1997 Buick Park Avenue Owners Manual

or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

8-9

1997 BUCK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

The following publications covering the operation and servicing

of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out

the Service Publication Order Form in this book

and mailing it in with your check, money order,

or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 BUCK

SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00

OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $10.00

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

I

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.

name, and also the

HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

s Mail completed order form p (CUSTOMER’S NAME)

to:

(AlTENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)

( C W

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.

(STATE)

(ZIP CODE)

AREA CODE

V1-BUI-ORD97

*(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)

~~~

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in US. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add 51 1.50 plus the US. order processing.

b NOTES

8-12

Section 9 Index

1.21. 2.74

A i r Bag ...................................... 1-20 How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-24 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Location .................................... 1-22 Readiness Light ......................... Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-24 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-23 Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-5 Air Conditioning Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-77 Air Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3. 3-4 Air Filter. Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 Alarm. Instant. Keyless Entry ...................... 2-9 Alignment and Balance. Tire ....................... 6-54 Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-62 Antenna. Heated Backlite ........................ 3-35 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-76. 4-7 Brakes ...................................... 4-7 Anti.Theft. Radio .............................. 3-30

2.59. 2.60

Appearancecare ............................... 6-56 Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-65 Arbitration Program .............................. 8-7 Armrest. Storage .......................... Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61 Astroroof ..................................... 2-64 Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control . . . . . . . 3-32 Audio Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-33 Audio Systems ................................. 3-10 Automatic

Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 Transaxle Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40 Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21 Transaxle Operation ........................... 2-23 Transaxle Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Auxiliary Power Outlets .......................... 2-63

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacement. Keyless Entry .................... Rundown Protection ........................... WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 5-3 2-13 2-49 2-74 5.3. 5.4

9-1

I

BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-7 Belt. Engine Accessory ..................... 6-78. 6-79 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Blizzard. Driving In ............................. 4-28 Brake Adjustment .................................. 6-33 Fluid ....................................... 6-30 Master Cylinder .............................. 6-30 Parking ..................................... 2-27 PedalTravel .................................. 6-33 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-33 System Warning Light ......................... 2-75 Trailer ...................................... 4-36 Transaxle Shift Interlock ....................... 2-30 Transaxle Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 4-7 4-6 4- 10 2- 19 2-30 7-41 6-34

Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... Braking ........................................ Braking in Emergencies .......................... .......................... Break-In. New Vehicle BTSI ......................................... BTSICheck ................................... Bulb Replacement ..............................

Canadian Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5 Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-76 Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . 2-15.2-31.2-32.4-29. 4-35 Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-39 Cassette Tape Player ....................... 3- 10. 3- 14 Cassette Tape Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 9-2

Cassette Tape Player Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12. 3.16 CDChanger. TrunkMounted ...................... 3-27 Cellular Phone Readiness Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63 Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-26 Central Door Unlocking System .................... 2-5 Certification Label .............................. 4-31 Chains. Safety ................................. 4-36 Chains. Tire ................................... 6-56 Change Engine Oil Soon ......................... 6-16 Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-22 Check Tire Pressure System ....................... 6-49 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-64 Child Restraints ................................ 1-35 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-39 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-41 TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36 Wheretoput ................................ 1-35 Chrome Wheels. Cleaning ........................ 6-62 Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-62 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... 6-68 Cleaner, Air ................................... 6-17 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Exterior LampsLenses ........................ 6-61 Fabric ................................. 6-57. 6-58 Glass ....................................... 6-60 Inside of Your Buick .......................... 6-57 Instrument Panel ............................. 6-59

Leather ..................................... 6-59 Outside of Your Buick ......................... 6-61 Speakercovers .............................. 6-59 Special Problems ............................. 6-58 Stains ...................................... 6-58 Tires ....................................... 6-63 Vinyl ....................................... 6-59 Wheels ..................................... 6-62 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Climate Control. Passenger ........................ 3-9 Climate Control. Steering Wheel Touch Control . . . . . . . . 3-9 Climate Control System ........................... 3-2 Clock. Setting the ............................... 3- 10 Coinholder .................................... 2-59 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-2 Personal Choice ............................... 3-2 Steering Wheel Touch Control .................... 3-9 Compact Disc Care ............................. 3-35 Compact Disc Player ....................... 3-18. 3-21 Compact Disc Player Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20.3-25. 3-28 Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-32 Compass. Rearview Mirror with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51 Content Theft-Deterrent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 ConvenienceNet ............................... 2-61 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-55 Coolant ....................................... 6-24 Heater. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 RecoveryTarik ..........................

Cooling System ................................

5.15. 5.16

5-14

Cornering Lamps ............................... 2-45 Courtesy Lamps ................................. 2-46 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-6 Cruise Control ................................. 2-39 Cupholders ............................... Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

2.59. 2.60

...................................

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-63 Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-63 Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-45 Dead Battery 5-3 Defects. Reporting Safety ..................... 8-8. 8-9 Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2 .......................... 3-8 Defogger. Rear Window Defogging ..................................... 3-8 Defrosting ..................................... 3-8 Delayed Locking .......................... DIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensions. Vehcle ............................ Dolby@ B Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13. 3.17 Door

2-84 6-78

Ajar Reminder ........................... Central Unlocking System ....................... 2-5 Locks ....................................... 2-4 Driver Information Center ........................ 2-84 Controls and Displays ......................... 2-85 Personal Choice Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88 Warnings and Messages ........................ 2-88 9-3

2.11. 2.90

2.5. 2.88

1-13

DriverPosition ................................. Driving City ........................................ 4-21 Defensive .................................... 4-2 Drunken ..................................... 4-2 Freeway .................................... 4-22 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-28 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5 In the Rain .................................. 4- 18 Night ...................................... 4-16 .................................. On Curves 4-11 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-24 OnSnowandIce ............................. 4-27 Throughwater ............................... 4-20 WetRoads .................................. 4-18 Winter ...................................... 4-26 With a Trailer ................................ 4-36 ................................ Drunken Driving 4-2 Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Electrical Equipment, Adding . . . . . . . . . . 2-22,3-33, 6-67 Electrical System ............................... 6-67 Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 With Compass ............................... 2-51 Electronic Level Control ......................... 4-32 Engine ....................................... 6-11 Accessory Belt .......................... 6-78, 6-79 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24 Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 9-4

4 .29. 4.35

7-39 2-77

Coolant Level Check .......................... Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15.2.31.2.32. Identification ................................ 6-66 OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-39 OilLifeIndex ................................ 2-87 Overheating ................................. 5-12 Running While Parked ......................... 2-32 Specifications ................................ 6-65 Starting ..................................... 2-21 Supercharged ................................ 6-12 Engineoil .................................... 6-12 Adding ..................................... 6-14 Additives ................................... 6-16 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Pressure Light ............................... 2-80 Used ....................................... 6-17 Whentochange .............................. 6-16 Entry Lighting, Delayed .......................... 2-46 Exhaust, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15,2-31,2-32, 4-35 Exit Lighting, Delayed ........................... 2-47 Express-Down Window .......................... 2-33 Express-Open Astroroof ......................... 2-64

Fabric Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57, 6-58 Fan Control, Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-6 Filter, Air ..................................... 6-17 Filter, Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 Filter, Passenger Compartment Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Finishcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63 First Gear. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2 Flash-to-Pass Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Flat Tire. Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Language Manual 11 Front Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60 Front Storage Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 FrontTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 DoorLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Filling Your Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81 In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Fuse Block

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-68 Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72 Underhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70 6-68

Fuses and Circuit Breakers .......................

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-77 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81 Garage Door Opener ....................... 2-56, 2-64 GAWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31

Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 GloveBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 GloveBoxLamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Gross Axle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 .. Guide en FranGais - 1 1 GVWR . . . . . . . . . 4-31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......................

Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35 High/Low Beamchanger ...................... 2-36 OnReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Head-Up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82 Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Heated Backlite Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35 Heated Outside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Heatedseats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 High-Beam Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 .Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-24 Hitches, Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Hood

Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-9 6-9 2-34 9-5

9-6

Lights

1.9, 2.73

2-78 2-81

Loading Your Vehicle Locks

Air Bag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.21. 2.74 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.76. 4.7 Battery Warning .............................. 2-74 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-75 Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80 Interior ..................................... 2-46 Safety Belt Reminder ...................... ServiceEngine Soon .......................... Service Vehicle Soon .......................... Traction Control System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.76. 4.9 ........................... Cylinders ................................... 7-40 Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 FuelDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 7 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-40 Lockout Protection ............................. 2-8 Memory Door ............................ PowerDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Door Security ............................. Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lubricants and Fluids ............................ Lubrication Service. Body ........................ Lumbar Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-5 2-7 2- 14 2-33 7-44 7-40 1-2

2.5. 2.90

4-30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. 10 Magnasteer Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78

Maintenance Kecord ............................ 7-46 Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1 Long Tripmighway Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Long Tripmighway Intervals ..................... 7-6 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-39 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Short Trip/City Definition ....................... 7-5 Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-5 Maintenance. Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-78 Maxifuse@/Relay Center ......................... 6-67 Memory Door Locks ........................ 2-5. 2-90 Memory Seat and Mirrors ......................... 1-3 Memory Seat Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92 Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Mirrors

Convex Outside .............................. 2-55 Electrochromic Daymight Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Electrochromic Daymight Rearview with Compass . . 2-51 Heated Outside ............................... 2-55 ....................... Illuminated Visor Vanity 2-62 Inside Manual Daymight Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-54 MMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 MountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34

9-7

N e t . Convenience .............................. 2-61 Neutral. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 New Vehicle Break-In ........................... 2-19 Nightvision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78

Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72 Odometer. Trip ................................. 2-72 Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 13 Oil. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 OilLifeIndex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87 Oil Pressure Light .............................. 2-80 Oil. Supercharger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Opener. Garage Door ....................... 2-56. 2-64 Outside Mirrors ................................ 2-54 Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 12 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-39 Owner Publications. Ordering ..................... 8- 10

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ ParadeDimming ............................... Park

Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Shifting Out of ............................... 2-30 AtNight .................... Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 2-15 . . . . . . . . . 2-27

Parking

6-64 2-49

9-8

Brake Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 ........................ Over Things That Burn 2-31 With a Trailer ................................ 4-38 Passenger Climate Control ......................... 3-9 Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 PASS-Key 2-17 Perimeter Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.47. 2.92 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Personal Choice Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 DICDisplay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-85 Radio Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Personal Choice Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

6 ................................ I11

Delayed Loclung ........................ 2.11. 2.90 Memory Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5. 2.90 Perimeter Lighting ....................... 2.47. 2.92 Programming. DIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88 Security Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 11. 2.91

Power

DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Remote Control Mirror Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Seatback Recliner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

. . . . . . . .

Power. Retained Accessory

Power Seat

Lumbar Controls .............................. 1-2 Memory Function .............................. 1-3 Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-19 ............................ 5-1 Problems on the Road Protection. Lockout .............................. 2-8 Publications. Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 10

Radiator ..................................... Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... Radio Reception ................................ Radios .......................... 3.10.14.3.18. Theft Deterrent Feature ........................ Rain. Driving In ................................ RainSenseWipers .............................. Reading Lamps Rear

...........................

5- 19 6-28 3-33 3.21 3-30 4-18 2-38 2-48. 2-49

DoorSecurityLocks ........................... Outside Seat Position .......................... Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... .............................. Seat Passengers Storage Armrest .............................. Towing ..................................... Window Defogger ............................. Rear Seat Cushion. Removing ..................... Rearview Mirror Electrochromic Daymight ...................... 2-50 Electrochromic Daymight with Compass . . . . . . . . . . 2-51 Inside Daymight ............................. 2-50 Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-5

2-7 1-28 1-31 1-28 2-60 5-10 3-8 6-73

6-77

5.15. 5.16

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-44 Recovery Tank. Coolant ..................... Refrigerants. Air Conditioning .................... Remote Fuel Door Release ............................. 6-7 Keyless Entry ................................. 2-8 Keyless Entry. Instant Alarm ..................... 2-9 Keyless Entry. Personal Choice Features ........... 2-10 ................ 2-11 Keyless Entry. Security Feedback Keyless Entry. Synchronization .................. 2-10 Trunk Release ................................ 2-14 Bulbs ...................................... Parts ....................................... Wheel ...................................... Replacing Safety Belts ........................... Reporting Safety Defects ...................... Restraints

6-75 6-78 6-54 1-48 8-8, 8-9

Replacement

Checking ................................... l-47 Child ....................................... l-35 Head ........................................ l-7 Replacing Parts After a Crash ................... 1-48 Systemcheck ................................ 7-40 Reverse, Automatic Transaxle ..................... 2-24 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-20 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Roadside Assistance, Canadian ..................... 8-5 Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-34 Rotation, Tires ................................. 6-50

9-9

safety Belt Extender ............................ 1-47 Safety Belts .................................... 1-8 Adults ...................................... l-13 Care ....................................... 6-60 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-26 Children .................................... 1-33 1 - 13 Driver Position ............................... Extender .................................... l-47 1 - 13 How to Wear Properly ......................... Incorrect Usage .................... 1-15,l-45, 1-46 Lap Belt ............................... 1-26, 1-28 Lap-Shoulder ........................... 1-13, 1-28 LargerChildren ..........,................... l-44 ........................ 1-12 Questions and Answers Rear Comfort Guides .......................... 1-3 1 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............ 1-28 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-28 Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 2-73 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-48 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-20 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-33 Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-19 WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-9 Safety Chains .................................. 4-36 Safety Defects, Reporting ..................... 8-8, 8-9 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols ...................... vu1 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4

Seatback

Seats

1-5 1-5

Power Recliner ................................ ............................... Reclining Front Heated ...................................... 1-5 Lumbar Control ............................... 1-2 Memory ..................................... l-3 Power ....................................... l-2 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 SeatControls ................................. l-2 Securing a Child Restraint ............ 1-37,l-39, 1-41 Second Gear, Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Security Feedback ......................... 2-11, 2-91 Security System ........................... 2-16, 2-17 Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins, Ordering ............................ 8-10 Manuals, Ordering ............................ 8-10 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-66 Publications, Ordering .......................... 8-10 Work, Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications ................... 8-10 ServicePublications ............................. 8-10 Servicing Your A r Bag-Equipped Buick ............ 1-26 ............................ Sheet Metal Damage 6-63 ShiftLever .................................... 2-23 Shifting .......................... Automatic Transaxle Into Park (P) ................................. Outofpark ..................................

2-23 2-28 2-30

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-15 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-35 Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-33 Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-34 Speaker Covers. Cleaning ........................ 6-59 Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-77 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72 SRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20 Stains. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-41 Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 In Emergencies ............................... 4- 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magnasteer Rrf 4- 10 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-34 Steering Wheel Touch Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9. 3-32 Storageheas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Storage. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33 Sunvisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62 Supercharged Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 12 Superchargeroil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Supplemental Restraint System .................... 1-20 Symbols. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-40 Tape Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Temperature Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Theater Dimming ............................... 2-47 Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Alarmsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 THEFTLOCK" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28 Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Time. Setting the ............................... 3-10 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 TireLoading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-54 BuyingNew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-22 Cleaning .................................... 6-63 Compact Spare ............................... 5-34 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Inflation Check ............................... 7-39 Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Temperature ................................. 6-54

!

Tires (Continued)

Trailer

Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Uniform Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 1 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-54 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-5 1 Top Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36 TorqueLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30 Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... 5-29. 6-76 Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-7 Traction Control System ................................ Control System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.76. 4.9 Brakes ..................................... 4-36 Driving on Grades ............................ 4-38 Drivingwith ................................. 4-36 Hitches ..................................... 4-35 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-38 Parkingonfills .............................. 4-38 Safety Chains ................................ 4-36 Tongueweight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Total Weight on Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Turnsignals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37 Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Transaxle Fluid. Automatic ....................... 6-21 Transmitters. Matching to Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12 9-12

4-9

Transmitters. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-72 Trunk Accesspanel ................................ 2-61 LockRelease ................................ 2-14 Lockout. Remote Release ...................... 2-14 Release. Remote .............................. 2-14 Security Override ............................. 2-14 TrunkLamp ................................... 2-49 Trunk Mounted CD Changer ...................... 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 TTY Users Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-36 Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37 Twilight Sentinel ............................... 2-46

Underbody Flushing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-64 Universal Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64

Vehicle

Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix Damage Warnings Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78 Identification Number ......................... 6-66 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34

Ventilation System ............................... 3-6 Visor Vanity Mirror. Illuminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62 Visors. Sun .................................... 2-62 Voltage Indicator ............................... 2-74

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73 Warranty Information ............................. 8-8 ........................ 6-29 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................... 6-61 Washing Your Vehicle Weatherstrips .................................. 6-60 Wheel Alignment .................................. Nut Torque ............................. Replacement ................................. Wrench ..................................... WindowLock ..................................

6-54 5-29, 6-76 6-54 5-24 2-33

Windshield Wiper

Windshield Washer

Windows ..................................... Express-Down ............................... Power ...................................... ............................. Fluid .................................. Fluid Level Check ............................ .............................. Bladecleaning ............................... Blade Replacement ........................... Windshield Wipers, Rain Sense .................... Winter Driving ................................. Wiper Blade Check ............................. Wiper Blades, Cleaning .......................... WreckerTowing ................................. Wrench, Wheel .................................

2-33 2-33 2-33 2-39 2-39, 6-29 7-39 2-37 6-60 6-46 2-38 4-26 7-40 6-60 5-7 5-24

9-13

Service Station Checkpoints

REMOTE BATTERY TERMINAL

P5-5

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

P6-13

\; . .. A/

TIRES

RECOVERY TANK

P6-26

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

P6-29

RELEASE TAB

P6-7

FUEL DOOR P6-6

REMOTE FUEL

DOOR AND TRUNK

RELEASE

P2-14 AND 6-7

For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the Index in the back of the owner’s manual. 9-14

The 1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8- 1

9- 1

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

iii

“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

vi

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.

vii

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.”

viii

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.

ix

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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1-13 1-13 1-19 1-20 1-20 1-26

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

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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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I

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