stop start BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Owner's Manual

Remember, the theft-deterrent system won't activate if
you lock the doors with a key or use the manual
door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock
switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. You should also remember that
you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if
the alarm has been set off.
Here's how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
·If you don't want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the door
key
afterthe doors are closed.
·Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by
pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The alarm won't stop if you try to unlock
a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver's
window and open the driver's door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors using the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle's lamps ¯ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
see
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-87.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle's lamps do
not ¯ash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.
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PASS-KeyžIII
Your PASS-KeyžIII 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 harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
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.
PASS-Key
žIII uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-KeyžIII Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-KeyžIII
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
žIII is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means you don't have
to do anything different
to arm or disarm the
system. It works when you
insert or remove the key
from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
žIII system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
2-19

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak-in.º But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
·Don't drive at any one speed Ð fast or
slow Ð for the ®rst 500 miles (805 km). Don't
make full-throttle starts.
·Avoid making hard stops for the ®rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings aren't yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
·Don't tow a trailer during break-in. See ªTowing
a Trailerº in the Index for more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to ®ve
different positions.
A (ACCESSORY):In this position you can operate your
electrical accessories. Press in the ignition switch as
you turn the top of it toward you.
B (LOCK):This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It's a theft-deterrent
feature.
2-21

Notice:If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
can't turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering
wheel left and right while you turn the key hard.
Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool
to force it could break the key or the ignition switch.
If none of these works, then your vehicle needs
service.
C (OFF):This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the
steering wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any power
to the accessories. The instrument panel cluster will
remain powered in OFF to illuminate the gear shift
indicator. The cluster will also activate the parking brake
light when the parking brake is set. Use OFF if you
must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is not
running.
D (RUN):This is the position that the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the ignition
key. This is the position for driving. Even when
the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate
your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
E (START):This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the ignition key. The switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in the ignition, with the engine off,
you will hear a warning chime when you open the
driver's door.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have power to such accessories as the
radio, sunroof (option) and power windows for up to
10 minutes. Power is stopped if you open a door.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position ± that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
2-22

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

{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake ®rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). See ªShifting Into Park (P)º in the
Index. If you are pulling a trailer, see ªTowing
a Trailerº in the Index.Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to fully
applyyour regular brakesbeforeyou can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into
the gear you wish. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on
page 2-30.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-28.
2-25

Rear Storage Area
If your vehicle has this feature, the rear storage armrest
contains two cupholders. To access the cupholders,
pull the armrest down from the rear seatback.
This armrest also includes a storage area inside the
armrest. To open it, pull up on the lever at the front edge
of the armrest.
Rear Seat Armrest
Your vehicle's rear seat armrest contains two
cupholders. To access the cupholders, pull the armrest
down from the rear seatback.
Rear Seat Pass Through
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear storage armrest
with a pass-through feature that allows for trunk access.
Pull the rear armrest down, then push down on the
trunk access panel latch to open the panel. To close,
push the access panel until it latches.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You'll see it
just inside the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops.The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie ¯at when
you're not using it.
Sunroof
Your vehicle may be equipped with a sunroof. The
sunroof has both manual and express features
for opening the glass panel and sunshade.
The switch for the sunroof
is located on the headliner
between the sun visors.
The sunroof switch has four positions that control
sunroof movement.
The switch will only work when the ignition is on or
when the RAP is active. See ªRetained Accessory
Power (RAP)º under
Ignition Positions on page 2-21.
2-45

2. Adjust the driver's seat and lumbar position to a
safe and comfortable driving position. Adjust both
outside mirrors to suit you. See
Outside Power
Mirrors on page 2-36.
3. Press and hold the MEMORY button 1 or 2
corresponding with your DRIVER # displayed on the
DIC for longer than three seconds. You will hear
two beeps con®rming that the seat and mirror
positions have been entered into memory.
To set the seat and mirror positions for a second driver,
follow the previous steps, but start by pressing the
unlock button on the transmitter that displays the other
DRIVER # on the DIC. Be sure to use the MEMORY
button which corresponds to the DRIVER # identi®ed by
the second transmitter.
To recall your memory positions, your vehicle must
be in PARK (P). Push and release the MEMORY
button 1 or 2 corresponding to the desired driving
position. The seat and mirrors will move to the position
previously stored for the identi®ed driver. You will
hear one beep.
To store the exit position for an easy exit, use the
following procedure:
1. First identify the DRIVER # by pressing the
MEMORY button 1 or 2 or by pressing the unlock
button on the transmitter.
2. Adjust the driver's seat to the desired exit position.3. Press and hold the EXIT button for longer than
three seconds. You will hear two beeps con®rming
that the seat exit position has been entered into
memory.
To set the exit position for a second driver, follow the
previous steps, but start by pressing the unlock
button on the transmitter that displays the other
DRIVER # on the DIC. Be sure to use the MEMORY
button which corresponds to the DRIVER # identi®ed by
the other transmitter.
To recall the exit position, your vehicle must be in
PARK (P). Push and release the EXIT button and the
seat will move to the exit position previously stored
for the currently identi®ed driver. You will hear one beep.
If an exit position has not been stored for the currently
identi®ed driver, the seat will move all the way back.
To stop recall movement of the seat at any time, press
the driver's power seat control located on the outboard
side of the front seat.
Mirrors and lumbar positions will not be stored or
recalled for the exit position.
If you would like your stored driving or exit position to
be recalled when unlocking your vehicle with the
transmitter, see
DIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-46.
2-47

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull the turn signal lever toward you, then
release it.
When the high beams are
on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on. If your
vehicle is equipped with
HUD, this light will
also appear in the
display area.
Flash-To-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
It works even if your headlamps are off.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, but not
so far that you hear a click.
If your headlamps are off or on low beam, your
high-beam headlamps will turn on. They'll stay on as
long as you hold the lever toward you and the
high-beam indicator on the instrument panel cluster will
come on. Release the lever to turn the high-beam
headlamps off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked WIPER.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold it
there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers
will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold
the band on MIST longer.
Use the delay position to set the wiper speed for a long
or short delay between wipes. This can be very
useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the
delay time. The closer to LO, the shorter the delay
between wipes.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to the LO position. For high-speed wiping, turn
the band further, to HI. To stop the wipers, turn the
band to OFF.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they're frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
3-7

Twilight Sentinelž
Twilight Sentinelžturns
your headlamps on and off
by sensing how dark it
is outside.
To operate this feature, slide the control to any position
to vary the lamp timeout.
You can set the delay time from only a few seconds to
three minutes. If you move the control all the way to
MAX, your lamps will remain on for three minutes after
you turn off your engine. If you move the control
almost all the way in the other direction, so it's just on,
the lamps will go off quickly when you turn off your
engine. Sliding the control to OFF, turns off the Twilight
Sentinel
žfeature.
Light Sensor
Your Twilight Sentinelžand DRL work with the light
sensor on top of the instrument panel. Don't cover it up.
If you do, it will sense ªdarkº and the headlamps will
come on.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
Instrument panel light brightness can be adjusted by
turning the exterior lamps control counterclockwise and
clockwise.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several lamps go on. They
make it easy for you to enter and leave your vehicle.
You can also turn these lamps on by turning the exterior
lamps control clockwise all the way past the normal
stop.
Entry Lighting
When you open either front door or press the button
with the unlock symbol on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, the lamps inside your vehicle will turn on.
These lamps will turn off after about 40 seconds. These
lamps will also turn off if you start the engine or
activate the power door locks.
3-14