change time BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BUICK, Model Year: 2003, Model line: PARK AVENUE, Model: BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003Pages: 372, PDF Size: 2.8 MB
Page 2 of 372

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the
BUICK Emblem and the name PARK AVENUE are
registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time it
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes
after that time without further notice. For vehicles ®rst
sold in Canada, substitute the name ªGeneral Motors of
Canada Limitedº for Buick Motor Division whenever it
appears in this manual.
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be
there if you ever need it when you're on the road. If you
sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the
new owner can use it.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25735900 B First Edition
Copyright General Motors Corporation 10/28/02
All Rights Reserved
Canadian Owners
You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your
dealer or from:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
How to Use This Manual
Many people read their owner's manual from beginning
to end when they ®rst receive their new vehicle. If
you do this, it will help you learn about the features and
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you will ®nd
that pictures and words work together to explain things.
Index
A good place to look for what you need is the Index in
back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what
is in the manual, and the page number where you will
®nd it.
ii
Page 35 of 372

{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is
behind the child. If the child wears the belt in
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
this way, in a crash the child might slide under
the belt. The belt's force would then be applied
right on the child's abdomen. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.
Infants and Young Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes
infants and all other children. Neither the distance
traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes
the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,
the law in every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up to some age
must be restrained while in a vehicle.
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by appropriate
restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle's
adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice.
Instead, they need to use a child restraint.
1-29
Page 69 of 372

Remote Keyless Entry System
If equipped, the remote keyless entry system operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modi®cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
·Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
·Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
·Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See ªBattery
Replacementº and ªResynchronizationº under
ªRemote Keyless Entry System Operationº following
this section.
·If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
quali®ed technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless
entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
The numbers on the back of the transmitters correspond
to DRIVER #1 and DRIVER #2 on the DIC (if equipped).
See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43for
more information.
2-5
Page 71 of 372

Mode 1:No feedback when locking; exterior lamps
¯ash when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 2:Exterior lamps ¯ash when locking; no feedback
when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 3:Exterior lamps ¯ash when locking and when
unlocking vehicle.
Mode 4:Exterior lamps ¯ash and horn chirps when
locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 5:Exterior lamps ¯ash and horn chirps when
locking; exterior lamps ¯ash when unlocking vehicle.
Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed to a different mode according to the user's
preference. To change to another mode do the
following:
1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock
switch on the driver's door throughout the
procedure.
2. Press the trunk button on the transmitter. The horn
will chirp and the transmitter will remain in its
current mode.
3. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk
button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the
transmitter will advance to the next mode.
4. Release the power door lock switch.If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program these features
through the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-43.
Theft-Deterrent System
The remote keyless entry transmitter will arm the
theft-deterrent system whenever the doors are closed
and you push the lock button when the ignition is off. It
will disarm the system when you push the unlock
button.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four
transmitters matched to it.
See your dealer to match additional transmitters to your
vehicle.
2-7
Page 72 of 372

Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery, do the following:
1. Insert a thin coin, or similar object, into the notch
near the key ring. Turn it counterclockwise to
separate the two halves of the transmitter.
2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil
eraser to remove the old battery. Do not use a
metal object.
3. Remove and replace the battery as the instructions
under the cover indicate. Use a Duracellžbattery,
type DL-2032, or a similar type.
4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
5. Test the operation of the transmitter with your
vehicle. If the transmitter does not work,
resynchronize the transmitter.
Resynchronization
After replacing the battery in your transmitter, or if only
the remote alarm works, the transmitter needs to be
resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and
holding both the lock and unlock buttons at the same
time for about eight seconds. You must be within range
of the vehicle.
Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the horn
will chirp and the exterior lamps will ¯ash once. The
system should now operate properly.
2-8
Page 75 of 372

3. Press the unlock button on the transmitter again.
Lock delay is now active and all doors will unlock.
4. Release the power door lock switch.
To turn this feature off, repeat the above procedure.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program this feature through
the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-43.
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks
Close the doors and turn on the ignition. If all the doors
are closed, every time you move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) all of the doors will lock. And, every time
you stop and move the shift lever into PARK (P),
the doors will unlock. If someone needs to get out while
you're not in PARK (P), have that person use the
manual or power lock switch. When the door is closed
again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the
manual or power lock switch to lock the door again. If
you need to lock the doors before shifting out of
PARK (P), just use the manual or power lock switch.
Customizing Your Automatic Door
Locks Feature
You can program the automatic door locks feature to
one of the following modes:
Mode 0:No automatic door lock or unlock.
Mode 1:All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock.
Mode 2:All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK (P). Only the driver's door automatically
unlocks when shifted into Park (P).
Mode 3:All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK( P). All doors automatically unlock when shifted
into PARK (P).
Use the following procedure to change modes:
1. Close all the doors and turn the ignition on. Keep
all doors closed throughout this procedure.
2. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock
switch on the driver's door through Step 4.
3. Press the lock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to enter the programming mode. The
automatic door lock mode will remain in the
current mode.
2-11
Page 76 of 372

4. Press the lock button on the transmitter again. Each
time the lock button is pressed, the mode will
advance by one, going from Mode 3 to Mode 0 to
Mode 1, etc.
For each press of the lock button, the door locks
will activate in the same manner they would activate
in the corresponding automatic door lock mode.
For example, pressing the lock button on the
transmitter to advance to Mode 2 would result in all
doors locking and then, only the driver's door
would unlock. For Mode 0, no locking or unlocking
will occur.
5. Release the power door lock switch and turn the
ignition off. The automatic door locks will remain
in the most recent mode selected.
This procedure only changes the mode for the
transmitter used to change this setting.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program the automatic door
locks feature through the DIC. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-43.
Rear Door Security Locks
Your vehicle is equipped
with rear door security
locks that prevent
passengers from opening
the rear doors of your
vehicle from the inside.
To use one of these locks, do the following:
1. Open the rear door you want to lock.
2. Move the lever located on the inside door edge, all
the way to the lock symbol.
3. Close the door.
4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use.
To open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the
following:
1. Unlock the door.
2. Then open the door from the outside.
2-12
Page 87 of 372

Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15
seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, hold your key in
START for about 10 seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be ¯ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
¯oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
brie¯y but then stops again, do the same thing.
This time keep the pedal down for ®ve or six
seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine.
After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you don't, your engine
might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold weather,
0ÉF (-18ÉC) or colder, the engine coolant heater
can help. You'll get easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant
heater should be plugged in a minimum of four
hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32ÉF (0ÉC), use of the coolant heater is not
required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The engine coolant heater cord is located on the
passenger's side of the vehicle, above the headlamp
assembly.
2-23
Page 97 of 372

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
lamps behind you. Pull the tab forward for daytime use;
push it back for night use.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror. Your vehicle's mirror may also contain OnStarž
controls. SeeOnStaržSystem on page 2-37for
more information.
At night, when the glare is too high, the mirror will
gradually darken to reduce glare. This change may take
a few seconds. The mirror will return to its clear
daytime state when the glare is reduced.
Mirror Operation
AUTO:Press this button to turn on the automatic
dimming feature.
OFF:Press this button to turn off the automatic
dimming feature.
O(On/Off):For mirrors equipped with OnStarž
controls, press this button to turn on the automatic
dimming feature. To turn off automatic dimming, press
this button again.
The indicator light will be illuminated when this feature
is active.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Compass
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with a compass. Your vehicle's mirror may
also contain OnStar
žcontrols. SeeOnStaržSystem on
page 2-37for more information.
The mirror also includes an eight-point compass display
in the upper right corner of the mirror face.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
2-33
Page 113 of 372

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-17
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-19
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-21
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-22
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-27
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-28
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-29
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-30
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-33
Battery Warning Light....................................3-34
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-37
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-41
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-43
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-45
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-46
Audio System(s).............................................3-51
Setting the Time...........................................3-52
Radio with Cassette......................................3-52
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-56
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-62
Personal Choice Radio Controls......................3-65
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-66
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-68
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-68
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-69
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-70
Care of Your CD Player................................3-70
Heated Backlite Antenna................................3-70
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1