MAINTENANCE BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Owner's Guide

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to
®ling a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in
your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other
venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can ®nd your speci®c vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
·Get e-mail service reminders.
·Access information about your speci®c vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner's manual. (United States only)
·Keep track of your vehicle's service history and
maintenance schedule.
·Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
·Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
7-3

Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern
Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-10

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-21
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-66
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-39
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-86
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-54, 3-58
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-48
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-54
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-56
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-54
What Will You See After an
Air Bag In¯ates?......................................1-54
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-53
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-51
Air Bag .........................................................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-33
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
AM ...............................................................3-68
Antenna, Heated Backlite.................................3-70
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-36
Appearance Care............................................5-78
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-81
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-84
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-79
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-82
Finish Damage............................................5-84Appearance Care (cont.)
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-84
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Ashtrays........................................................3-22
Assist Handles...............................................2-44
Audio System(s).............................................3-51
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-68
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-69
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-70
Care of Your CDs........................................3-70
Heated Backlite Antenna...............................3-70
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-65
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-56
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-52
Setting the Time..........................................3-52
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-66
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-68
Automatic Level Control...................................4-32
Automatic Operation........................................3-23
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-20
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-22
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-24
Auxiliary Instrument Panel Fuse Block...............5-89
1

Chains, Tires..................................................5-68
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-56
Check...........................................................3-37
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Tire Pressure System...................................5-60
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-84
Child Restraints..............................................1-33
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-39
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-22
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-82
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-79
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-81
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-80
Cleaning Leather............................................5-80
Cleaning the Speaker Covers...........................5-81
Cleaning the Top of the
Instrument Panel.........................................5-80
Cleaning Tires................................................5-83
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-80
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-83
Cleaning........................................................5-79
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-79
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-27
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-27
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-28
Dual Automatic............................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-26
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-28
Compact Disc Changer Errors..........................3-65
Compact Disc Messages..................................3-62
3

Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-43
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-43
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Driver............................................................1-12
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving On Grades..........................................4-37
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-25
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-35
Driving..........................................................4-15
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-24
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-22
E
Electrical System............................................5-86
Add-On Equipment......................................5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-87Electrical System (cont.)
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion..................5-92
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-39
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-19
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-38
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-19
Engine..........................................................5-20
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-37
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Coolant......................................................5-24
Cooling System Inspection............................6-24
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-22
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Erasing HomeLinkžButtons..............................2-42
Express-Down Window....................................2-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
5

Inspection......................................................6-24
Brake System.............................................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-24
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-23
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-24
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel.............................................3-30
Cluster.......................................................3-30
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-22
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-39
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-29
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-17
Light.............................................................3-33
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-36
Battery Warning..........................................3-34
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-37
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-33
Security.....................................................3-41
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-41
TCS Warning Light......................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-36
8

Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-30
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks............................................................. 2-9
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-9
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-5
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-14
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering............4-10
Main and Auxiliary Instrument Panel
Fuse Blocks................................................5-87
Main Instrument Panel Fuse Block....................5-88
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-97
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-19
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-19Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Month................................6-19
At Least Once a Year..................................6-20
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-20
Brake System Inspection..............................6-24
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-24
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-23
Fuel System Inspection................................6-23
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-19
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-26
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-4
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-23
Throttle System Inspection............................6-24
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-38
Making Turns.................................................4-36
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-37
Manual Operation...........................................3-23
9

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-46
Memory Seat Recall........................................3-50
Memory Seat.................................................2-46
Message.......................................................3-45
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirror Operation.....................................2-33, 2-34
Mirrors..........................................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview
with Compass..........................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Memory.....................................................2-46
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-37
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-97
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
ODO/TRIP (Odometer/Trip)...............................3-44
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil ................................................................5-14
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-40
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-19
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-38
OnStaržServices............................................2-38
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-37
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-26
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-48
Outside.........................................................2-37
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-37
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-10
10

P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-15
Park Aid........................................................3-19
Park(P).........................................................2-28
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-37
Parking.........................................................3-19
Assist........................................................3-19
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-19
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-27
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-26
Passing.................................................4-12, 4-36
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..................................2-19
PASS-KeyžIII ................................................2-19
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-15, 3-50
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-65
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-28
Personalization Features.................................... 2-6
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-54, 3-58Playing a Compact Disc..........................3-60, 3-64
Playing the Radio...................................3-52, 3-56
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Power...........................................................3-21
Accessory Outlets........................................3-21
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Windows....................................................2-16
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.........2-11, 3-48
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter.............2-39
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-10
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-51
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-69
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-70
Care of Your CDs........................................3-70
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-65
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-56
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-52
Setting the Time..........................................3-52
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-66
11

S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-33
Reminder Light............................................3-33
Safety Belts...................................................5-81
Care of......................................................5-81
Center Passenger Position............................1-19
Driver Position............................................1-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-11
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults.........................1-24
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-21
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-19
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-18
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-6
Safety Chains.................................................4-35
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Seat............................................................... 1-5
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Seats.............................................................. 1-3
Heated Seats............................................... 1-3
Memory.....................................................2-46
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-3
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-44
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-44
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-41Securing a Child Restraint (cont.)
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-42
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-46
Security Feedback....................................2-6, 3-49
Security Light.................................................3-41
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-4
Sensors.........................................................3-25
Service Bulletins.............................................7-10
Service Engine Soon Light...............................3-37
Service Manuals............................................... 7-9
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-37
Publications Ordering Information..................... 7-9
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-41
Setting Preset Stations............................3-53, 3-57
Setting the Time.............................................3-52
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-54, 3-58
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-83
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Short Trip/City De®nition.................................... 6-4
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
Skidding........................................................4-14
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-18
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-79
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-96
13