check engine BUICK PARK AVENUE 2004 Owner's Guide

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the coolant recovery tank,but be
careful not to spill it.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-30.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line
up with the overow tube on the radiator ller neck.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
5-27

SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it is not, you may have a leak at the
pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling
system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they are not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-31

Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located below the
generator and behind the accessory drive belt in the rear
of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the uid
level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-25.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-38

5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (–) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.7. Do not let the other end
touch metal. Connect it
to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
8. Now connect the black
negative (−) cable to
the negative (−)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
negative (−) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
5-46

Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certication and Service Parts
labels and the certicates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specications and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identication Label
You will nd this label on your spare tire cover. It is very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label,
you will nd the following:
VIN
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special equipment
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer rst. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-58.
5-98

Underhood Fuse Block
There are additional fuses located in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on location.
To check the fuses in this underhood fuse block, turn
the knob counterclockwise and remove the cover.
There is a chart inside the cover that explains the
features and controls governed by each fuse and relay.
Fuses Usage
1 Not Used
2 SBM, LCM
3 Turn Signal
4Pre-Oxygen Sensor,
Post-Oxygen Sensor
5 Air Bag (SIR)
6 Powertrain Control Module
7 Air Conditioning Clutch
8 Ignition Feed
9 Horn Relay
5-102

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................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...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance...............6-7
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 Maintenance Inspections.........6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-23
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-24
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

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended uids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure
to follow scheduled maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. Improper vehicle maintenance can
even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper
uid levels or the wrong tire ination can increase
the level of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect
our environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
6-2

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