wiper blades BUICK PARK AVENUE 2005 Owner's Manual

Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam headlamps to
signal the driver in front of you that you want to pass. It
works even if your headlamps are off.
Pull the turn signal lever toward you briey to
ash-to-pass.
If the headlamps are off or on low beam, the high-beam
headlamps will turn on. They will stay on as long as
you hold the lever toward you and the high-beam
indicator on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wipers are controlled by turning the
band marked WIPER.
OFF:Turn the band to OFF to turn the wipers off.
MIST:For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST.
Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The
wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles,
hold the band on MIST longer.
LO (Low Speed):Turn the band to LO for steady
wiping at a slow speed.
HI (High Speed):Turn the band to HI for steady wiping
at a high speed.The wiper speed may be set for a long or short delay
between wipes. Turn the band to choose the delay time.
The closer to LO, the shorter the delay.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Keep in mind that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To
avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the
wiper blades before using them. If your blades do
become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
If your vehicle has this feature, the moisture sensor is
mounted on the interior of the windshield below the
rearview mirror and is used to automatically operate the
wipers. This system operates by monitoring the
amount of moisture build-up on the windshield. Wipes
occur as needed to clear the windshield depending
on the driving conditions and the sensitivity setting. In
light rain or snow, fewer wipes will occur. In heavy
rain or snow, wipes will occur more frequently.
The system will operate in the delay, low speed and
high speed modes. If the system is left on for long
periods of time, occasional wipes may occur without any
moisture on the windshield. This is normal and
indicates that the Rainsense™ system is active.
3-9

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank lled
with washer uid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you
hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
4-18

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-22

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-71
Wheel Replacement......................................5-71
Tire Chains..................................................5-72
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-73
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-74
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-75
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-80
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-82
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-83
Vinyl...........................................................5-85
Leather.......................................................5-85
Instrument Panel..........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components............................5-85
Speaker Covers............................................5-86
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-86
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-86
Weatherstrips...............................................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-87
Finish Care..................................................5-87Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-88
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-88
Tires...........................................................5-88
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-89
Finish Damage.............................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance................................5-89
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-89
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-90
Vehicle Identication......................................5-91
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-91
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-91
Electrical System............................................5-91
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-92
Main Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................5-92
Auxiliary Instrument Panel
Fuse Block...............................................5-94
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-95
Rear Compartment Fuse Block.......................5-97
Capacities and Specications........................5-100
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........5-101
Engine Drive Belt Routing............................5-102
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” underPart B: Owner Checks and Services on
page 6-19for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 5-101.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Position the wipers on the windshield in the
“mid” wipe position.
2. Lift the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield. The windshield wiper does not have a
locking upright position feature.3. Push the tab on the wiper blade assembly and pull
the assembly down enough to release it from the
U-hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the assembly
away from the arm.
4. Replace the blade.
5. To reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it over
the wiper arm to engage the U-hooked end on the
wiper blade assembly. Pull up on the assembly
to lock it into place.
5-57

Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap, or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do
not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
5-88

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identied below by name, part number, or specication can be obtained from your GM dealer.
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Part GM Part NumberACDelco®Part
Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 25096932 A1096C
Engine Oil Filter 25010792 PF47
Fuel Filter 25121293 GF627
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 52472175 —
Spark Plugs 12568387 41–101
Windshield Wiper Blades (Hook Type)
22.0 inches (56.0 cm)12463075 —
5-101

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Windshield and Wiper Blades on page 5-88.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-25.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle uid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-22. A uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, glove box
door and console door. Part D tells you what to
use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-20

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-24
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-91
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning..............................................3-25
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-36
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-49
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-55
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-57
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-55
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-55
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-53
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-51
Antenna, Heated Backlite.................................3-74
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-86
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-89
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87Appearance Care (cont.)
Finish Damage............................................5-89
Glass Surfaces............................................5-86
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-85
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-89
Speaker Covers..........................................5-86
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-90
Vinyl..........................................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Ashtrays........................................................3-25
Audio System(s).............................................3-55
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-72
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-73
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-74
Care of Your CDs........................................3-74
Heated Backlite Antenna...............................3-74
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-69
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-56
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-60
Setting the Time..........................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-70
1

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
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...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-25
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87
Glass Surfaces............................................5-86
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-85
Speaker Covers..........................................5-86Cleaning (cont.)
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vinyl..........................................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-30
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-31
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-31
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-82
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-47
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
3