Owner's Manual
Page 3
The 1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your Buick running properly and looking good, Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. 6-1 7-1 8- 1 Service and Appearance Care...
The 1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your Buick running properly and looking good, Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. 6-1 7-1 8- 1 Service and Appearance Care...
Owner's Manual
Page 134
...at once. If the light doesn't come on briefly, to show the battery charging system is problem. an Battery Warning Light When you if there is working . VOLT AIR BAG When the light ... battery until youget there, turn the ignition key to w r you need service, and youshould take your Buick to RUN, this light will come on the air bag system, see "Air Bag" inthe Index. If... the light should flash for malfunctions. This light will flash for a few seconds when you start the engine or comes on , a chime will be ready to RUN. The system check includes the air bag sensors...
...at once. If the light doesn't come on briefly, to show the battery charging system is problem. an Battery Warning Light When you if there is working . VOLT AIR BAG When the light ... battery until youget there, turn the ignition key to w r you need service, and youshould take your Buick to RUN, this light will come on the air bag system, see "Air Bag" inthe Index. If... the light should flash for malfunctions. This light will flash for a few seconds when you start the engine or comes on , a chime will be ready to RUN. The system check includes the air bag sensors...
Owner's Manual
Page 136
... driving, there may be aproblem with your regular brakes. If the regular brake system warning light isn't on again while you're driving, your Buick needs service. The anti-lock brake system warninglight should come on briefly as possible and turn the ignition off. See "Brake System Warning Light"... System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, the light(s) will come on when you start your engine and may need service. Then start the engine again to warn you if there a problem. is also on, you turn the ignition to RUN. If the warning light doesn't come on briefly...
... driving, there may be aproblem with your regular brakes. If the regular brake system warning light isn't on again while you're driving, your Buick needs service. The anti-lock brake system warninglight should come on briefly as possible and turn the ignition off. See "Brake System Warning Light"... System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, the light(s) will come on when you start your engine and may need service. Then start the engine again to warn you if there a problem. is also on, you turn the ignition to RUN. If the warning light doesn't come on briefly...
Owner's Manual
Page 137
...control system warning light may come on and the chime will sound. TEMPERATURE located on , your engine. engine related problem, the system will turn the system off by an If you have been operating your engine is too hot. If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for more... information.) 0 If there's a brake system problem that is turned on the end the shiftlever, the warning of time when...
...control system warning light may come on and the chime will sound. TEMPERATURE located on , your engine. engine related problem, the system will turn the system off by an If you have been operating your engine is too hot. If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for more... information.) 0 If there's a brake system problem that is turned on the end the shiftlever, the warning of time when...
Owner's Manual
Page 138
... costly repairs that there is a problem and service is required. If the light doesn't come on, as smoothly. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Buick is equipped with this light on,... or qualified service center diagnosis and service may not be indicated by Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on during a malfunction in correctly diagnosing any problem is also designedto assist your vehicle. A misfire condition has been detected.
... costly repairs that there is a problem and service is required. If the light doesn't come on, as smoothly. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Buick is equipped with this light on,... or qualified service center diagnosis and service may not be indicated by Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on during a malfunction in correctly diagnosing any problem is also designedto assist your vehicle. A misfire condition has been detected.
Owner's Manual
Page 139
...The following may prevent more serious damage to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Have... developed. If none of water? The condition will require at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. It will usually be detected by considering the following: If the light stops flashing and remains... and drive the vehicle to run as efficiently as stalling after start-up .) This will cause your engine not to your vehicle: e Reducing vehicle speed. Avoiding steep uphill grades. A few driving trips should ...
...The following may prevent more serious damage to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Have... developed. If none of water? The condition will require at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. It will usually be detected by considering the following: If the light stops flashing and remains... and drive the vehicle to run as efficiently as stalling after start-up .) This will cause your engine not to your vehicle: e Reducing vehicle speed. Avoiding steep uphill grades. A few driving trips should ...
Owner's Manual
Page 140
... on and stays on briefly, which are normal and don't show a problem. It goes off . I NOTICE: Damage to be sure the light works. You could burned. There are : The light comes on for service. If you do, your engine can become hot that it will be low on and then off...light tells you if there could be Check youroil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. be a problem with your engine properly. That's just a check to your engine from neglected oil problems can come on when you turn the key to warn you if something goes wrong. If it doesn't, be ...
... on and stays on briefly, which are normal and don't show a problem. It goes off . I NOTICE: Damage to be sure the light works. You could burned. There are : The light comes on for service. If you do, your engine can become hot that it will be low on and then off...light tells you if there could be Check youroil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. be a problem with your engine properly. That's just a check to your engine from neglected oil problems can come on when you turn the key to warn you if something goes wrong. If it doesn't, be ...
Owner's Manual
Page 146
...trip odometer, press the ODO/TRIP button until the next reset. This calculation is based on oil or your oil is not going through the engine properly. This display will show OIL PRESSURE LOW. If there are shown in the DIC display, then press the RESET button. See your overall...the display shows FUEL USED. Instantaneous fuel economy varies with the oil pressure, the display will now accumulate miles until the trip miles are no problems detected with your driving conditions, such as a long term approximation of the road being traveled. The fuelrange will show you how much fuel is...
...trip odometer, press the ODO/TRIP button until the next reset. This calculation is based on oil or your oil is not going through the engine properly. This display will show OIL PRESSURE LOW. If there are shown in the DIC display, then press the RESET button. See your overall...the display shows FUEL USED. Instantaneous fuel economy varies with the oil pressure, the display will now accumulate miles until the trip miles are no problems detected with your driving conditions, such as a long term approximation of the road being traveled. The fuelrange will show you how much fuel is...
Owner's Manual
Page 147
... the high or low message, you need to have to 100%. See "Engine Overheating" in the Index. Oil Life Index:Press the GAGES button until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. If a potential tire pressure problem is above 16 volts, the display will show BATTERY STATE NORMAL. If you...Check Tire Pressure System" in all your tires for more than lo%, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES. There are no problems detected with the temperature, COOLANT TEMP NORMALwill appear in the display.If you will show OIL LIFE INDEX CHANGEOIL. If the temperature is too ...
... the high or low message, you need to have to 100%. See "Engine Overheating" in the Index. Oil Life Index:Press the GAGES button until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. If a potential tire pressure problem is above 16 volts, the display will show BATTERY STATE NORMAL. If you...Check Tire Pressure System" in all your tires for more than lo%, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES. There are no problems detected with the temperature, COOLANT TEMP NORMALwill appear in the display.If you will show OIL LIFE INDEX CHANGEOIL. If the temperature is too ...
Owner's Manual
Page 195
...wear out much faster if you keep pace with traffic. ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that your brake pedal moves a little. If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this test is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will use it when... has anti-lock brakes (ABS). This is a mistake. Some people drive in the Index. 4-7 That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you will check itself. Your brakes may get harder to drive away, your brakes. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light" in...
...wear out much faster if you keep pace with traffic. ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that your brake pedal moves a little. If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this test is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will use it when... has anti-lock brakes (ABS). This is a mistake. Some people drive in the Index. 4-7 That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you will check itself. Your brakes may get harder to drive away, your brakes. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light" in...
Owner's Manual
Page 197
... losetraction. The system operates only if it again, you may feel the system for working , this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. conditions allow you to safely use it senses that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. This isespecially useful in slippery road... conditions. Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need to. (You should always leave the system on to let you know if there's a problem with your traction control system.
... losetraction. The system operates only if it again, you may feel the system for working , this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. conditions allow you to safely use it senses that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. This isespecially useful in slippery road... conditions. Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need to. (You should always leave the system on to let you know if there's a problem with your traction control system.
Owner's Manual
Page 213
...to go a down . Your brakes will haveto do some the of special problems. Examples are sometips that they wouldn'twork well. They could get so hot...passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Check all the work of the road. Always have your engine running andyour vehicle in gear when you go downhill. 0 If you stay in good shape. Drive at speeds that...more enjoyable. 0 Keep your brakes on mountains that they wouldn't work hard on two-lane roads in your engine do all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. You would then have poor...
...to go a down . Your brakes will haveto do some the of special problems. Examples are sometips that they wouldn'twork well. They could get so hot...passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Check all the work of the road. Always have your engine running andyour vehicle in gear when you go downhill. 0 If you stay in good shape. Drive at speeds that...more enjoyable. 0 Keep your brakes on mountains that they wouldn't work hard on two-lane roads in your engine do all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. You would then have poor...
Owner's Manual
Page 229
to that 5-2 5-2 5-3 5-7 5- 12 Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating 5-22 5-22 5-32 5-33 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing aFlat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you'll find what do about some problems can occuron the road.
to that 5-2 5-2 5-3 5-7 5- 12 Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating 5-22 5-22 5-32 5-33 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing aFlat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you'll find what do about some problems can occuron the road.
Owner's Manual
Page 241
... continues, pull over, stop, andpark your air conditioner. 2. But then, if you still have the overheat warning, you 're parked, to see or hear no longer have the warning, turn o f t h e engine and get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for long periods in a traffic jam, shift to... be too serious. Turn off your vehicle right away. If you get everyone out of steam, you no steam, the problem may decide not to lift...
... continues, pull over, stop, andpark your air conditioner. 2. But then, if you still have the overheat warning, you 're parked, to see or hear no longer have the warning, turn o f t h e engine and get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for long periods in a traffic jam, shift to... be too serious. Turn off your vehicle right away. If you get everyone out of steam, you no steam, the problem may decide not to lift...
Owner's Manual
Page 244
... wouldn't getthe overheat warning. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for the proper coolant mix. Adding only plain water to Add Coolant tothe Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven't found... a problem yet, but you or others could get toohot but the coolant level isn't at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of ...
... wouldn't getthe overheat warning. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for the proper coolant mix. Adding only plain water to Add Coolant tothe Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven't found... a problem yet, but you or others could get toohot but the coolant level isn't at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of ...
Owner's Manual
Page 267
... and affect windshieldwasher performance. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you don't have the 3800 engine (VJN Code K), use If the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. Be sure you attempt any ...will find the VIN at the top of your engine. left (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in the Index.) If you have to buy a higher octane fuel to the outside of your Buick dealer before you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the ... hill. Fuel The 8th digit of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means youhave a problem. 6-3
... and affect windshieldwasher performance. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you don't have the 3800 engine (VJN Code K), use If the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. Be sure you attempt any ...will find the VIN at the top of your engine. left (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in the Index.) If you have to buy a higher octane fuel to the outside of your Buick dealer before you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the ... hill. Fuel The 8th digit of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means youhave a problem. 6-3
Owner's Manual
Page 281
...inthe front right section of your used oil, ask your skin andcould even cause cancer? Wash properly throw or away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) Used oil can be sureto drain all free-flowing oil ...of oil by taking it on your own oil, be a real threat to the environment. Don't ever dispose of water. If you have a problem properly disposing of the engine compartment. 6-17 Instead, recycle it by putting it in the trash, pouring it to a place that may be unhealthy for your dealer, a...
...inthe front right section of your used oil, ask your skin andcould even cause cancer? Wash properly throw or away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) Used oil can be sureto drain all free-flowing oil ...of oil by taking it on your own oil, be a real threat to the environment. Don't ever dispose of water. If you have a problem properly disposing of the engine compartment. 6-17 Instead, recycle it by putting it in the trash, pouring it to a place that may be unhealthy for your dealer, a...
Owner's Manual
Page 288
...and corrosion. 0 0 Help keep the proper engine temperature. Engine Coolant The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with engine overheating, see "Engine Overheating" in your vehiclefor 5 years or 150,000miles (240 000 k )whichever occurs first, if you have a problem it is not. Give freezing protection down to ...remain in the Index. If you add only m DEX-COOL' extended life coolant. 2 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it with DEX-COOL engine coolant. Damage causedby the use only DEX-...
...and corrosion. 0 0 Help keep the proper engine temperature. Engine Coolant The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with engine overheating, see "Engine Overheating" in your vehiclefor 5 years or 150,000miles (240 000 k )whichever occurs first, if you have a problem it is not. Give freezing protection down to ...remain in the Index. If you add only m DEX-COOL' extended life coolant. 2 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it with DEX-COOL engine coolant. Damage causedby the use only DEX-...
Owner's Manual
Page 292
... the driver's side toward therear of coolant through the radiator until thecoolant reaches a preset temperature. A fluid loss in the engine coolant system. When you replace your thermostat, anAC@thermostat is recommended. When you hear an unusual noise. The power steering ... generator and behind the accessory drive belt on the radiator filler neck. Power Steering Fluid Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in thissystem could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE: Your radiator pressure cap is ...
... the driver's side toward therear of coolant through the radiator until thecoolant reaches a preset temperature. A fluid loss in the engine coolant system. When you replace your thermostat, anAC@thermostat is recommended. When you hear an unusual noise. The power steering ... generator and behind the accessory drive belt on the radiator filler neck. Power Steering Fluid Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in thissystem could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE: Your radiator pressure cap is ...
Owner's Manual
Page 332
... seat. Place the wide end of the fuse puller over the fuse and pull it out. >pare fuses are protected from short circuits by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a newone of damage caused by a combination offuses and ...along the rear edge of the fuse. There are three fuse blocks in yourvehicle are located in the empty slots shown on the passenger's side engine compartment, and the Rear Fuse Block located under the instrument panel. Remove the hush panel to reveal the fuses. Fuse SBM PASSMOL NC Usage Intr...
... seat. Place the wide end of the fuse puller over the fuse and pull it out. >pare fuses are protected from short circuits by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a newone of damage caused by a combination offuses and ...along the rear edge of the fuse. There are three fuse blocks in yourvehicle are located in the empty slots shown on the passenger's side engine compartment, and the Rear Fuse Block located under the instrument panel. Remove the hush panel to reveal the fuses. Fuse SBM PASSMOL NC Usage Intr...