (P)
Automatic Transaxle 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Climate Control 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-47, 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Features 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-7, 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door Locks 2-5, 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Seat Recall 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parallel Park Assist Mirror 2
-53, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-47, 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming, DIC 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11, 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Lockout 2-35, 2-93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Door Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback Recliner 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power, Retained Accessory 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Seat
Lumbar Controls 1
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Function 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protection, Lockout 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-10, 3-14, 3-17, 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Pass Through 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com