Engine BUICK PARK AVENUE 2002 Owners Manual

6-30 Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer fluid reservoir is low, a
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW message will
be displayed on the DIC (if equipped).
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until
the tank is full.
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

6-31
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT
-3
brake fluid. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in
the Index.There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.

6-32
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. A chime will sound if you
try to drive with this warning light on. See ªBrake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3
brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-34 Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you need new ones put in
-- be sure you get
new approved GM replacement parts. If you don't, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you've come to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-66
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver's side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You'll find this label on the spare tire cover. It's very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:

your VIN,

the model designation,

paint information and

a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

6-67
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don't add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Some add
-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see ªServicing
Your Air Bag
-Equipped Vehicleº in the Index.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of damage
caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: the
instrument panel fuse block located under the instrument
panel, the underhood fuse block located in the engine
compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle and
the rear fuse block, located under the rear seat.

6-70
Auxiliary Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Fuse Usage
PERIM LP Perimeter Lamps
ACCY Accessory
IGN 3 Ignition 3Underhood Fuse Block
There are additional fuses located in the engine
compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. See
ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
To check the fuses in this underhood fuse block, turn the
knob counterclockwise and remove the cover. There is a
chart inside the cover that explains the features and
controls governed by each fuse and relay.

6-76
Minifuses Usage
17 Radio
18 Driver Heated Seat Module
19 Rear Door Module
20 Trunk Release
21 Spare
22 Instrument Panel Ashtray
Cigarette Lighter
23 Spare
24 Spare
25 Passenger Heated Seat Module
26 Right Rear Cig Lighter
27 Left Rear Cig Lighter
28 RFA, Memory Seat Module,
Driver Seat SwitchReplacement Bulbs
Lamp Bulb Number
Headlamp
High
-Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low
-Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking/Turn, Front 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail/Turn 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail/Stop 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for
more information.
Capacities
Automatic Transaxle 7.4 quarts (7.0 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 13.0 quarts (12.3 L). . . . . . .
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 18.5 U.S. gallons (70.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill
to the appropriate level as recommended in this manual.

6-77 Wheel Nut Torque
100 lb-ft (140 N´m)
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code
3800 V6 Engine (L36) K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3800 V6 Supercharged Engine (L67) 1. . . . . . . . . . .
TypeV6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement3.8L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant R
-134a 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Refrigerant Oil, R
-134a Systems
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter A-1096C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF
-47* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GF
-627* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part No. 52472175. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
3800 V6 Engine (L36) GM Part No. 17113515. . . . .
3800 V6 Supercharged Engine (L67) CV
-892C* . . . .
Spark Plugs 41
-921* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap 0.060 inch (.152 cm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Hook Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco

part number.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air
Cleaner Filter Replacement. Supercharger Oil
Check (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first)
(3800 Code 1 V6 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
(Continued)