coolant BUICK PARK AVENUE 2004 Owner's Guide

10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
5-37

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low, a
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW message will be
displayed on the DIC (if equipped). SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until
the tank is full.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your
washer system and paint.
5-39

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles substantially less than
90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
5-67

❑For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper
supercharger oil as needed (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs rst). SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-25.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-72for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
93,000 Miles (155 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
96,000 Miles (160 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-72for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxle uid, change both
the uid and lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-13

100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxle uid, change both
the uid and lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-18

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specied to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-39for
further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are inated
to the correct pressures. Don’t forget to check your spare
tire. SeeTires on page 5-62for further details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-57for further details.
6-19

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part number
or specication may be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
Engine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242t) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
SuperchargerSupercharger Oil
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345982,
in Canada 10953513).
SeeSupercharger Oil on page 5-19.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Fuel Door,
Glove Box
Door, Console
Door and Rear
Compartment
Lid HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-25

B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-43
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-9
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-37
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-20
Brake
Parking......................................................2-29
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Brake Fluid....................................................5-40
Brake Wear...................................................5-42
Brakes..........................................................5-40
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-23
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-49
Headlamps.................................................5-51
Rear Quarter Panel Turn Signal and
Stoplamps...............................................5-58
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-60
Buying New Tires...........................................5-74
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-108
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-38, 2-15, 2-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-93
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-79
Your CD Player...........................................3-80
Your CDs ...................................................3-80
Care of the HUD............................................3-20
Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-63, 3-68
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-19
CD Changer Errors.........................................3-74
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-71
CD Messages................................................3-70
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-48
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-19
Chains, Tires..................................................5-78
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-41
Tire Pressure System...................................5-70
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-58
2

Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-96
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-90
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-93
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.......5-95
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-94
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-90
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-92
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-92
Cleaning Leather............................................5-92Cleaning the Speaker Covers...........................5-92
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-92
Cleaning Tires................................................5-95
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-92
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-94
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-30
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-31
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-29
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-30
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-89
Compass Calibration.......................................2-37
Compass Operation.........................................2-37
Compass Variance..........................................2-38
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-19
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-49
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-26
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Cornering Lamps............................................3-14
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-45
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion................5-104
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-16
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-43
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Cooling System Inspection............................6-24
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-25
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-19
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-19
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-46Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finding a Station....................................3-59, 3-64
Finish Care....................................................5-94
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-79
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-80
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
FM ...............................................................3-78
Following Distance..........................................4-43
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-14
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-17
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
5