warning BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Service Manual

Temperature ± A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a speci®ed indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly in¯ated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underin¯ation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
5-66

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a ¯at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a ¯at tire.
If a tire goes ¯at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a ¯at tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes ¯at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ¯ashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake ®rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't
move, you can put blocks at the front and rear
of the tire farthest away from the one being
changed. That would be the tire on the other
side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.
5-69

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 ®t. Keep your spare tire
and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains won't ®t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Don't use tire chains on
your compact spare.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into ¯ames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use anything from a container to clean
your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer's
warnings and instructions. And always open your doors
or windows when you are cleaning the inside.Never use these to clean your vehicle:
·Gasoline
·Benzene
·Naphtha
·Carbon Tetrachloride
·Acetone
·Paint Thinner
·Turpentine
·Lacquer Thinner
·Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous Ð some more than
others Ð and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
Do not use any of these unless this manual says
you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
·Alcohol
·Laundry Soap
·Bleach
·Reducing Agents
5-78

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

B
Backing Up....................................................4-36
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-17
Battery Warning Light......................................3-34
Battery..........................................................5-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-20
Brake Fluid....................................................5-40
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-27
Parking......................................................2-27
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Brakes..........................................................5-40
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47
Headlamps.................................................5-50
Rear Quarter Panel Turn Signal and
Stoplamps...............................................5-56Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-Up
Lamps....................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-57
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-96
Carbon Monoxide...................4-24, 4-32, 2-13, 2-31
Care of the HUD............................................3-19
Care of.........................................................5-81
Safety Belts................................................5-81
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-69
Your CD Player...........................................3-70
Your CDs ...................................................3-70
Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-56, 3-60
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-19
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-62
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-19
2

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

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp......................................................5-47
Aiming.......................................................5-47
Headlamps On Reminder.................................3-12
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-17
Heated Backlite Antenna..................................3-70
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-35
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-39
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-39
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How the System Works...................................3-20
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-32How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-34
How to Add Fluid............................................5-24
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-19
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-38
How to Check........................................5-22, 5-60
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter..............................................5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-38
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-38
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Can't See The HUD Image When the
Ignition is On..............................................3-19
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-33
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-26
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-59
7

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

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

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