coolant level BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999 Owners Manual

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2-87
Tire Pressure Status: Press the GAGE INFO button
until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. TIRE
PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when the Check
Tire Pressure System believes your vehicle's tire
pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure problem
is detected, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE
LOW: CHECK TIRES. If you see the TIRE
PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES message, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº and
ªCheck Tire Pressure Systemº in the Index.
There are times when you will have to reset (calibrate)
the Check Tire Pressure System. See ªCheck Tire
Pressure Systemº in the Index.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display such as:

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW

ENG COOLANT LOW
- CHECK LEVEL

ENGINE OIL LOW
- CHECK LEVEL

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE

DOOR AJAR

TRUNK AJAR
Pressing any of the DIC control buttons will remove the
above messages or warnings from the DIC display.
DIC Display and
Personal Choice Programming
The DIC is used to program the personal choices of two
drivers. The drivers are recognized as DRIVER #1 and
DRIVER #2. The DIC will identify a person as UNKNOWN
DRIVER if they are neither DRIVER #1 nor DRIVER #2.
You will let the DIC know which driver you are by using
your remote keyless entry transmitter or by pressing one of
the MEMORY buttons located on the driver's door. Each
remote keyless entry transmitter was pre
-programmed to
belong to DRIVER #1 or DRIVER #2. Each transmitter may
be programmed differently for each driver.
After you press UNLOCK on your transmitter and the
ignition is in RUN, the DIC will automatically display
the identified driver number. The vehicle will recall the
personal choice settings that were last made to
correspond to your transmitter, including your radio and
comfort control settings. See ªComfort Controls,
Personal Choiceº in the Index.
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5-11
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it isn't, you may have a leak in the
radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
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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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5-16
3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL

coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
(See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.)
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
COLD mark.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.
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6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Supercharger Oil
6
-21 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-24 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-24 Engine Coolant
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-33 Battery
6
-34 Bulb Replacement
6
-45 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement6
-46 Tires
6
-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-63 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-71 Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-75 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-77 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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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.
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6-27
If this ENG. COOLANT LOW-CHECK LEVEL
message comes on and stays on, it means you're low on
engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
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.
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7-31
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.
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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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