heating BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999 User Guide

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4-40 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belts, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-7 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-8 Engine Overheating5
-10 Cooling System
5
-17 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-18 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-27 Compact Spare Tire
5
-28 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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5-8
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a warning light about a hot engine, as well
as a coolant temperature gage, on your instrument panel.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional Driver
Information Center, an Engine Coolant Low warning
will appear on the display.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
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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.
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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.
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6-46
3. Push the tab on the wiper blade assembly and pull
the assembly down enough to release it from the ªUº
hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the assembly
away from the arm.
4. Replace the blade.
5. To reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it over
the wiper arm to engage the ªUº hooked end on the
wiper blade assembly. Pull up on the assembly to
lock it into place.
For the correct windshield wiper blade replacement
length and type, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement
Partsº in the Index.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Buick Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Center Console 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Storage Armrest 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Release 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block
Instrument Panel 6
-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-55, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garment Hooks 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box, Lamp 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head-Up Display 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Backlite Antenna 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Outside Mirror 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Seats 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HUD 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake Warning Lights 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a Tire Goes Flat 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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