steering BUICK PARK AVENUE 2004 Service Manual

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
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-22
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-75
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-39
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-61, 3-66
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-36
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-49
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-55
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-58
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-55
What Will You See After an
Air Bag Inates?......................................1-56
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-54
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-51
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)......... 7-9
AM ...............................................................3-78
Antenna, Heated Backlite.................................3-80
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-90
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-93
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-96
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-90
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-93Appearance Care (cont.)
Finish Damage............................................5-96
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-95
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Ashtrays........................................................3-23
Assist Handles...............................................2-49
Audio System(s).............................................3-57
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-78
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-79
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-80
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Heated Backlite Antenna...............................3-80
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-75
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-58
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-58
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-75
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-71
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-78
Automatic Level Control...................................4-38
Automatic Operation........................................3-24
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-27
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-20
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
Auxiliary Instrument Panel Fuse Block..............5-101
1

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

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
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 Maintenance Inspections.......6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-26
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-7
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.....................4-45
Making Turns.................................................4-43
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-41
Manual Operation...........................................3-25
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle................. 2-8
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-51
Memory Seat.................................................2-51
Memory Seat Recall........................................3-56
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-50
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5Mirror Operation.....................................2-36, 2-37
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass.....2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-36
Memory.....................................................2-51
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-41
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-40
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-40
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-23
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-109
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
ODO/TRIP (Odometer/Trip)...............................3-48
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-19
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
9

Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar®Personal Calling.................................2-42
OnStar®Services............................................2-42
OnStar®System.............................................2-41
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-42
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-29
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-41
Convex Mirror.............................................2-40
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-40
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-53
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-12
P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-15
Park Aid........................................................3-20
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-30
Shifting Out of............................................2-33
Parking
Assist........................................................3-20
Brake........................................................2-29
Over Things That Burn.................................2-33Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-19
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants..................................................6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-30
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-28
Passing.................................................4-14, 4-43
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-21
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-22
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-16, 3-56
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-75
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-31
Personalization Features.................................... 2-7
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-61, 3-66
Playing a CD.........................................3-68, 3-73
Playing the Radio...................................3-58, 3-63
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-22
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Windows....................................................2-18
10

Power Steering...............................................4-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.........2-12, 3-54
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-43
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-10
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-57
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-79
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-80
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-75
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-58
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-58
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-75
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-71
Understanding Reception..............................3-78
Rainsense™ II Wipers....................................... 3-8
Rear Compartment Fuse Block........................5-106
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-14
Rear Quarter Panel Turn Signal and
Stoplamps..................................................5-58Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-17
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-49
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-21
Rear Seat Pass Through.................................2-49
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-49
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-54
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-27
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-36
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass....................................................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-36
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-15
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-16
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-82
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-81
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-60
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-43
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash.....................................................1-59
11

Sensors.........................................................3-26
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-41
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-45
Service Bulletins.............................................7-11
Service Engine Soon Light...............................3-41
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Setting Preset Stations............................3-60, 3-65
Setting the Time.............................................3-58
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-60, 3-65
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-95
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-30
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-33
Short Trip/City Denition.................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-7
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-91
Specications, Capacities...............................5-108
Speedometer..................................................3-35
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-21
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-25
Steering........................................................4-11Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection.......................6-23
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering Wheel Comfort Controls......................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-78
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-48
Convenience Net.........................................2-49
Garage Door Opener Compartment................2-47
Glove Box..................................................2-47
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-49
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-49
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-87
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-88
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-19
Sunroof.........................................................2-50
T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-39
Testing the Alarm............................................2-21
Theater Dimming............................................3-15
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-75
Theft-Deterrent System...................................... 2-8
13