service BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Manual Online

We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
·Fuel delivery
·Lock-out service (identi®cation required)
·Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
·Change a ¯at tire
·Jump starts
We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of
the following additional services depending on your
needs:
·Hotels
·Glass replacement
·Tire repair facilities
·Rental vehicle or taxis
·Airports or train stations
·Police, ®re department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Buick's comprehensive warranty. However, when
other services are utilized, our advisors will explain
any payment obligations you might incur.For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
·Location of vehicle
·Telephone number of your location
·Vehicle model, year and color
·Mileage of vehicle
·Vehicle Identi®cation Number (VIN)
·Vehicle license plate number
Buick reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Buick's
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we're only a phone call
away. Buick Roadside Assistance: 1-800-252-1112, text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
7-6

Courtesy Transportation
Buick has always exempli®ed quality and value in its
offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership
experience, we and our participating dealers are
proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer
support program for new vehicles.
The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail
purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the
Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options
are available when warranty repairs are required. This will
reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs.
Plan Ahead When Possible
When your vehicle requires warranty service, you
should contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising
your service consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience.
If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service
department immediately, keep driving it until it can be
scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership, let
them know this, and ask for instructions.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle
off for service, you are urged to do so as early in
the work day as possible to allow for same day repair.
Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be completed while you
wait. However, if you are unable to wait Buick helps
minimize your inconvenience by providing several
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,
your dealer can offer you one of the following:
Shuttle Service
Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle
service to get to your destination with minimal
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one
way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from
the dealership.
Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
reimbursement up to $30 per day (®ve days maximum)
may be available for the use of public transportation
such a s taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative,
reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to
$10 per day (®ve day maximum may be available).
Claim amounts should re¯ect actual costs and be
supported by original receipts.
7-7

Courtesy Rental Vehicle
When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you
with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a
rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a
maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This
requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement
and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider
requirements. Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit
card, etc. You are responsible for taxes, levies, usage
fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the
completion of the repair.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but itis
notpart of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A
separate booklet entitled Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information furnished with each new vehicle
provides detailed warranty coverage information.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating
dealers and all program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every dealer. Please
contact your dealer for speci®c information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.Canadian Vehicles:For warranty repairs during the
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult
your dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it ®nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
7-8

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
7-9

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

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

Compact Spare Tire........................................5-77
Compass Calibration.......................................2-34
Compass Operation.........................................2-34
Compass Variance..........................................2-35
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-45
Coolant.........................................................3-37
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-37
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Cornering Lamps............................................3-13
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-14
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-10
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government.................................... 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
Customizing Your Automatic Door
Locks Feature.............................................2-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-25
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-15
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-15
Delayed Locking.....................................2-10, 3-49
Dinghy Towing................................................4-29
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature.................3-67
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-30
Door............................................................... 2-9
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-9
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
4

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