cooling BUICK PARK AVENUE 2004 Owner's Guide

Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Short Trip/City Denition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs rst).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km):Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection. Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement. Supercharger Oil Check (or every
36 months, whichever occurs rst) (3800 Code 1
V6 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
Every 150 000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
6-5

Long Trip/Highway Denition
Follow this scheduled maintenanceonlyif none of
the conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions will cause engine oil to break down
slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs rst). Tire
Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection. Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Supercharger Oil
Check (or every 36 months, whichever occurs rst)
(3800 Code 1 V6 engine only). Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs rst).
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
6-6

❑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

Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and
rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
6-24

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

How to Check........................................5-23, 5-70
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-20
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-38
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-21
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-42
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-42
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Can’t See The HUD Image When the
Ignition is On..............................................3-20
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-24
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-69
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-24
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-24
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23Inspection (cont.)
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-24
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-33
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Interior Lamps................................................3-15J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-25
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
7

LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-14
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-32
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-39
Battery Warning..........................................3-37
Brake System Warning.................................3-38
Cruise Control.............................................3-45
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-44
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-36
Security.....................................................3-45
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-45
TCS Warning Light......................................3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-39
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-19
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-14
Locks
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-11
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-14
Lockout Protection.......................................2-14Locks (cont.)
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-14
Long Trip/Highway Denition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-14
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering............4-11
Main and Auxiliary Instrument Panel
Fuse Blocks................................................5-99
Main Instrument Panel Fuse Block...................5-100
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-109
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-19
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................................6-24
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
8