suspension BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with
horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been
pre-set at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your vertical and
horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the
ª0º (zero) marks on their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal
aim), or if oncoming drivers ¯ash their high beams at
you (for vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps
need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take it to
your dealer for service; however, it is possible for
you to re-aim your headlamps as described in the
following procedure.
Notice:To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before beginning.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage to headlamp parts.To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
·The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.
·If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven
surface.
·The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
·The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
·There should not be any cargo or loading of
the vehicle, except it should have a full tank of
fuel and one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on
the driver's seat.
·Close all doors.
·Tires should be properly in¯ated.
·Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
Start with the horizontal aim. The adjustment screws
can be turned with an E8 Torx
žsocket or T15 Torxž
screwdriver.
5-48

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P235/55R17 size tires, don't
use tire chains, there's not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do ®nd traction devices that will ®t,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P235/55R17 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
ªSº type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblowoutº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the ¯at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ®rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-68

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-4
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-14
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-19
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-19
At Least Once a Month.................................6-19At Least Twice a Year...................................6-20
At Least Once a Year...................................6-20
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections.........6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-23
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-23
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-24
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-24
Brake System Inspection................................6-24
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-25
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-9.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-31.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
6-23

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

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

Speedometer..................................................3-32
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-21
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-22
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-23
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.......................3-28
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-68
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-44
Center Console Storage Area........................2-44
Convenience Net.........................................2-45
Garage Door Opener Compartment................2-43
Glove Box..................................................2-42
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-45
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-45
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-76
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-76
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-45
T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-36
Testing the Alarm............................................2-18Theater Dimming............................................3-15
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent System...................................... 2-7
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..............................2-19
PASS-KeyžIII .............................................2-19
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-24
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-19
Tires.............................................................5-59
Buying New Tires........................................5-64
Chains.......................................................5-68
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-69
Check Tire Pressure System.........................5-60
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-68
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-59
Inspection and Rotation................................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-66
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-66
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-63
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-35
14