1997 Buick Park Avenue Owners Manual

The 1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner’s Manual

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Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Buick. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Buick running properly and looking good, Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find sometlvng you want to read.

GM -

We support voluntary technician certification.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name PARK AVENUE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Buick, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux proprietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fraqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7

Litho in U.S.A. .. Part No. 25645978 B First Edition

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

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“valve-in-head” engine, a light, powerful and reliable engine which would eventually influence the entire automotive industry. William C. Durant was instrumental in promoting Buicks across the country using his Durant-Dort of a Carriage Co. outlets and salespeople as the nucleus giant distribution system. He knew the Buick as a “self-seller.” If automobiles could be this good, he thought, maybe it was time to switch from the horse and buggy business to automobiles.

At the 1905 New York Auto Show, Durant took orders for 1,000 Buicks before the company had built 40. On Buick’s success, Durant created a holding company, September 16, 1908. He called it General Motors.

Walter Marr and Thomas Buick

Buick’s chief engineer, Walter L. Marr (left), and Thomas D. Buick, son of founder David Dunbar Buick, drove the first Flint Buick in a successful Flint-Detroit round trip in July 1904. David Buick was building gasoline engines by 1899, and Marr, his engineer, apparently built the first auto to be called a Buick in 1900. However, Buick traditionally dates its beginnings to 1903. That was the year the company was reorganized, refinanced and moved from Detroit to Flint. Buick has always been a product innovator. Buick engineers developed the iv

William C. (Billy) Durant

500 racing Durant also created a racing team that won trophies in 1909 and 1910, including successes at Indianapolis two years before the Indy 500 began. The success of Buick engines was visible not only on the race track, but in endurance tests across the country and around the world. Buick was the only car to complete a 1,000-mile Chicago-to-New York race in 1906. And a Buick was the first car to travel across South America, driven from Buenos Aires, Argentina, over the Andes to Santiago, Chile in 1914.

Buick drew plenty of attention because it could climb hills and run through mud like no other car. Buick’s endurance and reliability were world famous. During World War I, Buick built Liberty aircraft engines as well as Red Cross ambulances so successfully that one Buick ambulance was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government. As a builder of premier automobiles, Buick was hard hit by the Great Depression. However, new General Manager Harlow H. Curtice created popular new models including the Special and the Roadmaster. Buick sales soon flourished.

1911 Model 21 Touring Car on Buick’s Test Hill

First Buick Factory

In World War 11, Buick built aircraft engines, tanks and other military hardware. This post-war period brought great styling and engineering changes which resulted in increased sales. The torque converter automatic transmission, Dynaflow, was introduced in the 1948 Roadmaster. Buick’s famous “portholes” came along in 1949.

A high-compression V-8 engine was introduced in 1953. And Buick’s famous vertical pillar “toothy” grille (introduced in 1942) became more massive in the post-war era.

I953 Skylark Motor Trend magazine named the 1962 Buick Special “Car of the Year.” The first production V-6 engine was used in the Special.

1949 Roadmaster

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1962 Buick Special

Built inside the walls of the old buildings in Buick’s former Flint complex, which formed the cornerstone of General Motors, Buick City is a state-of-the-art assembly facility with more than 200 robots and other high-tech equipment. It was completed in the fall of 1985. Buicks are, and will continue to be, premium American motorcars with smooth power, high performance, rich detail and comfortable accommodation.

Ed Mertz, General Manager; Buick Motor Division

Our mission is simple: “Buick will provide Premium American Motorcars backed with services that exceed our customers’ expectations, throughout the purchase, ownership, service and repurchase experience.” Buicks are SUBSTANTIAL. Buicks are DISTINCTIVE. Buicks are POWERFUL. Buicks are PREMIUM.

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How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these mtices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

ACID COULD &

CAUSTIC BAllERY

CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

,\I/,

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

TURN SIGNALS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

DAYTIME - RUNNING * ' LAMPS .'*

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

FOG LAMPS

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

I-1 (a)

LIGHTER a HORN )tr SPEAKER IJ e, p3

FUEL

COOLANT TEMP

BAlTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Buick and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

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Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Center Passenger Position

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Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and also about memory seats, reclining seatbacks and head restraints. 4-way Power Lumbar Control (Option)

Power Seats

If you have this option, the driver’s and passenger’s seatback lumbar support can be adjusted four ways by moving the single switch located on the side of the seat.

To increase or decrease support, hold the switch forward or rearward. To move the lumbar up and down, hold the switch upward or downward.

Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by holding the front part of the horizontal control up or down. Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by holding the rear part of the horizontal control up or down. Raise or lower the entire seat cushion by holding the whole control up or down.

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0 Move the seat forward or back by pushing the

horizontal control to the front or back.

0 Tilt the seatback by pushing the vertical control

forward or rearward.

0 Raise or lower the shoulder belt and head rest by pushing the vertical control to the top or bottom.

Memory Seat and Mirrors (Option) If your Buick has this option, the control on the driver’s door armrest looks like this:

You can use this memory function to save your seat cushion (minus the head restraint), optional lumbar, mirror adjustment, HVAC and radio settings by using the following procedure:

1. Adjust the driver’s seat and lumbar position (if

equipped) to a safe and comfortable driving position. Adjust both outside mirrors to suit you. See “Outside Mirrors” in the Index.

2. Press one of the two MEMORY buttons

corresponding with your driver number, for longer than three seconds. You will hear two beeps to confirm that the mirror and seat positions have been entered into memory.

When your Buick is in PARK (P), push and release the memory button you just stored. The seat and mirrors will move to the set position. You will hear one beep. To set the seat and mirror positions for a second driver, follow the previous steps, but use the other MEMORY button.

If you press the wrong MEMORY button, or if there is a third driver, the seat adjuster will still work. The EXIT button allows for easy exit from the vehicle. Push and release the EXIT button while in PARK (P) and the seat will move all the way back. You will hear a beep when the EXIT button is pressed. You can also set unique exit positions by moving the seat to the desired position, and then pushing and holding the EXIT button for greater than three seconds. You will hear two beeps to confirm the position has been set. The exit position will be set for the previously identified driver.

If the ignition is not in RUN, automatic seat and mirror movement will occur if the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed. Automatic seat and mirror movement is programmed through the Driver Information Center (DIC) so that the driver can select whether the seat moves to the programmed driving position, the programmed exit position or does not move at all. For memory seat and mirror recall programming instructions, see “DIC Personal Choice Programming” in the Index.

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Heated Seats (Option)

Reclining Front Seatbacks

, :. '..<.

,, , ,, . ._

,^

The heated seat controls are located next to the climate controls on the instrument panel. Press this button to turn on the heating element in the seat.

The LO setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat nears body temperature. The HI setting heats the seat to a slightly higher temperature. A telltale light in the control reminds you that the heating system is in use.

The front seatbacks can be adjusted by pressing the vertical control located on the side of the seat. Push it forward to bring the seat to a more upright position. Push it rearward to recline the seatback.

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Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

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Head Restraints

Some rear seats have adjustable head restraints. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. On some models, the rear seat head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. There are four different positions for the front seat head restraints and three different positions for the rear seat head restraints. Adjust either head restraint by grasping the top of the restraint and moving it forward the way you want it to go until you hear a click. It will then be locked into that position until you need to move it again. Pulling it forward past the last position will allow the headrest to return to its full rear position.

Use the vertical switch to move a front head restraint up or down. Lift up on the switch to move the head restraint up. Press down on the switch to move the head restraint down. The top of the head restraint should be closest to the top of your ears. This position helps reduce the chance of a neck injury in a crash. When you move a front seat head restraint up or down, the shoulder belt height changes. On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

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Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield . ..

or the instrument panel . . .

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accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers @ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

@ If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

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home, why should I wear safety belts?

&.’ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 kmk). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Buick, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster When you move a front seat head restraint, the shoulder belt height changes. See “Head Restraints” in the Index. @ What’s wrong with this?

r belt is You can be seriously hurt if your shoulc too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

@ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

I You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

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@ What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width belt to spread impact forces. If a belt make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

of the is twisted,

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this section. When the lap portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If your vehicle has a center passenger position, be sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your lap-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the buckle for the center passenger position. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your Buick has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger.

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Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a

safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an

air bag for that person.

k!, CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

A CAUTION:

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR .BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

/II CAUTIGII:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag may not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

1 When should an air bag inflate?

An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 k d h ) . The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts.

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What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger, How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.

What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

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0 Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt If your vehicle has a front split seat and a rear bench seat, someone can sit in the center positions.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Buick Air bags affect how your Buick should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your Buick dealer and the Park Avenue Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

JTIl- N:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

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1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

is You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

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There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head.

1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on the side

of the seatback.

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2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.

The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

A CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

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4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Slide the guide into its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehcle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that.

Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, secure the child restraint in the rear seat.

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I

Top Strap

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but only with the seat moved all the way back.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Buick dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.

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-~

Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you. In Canada, this work will be done for you free or charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

2.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1.

Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

3.

~~

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. A

4. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

You'll be using the lap belt.

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It's always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but only with the seat moved all the way back.

See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

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6. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Run the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push

down on the child restraint.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

A CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a to rear-facing child restraint would be very close the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in the rear seat.

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1.

Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

2.

3.

4.

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the

retractor to set the lock.

7. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the

retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

8. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Larger Children

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.

Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

@ What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, is but the child is so small that the shoulder belt very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides’’ in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.

[I A CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt's force would then be applied right on the child's abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash.

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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, 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. Tom or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

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I

@b NOTES

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Buick, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.

2-2 2-4 2-8 2- 14 2-15 2-16 2- 17 2- 19 2-20 2-2 1 2-22 2-23 2-27 2-28 2-30 2-3 1

Keys Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System TrUnk Theft Content Theft Deterrent PASS-Key@ III New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater Automatic Transaxle Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn

2-3 1 2-32 2-33 2-34 2-34 2-44 2-46 2-50 2-55 2-64 2-64 2-68 2-73 2-82 2-84

Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked Windows Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Astroroof Universal Transmitter Instrument Panel Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Head-Up Display (HUD) Driver Information Center (DIC)

2-1

Keys A CAUTION:

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

Your Park Avenue has a two key system, one key is the master and the other is a valet key.

The master key is used for the ignition, as well as all door locks and storage compartments.

The valet key is used for the ignition and the two side doors only. It will not open the trunk or glove box. This is a theft-deterrent feature.

When a new Park Avenue is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the keys, and gives them to the first owner. However, if the ignition key does not have a plug, there may be a bar-coded key tag instead. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using these plugs or the tag. If your ignition keys don’t have plugs, go to your Buick dealer for the correct key code if you need a new ignition key.

NOTICE:

Your Buick has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

lot of

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Door Locks

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers -- especially children -- can easily

open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key or Remote Keyless Entry transmitter.

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To lock the door from the inside, move the lock control on the door handle forward. To unlock the door, move the lock control on the door handle toward the rear of the vehicle.

Central Door Unlocking System From outside the vehicle, if the driver’s door key is held in the unlock position for more than two seconds, or, if the key is turned to the unlock position twice within three seconds, all doors will electronically unlock. Power Door Locks

With power door locks, you can lock or unlock all doors of your vehicle by using either the driver or front passenger power door lock switch.

Door Ajar Reminder (If Equipped) If your Park Avenue is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), and a door is not fully closed, the DIC will display a DOOR AJAR message. See “Driver Information Center” in the Index. Memory Door Locks Close your doors and turn on the ignition. Every time you move your shift lever out of PARK (P), all of the doors will lock. And, every time you stop and move your shift lever into PARK (P), your doors will unlock. If someone needs to get out while you’re not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manual or power lock to lock the door again. If you need to lock your doors before shifting out of PARK (P), just use the manual or power lock button to lock the doors.

2-5

Customizing Your Memory Door Locks Feature You can program the memory door locks feature to change to the following modes:

Mode Operation

No automatic door lock or unlock. All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). Only the driver’s door automatically unlocks when shifted into PARK (P). All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). All doors automatically unlock when shifted into PARK (P).

Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 3; however, each Remote Keyless Entry transmitter can be programmed to a different mode according to the user’s preference.

To change modes: 1. Close all doors and turn the ignition on. Keep all

doors closed throughout this procedure.

2. Press and hold the power door lock switch on the

driver’s door through Step 4.

3. Press the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless

Entry transmitter to enter the programming mode. The memory door lock mode will remain in the current mode.

4. Press the LOCK button on the transmitter again.

Each time the transmitter’s LOCK button is pressed, the mode will advance by one, going from mode 3 to mode 0 to mode 1, etc. For each press of the LOCK button, the door locks will activate in the same manner they would activate in the corresponding memory door lock mode. For example, pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter to advance to mode 2 would result in all doors locking and then, only the driver’s door would unlock. For mode 0, no locking or unlocking will occur.

5. Release the power door lock switch and turn the

ignition off. The automatic door locks will remain in the most recent mode selected.

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You can also program the memory door locks feature using the Driver Information Center. See “Driver Information Center Personal Choice Programming” in the Index. Rear Door Security Locks

CHILD

SECURITY

LOCK

SET LEVER ON BOTH REAR DOORS

Your Buick is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside.

3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. To open a rear door when the security lock is on: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t

cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how these security locks work, and how to cancel the locks. To cancel the rear door security lock: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door

from the outside.

To use one of these locks: 1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. Move the lever on the door all the way up to the

ENGAGED position.

2. Move the lever all the way down. 3. Do the same thing for the other rear door. The rear door locks will now work normally.

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Lockout Protection The power door locks will not work if the key is left in the ignition, the ignition is turned to OFF and the driver's door is open. You can override this feature by holding the power door lock switch for more than three seconds. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside, then get out and close the door. Remote Keyless Entry System With the remote keyless entry system, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Comunications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

2-8

This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions that follow. Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. If you’re still having trouble, see your Buick dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

Operation The driver’s door will unlock when UNLOCK is pressed. If pressed again within five seconds, all doors will unlock. Pressing any button will also illuminate the interior lamps (see “Illuminated Entry” in the Index). All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed, and the ignition is in LOCK or OFF. The trunk button will also work when the ignition is on, but only while in PARK (P).

Instant Alarm When the button with the horn symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the instant alarm button again or by turning the ignition on. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent feature, you may also turn off the instant alarm by unlocking the vehicle with a key.

2-9

Synchronization If only the instant alarm button works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for about eight seconds; you must be within range of the vehicle. Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the horn will chirp and the exterior lamps will flash once. The system should now operate properly.

Theft-Deterrent System The remote keyless entry transmitter will arm the theft-deterrent system whenever the doors are closed and you push the LOCK button when the ignition is OFF. It will disarm the system when you push UNLOCK.

Personal Choice Features (If Equipped) -Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be programmed to the driver’s preference for memory door locks, security feedback, delayed locking and perimeter lighting. See each feature in the Index. You can also personalize your comfort control temperature, mode and fan settings. See “Comfort Controls Personal Choice” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program these features through the DIC. See “Driver Information Center” in the Index.

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Security Feedback This provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle receives a command from the remote keyless entry transmitter. The following modes may be selected:

Mode

Security Feedback No feedback when locking or unlocking vehicle. No feedback when locking; exterior lamps flash when unlocking vehicle. Exterior lamps flash when locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle. Exterior lamps flash when locking and when unlocking vehicle. Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps when locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle. Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps when locking; exterior lamps flash when unlocking vehicle.

2.

3.

Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 5; however, each remote keyless entry transmitter can be programmed to a different mode according to the user’s preference. To change to another mode: 1.

Press and hold the power door lock switch on the door throughout the procedure. Press the trunk button on the transmitter. The horn will chirp and the transmitter will remain in its current mode. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the transmitter will advance to the next mode. Release the power door lock switch.

4. If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program these features through the DIC. See “Driver Information Center” in the Index.

Delayed Locking Note: This feature has been activated for your vehicle; however, each transmitter must be turned on using the following procedure.

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This feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of the vehicle. When the power door lock switch is pressed with the key removed from the ignition and the driver’s door open, a chime will sound three times to signal that the lock delay mode is active. When all doors have been closed, the doors will lock automatically after five seconds. If any door is opened before this, the five-second timer will reset itself once all the doors have been closed again. Pressing the door lock switch twice within two seconds will override this feature. The delayed locking feature can be turned on or off for each remote keyless entry transmitter. To turn the feature on: 1.

Press and hold the power door lock switch on the door throughout this procedure. All the doors will lock. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter to enter the programming mode. The lock delay is still off and all doors will remain locked. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter again. Lock delay is now active and all doors will unlock. Release the power door lock switch.

2.

3.

4.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program these features through the DIC. See “Driver Information Center” in the Index. To turn this feature off, repeat the above procedure. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have up to four transmitters matched to it. See your dealer to match additional transmitters to your vehicle.

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Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.

To replace the battery: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Insert a coin into the notch near the keyring. Turn the coin counterclockwise to separate the two halves of the transmitter. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. Remove and replace the battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter. Resynchronize the transmitter by pressing and holding the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for about eight seconds within range of the vehicle. Once the transmitter is resynchronized, the horn will c h q and the exterior lamps will flash once.

For battery replacement, use a Duracella battery, type DL-2032, or a similar type.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

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Trunk Trunk Lock Release To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master doorhgnition key and turn it. Remote Trunk Release Press the TRUNK release button located to the left of the steering column to release the trunk lid. The trunk will open if the transaxle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the trunk release lockout is in the unlocked position.

Remote Trunk Release Lockout The remote trunk release lockout button allows you to secure items in the trunk.

Insert the ignition key into the trunk release button. Turn the key one-quarter of a turn clockwise then remove it from the button.

This will disable the trunk release button from opening the trunk. The remote keyless entry transmitter can still be used to open the trunk. Trunk Security Override The remote keyless entry transmitter will open the trunk when the ignition is on or off and the vehicle is in PARK, even if the trunk release lockout is activated.

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It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid: 0 Make sure all windows are shut. 0 Tbrn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed with the setting on any airflow selection except RECIRC. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls’’ in the Index. 0 If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index.

Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Buick has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. With the ignition off and the driver’s door open, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your ignition and transaxle will be locked. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

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Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box. Lock the glove box. Lock all doors except the driver’s.

0 Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the master key and remote keyless entry transmitter with you.

Content Theft-Deterrent

Your Buick is equipped with a Content Theft-Deterrent alarm system. With this system, the SECURITY light will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off).

SECURITY

This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Were’s how to do it: 1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. The SECURITY light should come on and stay on.

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off

after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the SECURITY light goes off.

If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s lamps will flash and the horn will sound for 30 seconds, then will turn off to save battery power. Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off.

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Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident: 0 If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent

system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed. Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way. Testing the Alarm 1. 2.

From inside the vehicle, roll down the window. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the SECURITY light to go out. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.

3.

4.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. PASS-Key@ I11

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key 111 (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key I11 is a passive theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do anything different to arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

PASS-Key 111 uses a radio frequency transponder in the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. Your PASS-Key I11 system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) t h s device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. When the PASS-Key III system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high number of electrical key codes.

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If when trying to start the vehicle, the engine does not start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your Buick dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key I11 to have a new key made. It is possible for the PASS-Key 111 decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to ten additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This procedure is for learning additional keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your Buick dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key I11 to have keys made and