inflation pressure BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999 Owners Manual

yellowblue
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.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
4-31
Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver's door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
The other label is the Certification Label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don't carry more than 176 pounds (80 kilograms) in
your trunk.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
5-27
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when
your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check
the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi
(420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your
spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is
made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have your full
-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. You must calibrate
the Check Tire Pressure System after installing or
removing the compact spare. See ªCheck Tire Pressure
Systemº in the Index. Of course, it's best to replace
your spare with a full
-size tire as soon as you can. Your
spare will last longer and be in good shape in case you
need it again.
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don't take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on
the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Don't use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don't mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won't fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won't fit your compact spare. Using
them can damage your vehicle and can damage
the chains too. Don't use tire chains on your
compact spare.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-47
CAUTION: (Continued)

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is located on
the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-49
When the TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES
message appears on the Driver Information Center, 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 in the Index.
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure or have one or
more tires repaired or replaced, you'll need to reset
(calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You'll also
need to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires,
buy new tires, install or remove the compact spare, and
whenever the vehicle's battery has been disconnected.
Don't reset the check tire pressure system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check
tire pressure system will not work properly and may not
alert you when a tire is low or high.To reset (calibrate) the system:
1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
2. Press the GAGE INFO button on the DIC until
TIRE PRESSURE appears on the display.
3. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for about five
seconds. After five seconds, the display will show
TIRE PRESSURE RESET. If TIRE PRESSURE
RESET does not appear on the display after about
five seconds, see your dealer for service. After you
release the DIC RESET button, TIRE PRESSURE
NORMAL will appear on the display.
The system completes the calibration process during
driving. During the first 10 to 25 miles (15 to 40 km) of
driving, the system will not alert you if a tire is high or
low. After 25 to 100 miles (40 to 160 km), the
system will only alert you about pressure differences of
12 psi (85 kPa) or more. After about 100 miles (160 km)
of driving, the system will alert you if one tire is
10 psi (69 kPa) different from the other three tires.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-50 Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to
13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for
New Tiresº and ªWheel Replacementº later in this section
for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.Don't include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
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.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-6
Illuminated Entry 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire Pressure 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Manual Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle Linkage 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-70, 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System, Remote
Instant Alarm 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Features 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parade Dimming 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theater Dimming 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-30 . . . . . . .
Light Sensor, Twilight Sentinel
2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-23, 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-76, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Warning 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Light 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-76, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-11
Tachometer 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Control, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . .
Theater Dimming 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Strap 1
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-24, 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing, Recreational Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Your Vehicle 5-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction
Control System 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Warning Light 2-76, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid, Automatic 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters
Matching to Your Vehicle 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk
Lamp 2
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Release 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Seat Pass Through 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com