Page 1 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 Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
Page 2 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.
Page 3: How To Use This Manual
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.
Page 4: Vehicle Damage Warnings
Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: 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.
Page 5: Vehicle Symbols
Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
Page 6 yellowblue NOTES...
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle 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. Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask...
Page 8: Seats And Seat Controls
Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats and also about memory seats, reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Power Seats Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by holding the front part of the horizontal control up how to adjust them, or down.
Page 9 4-Way Power Lumbar Control (Option) 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.
Page 10 2. 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. 3. Press one of the two MEMORY buttons corresponding with your driver number, for longer than three seconds.
Page 11 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.
Page 12: Reclining Front Seatbacks
Reclining Front Seatbacks The vertical control described previously in this section reclines the front seatbacks. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. CAUTION: 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.
Page 13: Head Restraints
Head Restraints Use this 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.
Page 14: Safety Belts: They're For Everyone
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. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly.
Page 15: Why Safety Belts 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.
Page 16 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-10...
Page 17 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-11...
Page 18: Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- And The Answers
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. 1-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts...
Page 19: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly
If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident even one that isn’t your fault your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.
Page 20 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. 1-14 3.
Page 21 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.
Page 22 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-16 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
Page 23 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. CAUTION: 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.
Page 24 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-18 CAUTION: 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.
Page 25 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
Page 26: Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
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.
Page 27: Right Front Passenger Position
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.
Page 28 CAUTION: (Continued) 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. And, for unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
Page 29 CAUTION: (Continued) Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.
Page 30 The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-24 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear.
Page 31 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.
Page 32 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.
Page 33: Lap Belt
CAUTION: 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.
Page 34: Rear Seat Passengers
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.
Page 35 Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
Page 36 yellowblue 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
Page 37 yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-31...
Page 38: Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides For Children And Small Adults
yellowblue 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.
Page 39 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.
Page 40: Children
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.
Page 41 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.
Page 42 CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-36 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240...
Page 43: Child Restraints
Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. What are the different types of add child restraints? on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will...
Page 44 yellowblue A rear facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash.
Page 45 yellowblue A forward facing child restraint (C E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age.
Page 46 yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Page 47: Where To Put The Restraint
When choosing a child restraint, 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 vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
Page 48: Top Strap
CAUTION: A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat.
Page 49: Securing A Child Restraint In A Rear Outside Seat Position
If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, 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. This work will be done for you free of charge.
Page 50 4. 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. 1-44 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.
Page 51 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. CAUTION: A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right...
Page 52 1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
Page 53: Front Seat Position
6. 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. 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.
Page 54 3. 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.
Page 55: Larger Children
6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7.
Page 56 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.
Page 57 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a 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.
Page 58: Safety Belt Extender
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.
Page 59 Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, 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.
Page 60 Keys CAUTION: Leaving 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 children.
Page 61 The master key is used When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the for the ignition, as well as all door locks and first owner. storage compartments. Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys.
Page 62: Door Locks
Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children 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.
Page 63: Central Door Unlocking System
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 unlock. Power Door Locks With power door locks, you can lock or unlock all doors...
Page 64 Customizing Your Memory Door Locks Feature You can program the memory door locks feature to one of the following modes: Mode 0: No automatic door lock or unlock. Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. Mode 2: All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P).
Page 65: Delayed Locking
You can also program the memory door locks feature using the Driver Information Center. See “Driver Information Center Personal Choice Programming” in the Index. Delayed Locking This feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of the vehicle. When the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry LOCK button 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...
Page 66: Rear Door Security Locks
Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. Using One of These Locks 1. Open one of the rear doors. 2.
Page 67: Lockout Protection
Lockout Protection The power door locks will not work if the key is left in the ignition and the driver’s door is open. You can override this feature by holding the power door lock switch on the driver’s door 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...
Page 68 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 or...
Page 69 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, memory seats, perimeter lighting, parallel park assist mirror and window lockout. See each feature in the Index. You can also personalize your comfort control temperature, mode and fan settings.
Page 70: Matching Transmitter(S) To Your Vehicle
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 LOCK on the power door lock switch on the door throughout the procedure.
Page 71: Battery Replacement
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.
Page 72: Trunk Lock Release
Resynchronization After replacing the battery in your transmitter, or if only the instant alarm works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for about eight seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle.
Page 73: Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The remote keyless entry system will also unlock your trunk if the ignition is off, or if the ignition is on and the transaxle is in PARK (P). Remote Trunk Release Lockout The remote trunk release lockout button allows you to secure items in the trunk.
Page 74: Content Theft Deterrent System
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? If possible, park in a busy, well lit area. Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box.
Page 75: Testing The Alarm
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.
Page 76 PASS Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft deterrent system. PASS Key III 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.
Page 77 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.
Page 78: Ignition Positions
New Vehicle “Break In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Don’t drive at any one speed slow for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full throttle starts.
Page 79 ACCESSORY (A): In this position you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you. LOCK (B): This is the only position from which you can remove the key. This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle.
Page 80: Retained Accessory Power
NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard.
Page 81 NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
Page 82: Automatic Transaxle Operation
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110 CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
Page 83 CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
Page 84 CAUTION: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects.
Page 85 SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.
Page 86: Parking Brake
Parking Brake This vehicle has a PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake pedal. To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. Whether the ignition key is in RUN or OFF, the brake system warning light stays on while the parking brake is set.
Page 87: Steering Column Shift Lever
Shifting Into PARK (P) CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
Page 88 Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). 2-30 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running...
Page 89: Torque Lock
Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Page 90: Parking Over Things That Burn
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1.
Page 91: Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Page 92: Power Windows
CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
Page 93: Tilt Wheel
Express Down Window The switch for the driver’s window has an express feature. Pull the switch back all the way, release it and the window will lower automatically. To stop the window from lowering, pull the switch again. To partially open the window, pull the switch back half way.
Page 94: Turn Signal And Lane Change Indicator
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer Windshield Wipers and Washer Cruise Control Flash Pass 2-36 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions.
Page 95 An arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change. If your vehicle is equipped with the Head (HUD), an arrow will also appear in the display area to indicate the direction of the turn or lane change. To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash.
Page 96: Windshield Wipers
Flash-To-Pass Feature This feature lets you use your high signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It works even if your headlamps are off. To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, but not so far that you hear a click.
Page 97 Moisture Sensing Delay Windshield Wipers (If Equipped) The moisture sensor is mounted on the passenger’s interior side of the windshield behind the rearview mirror and is used to automatically operate the wipers by monitoring the amount of moisture on the windshield. The moisture sensing system is activated by turning the wiper control band to one of the five sensitivity levels...
Page 98: Cruise Control
It is important to note that the moisture wiping feature can be overridden at any time by manually turning the wiper band to LO or HI speed. If the windshield on your vehicle ever needs replacement, make sure that the new windshield is moisture sensing delay compatible.
Page 99 If your vehicle is in cruise control when the optional traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. (See “Traction Control System” in the Index.) When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control back on.
Page 100 Resuming a Set Speed Setting the cruise control at a desired speed and then applying the brake will end the cruise control function. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (Resume/Accelerate) briefly to reset.
Page 101: Exterior Lamps
Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down.
Page 102: Daytime Running Lamps
Pull the headlamp knob out to the first position to turn on the parking, license and sidemarker lamps. Pull the knob out further, to the second position, to turn on the headlamps. Push the knob all the way back in to turn off the parking and headlamps.
Page 103: Cornering Lamps
When it’s dark enough outside, your high headlamps will change to low beam headlamps at full brightness. The other lamps that turn on with your headlamps will also turn on. When it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps will turn off, and your high beam headlamps change to the reduced brightness of DRL.
Page 104: Interior Lamps
Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control Instrument panel light brightness can be adjusted by turning the headlamp knob counterclockwise and clockwise. Courtesy Lamps When any door is opened, several lamps go on. They make it easy for you to enter and leave the car. You can also turn these lamps on by turning the headlamp knob clockwise all the way past the normal stop.
Page 105: Perimeter Lighting
Perimeter Lighting When the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the daytime running lamps (high beams at reduced intensity), parking lamps and back lamps will come on if it is dark enough outside according to the twilight sentinel. This feature will only be activated when the security feedback feature is programmed to be in Modes 1, 3 or 5 on the transmitter.
Page 106: Front Reading Lamps
Front Reading Lamps These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps will come on when you open a door. They will turn off when you turn on the ignition. To turn on the front seat reading lamps when the doors are closed, press the button behind the lamp you want on.
Page 107: Battery Rundown Protection
Battery Rundown Protection This feature shuts off all lamps that are left on for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is off. This will keep your battery from running down. Mirrors Inside Manual Day/Night Rearview Mirror When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle.
Page 108 Mirror Operation To turn on the automatic dimming feature, press AUTO. To turn off automatic dimming, press OFF. The green indicator light will be illuminated when this feature is active. Time Delay The automatic mirror has a time delay feature which prevents unnecessary switching from the night back to the day position.
Page 109 When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing. Use a cotton swab and glass cleaner to clean the photocells when necessary.
Page 110 To adjust for compass variance: 1. Press and hold the COMPASS button located at the bottom of the mirror until a zone number appears in the display. 2. Find your current location and variance zone number on the following zone map. 2-52 3.
Page 111 Power Remote Control Mirror Your vehicle has an electric mirror control located on the driver’s door armrest. Move the switch below the control to choose the right or left mirror. If you place the switch in the center position, no movement of the mirror will occur. To adjust the mirror, push the arrow control in the direction you want the mirror to go.
Page 112: Storage Compartments
Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right.
Page 113 Garage Door Opener Compartment The garage door opener storage area is located in the headliner near the reading lamps. The following chart and instructions will help you install your garage door opener in the overhead storage area. 1. Push the extended tab (above the GARAGE button) or insert a screwdriver between the tab and outer edge of the cover.
Page 114 Your Garage Door Transmitter Vehicle Console Door Position For Adapter(s) Name Model Button MULTIELMAC 3033 MULTIELMAC 1048 MULTIELMAC 1087 MULTIELMAC 3060 MULTIELMAC 1098 OVERHEAD 1-BTN 223 DOOR OVERHEAD 2-BTN 265 DOOR OVERHEAD 3-BTN 242 DOOR OVERHEAD 4-BTN 232 DOOR PULSAR PULSAR 2-56 Your Garage Door Transmitter...
Page 115 Your Garage Door Transmitter Vehicle Console Door Position For Adapter(s) Name Model Button PULSAR PULSAR PULSAR 832C PULSAR 833B PULSAR PDX-9921 SEARS 9B53738 SEARS 9B53708 SHIMA RT-18 STANLEY 1047 STANLEY 1050 STANLEY 1076 STANLEY 1079 STANLEY 1075 STANLEY 331-1052 Your Garage Door Transmitter Number Of Adapter(s) Name...
Page 116 3. Place the height adapters on the proper peg using the suggested combinations or by lining up the height adapters and the transmitter button on your garage door opener. 4. Use the Velcro found in the storage area and a ttach the garage door opener securely inside the console.
Page 117 Front Center Console (Option) Your vehicle may have a center console that opens to two storage compartments. The front of the console has two cupholders that can be unfolded for use. Flip the center of the console forward to use the built surface on top of the lid.
Page 118: Ashtrays And Cigarette Lighter
Rear Seat Pass Through Your vehicle is equipped with a rear storage armrest with a pass through feature that allows for trunk access. Pull the rear armrest down, then push down on the trunk access panel latch to open the panel. To close, push the access panel until it latches.
Page 119: Cigarette Lighter
Cigarette Lighter There are cigarette lighters near the front and rear ashtrays. To use one, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. NOTICE: If you hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready.
Page 120: Auxiliary Power Outlets
Auxiliary Power Outlets Your vehicle may have one or two power outlets depending on the type of front seat you have. If your front seat has a fold down armrest, the power outlet is located in the center of the front seat below the cushion. If your vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console, you will find one outlet inside the storage compartment and the other on the lower front edge of...
Page 121: Garment Hooks
Assist Straps An assist strap over each rear door and the front passenger’s door can be used to help you get in or out of your vehicle. Garment Hooks For your convenience, you will find a two capacity garment hook above each rear door near the reading lamps.
Page 122 Universal Transmitter (If Equipped) This transmitter allows you to consolidate the functions of up to three individual hand held transmitters. It will operate garage doors and gates, or other devices controlled by radio frequency such as home/office lighting systems. 2-64 The transmitter will learn and transmit the frequencies of most current transmitters and is powered by your vehicle’s battery and charging system.
Page 123 Programming the Universal Transmitter Do not use the Universal Transmitter with any garage door opener that does not have the “stop and reverse” safety feature. This includes any garage door opener model manufactured before April 1, 1982. Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage door you are programming.
Page 124 Note to Canadian Owners: During programming, the hand held transmitter may automatically stop transmitting after one or two seconds. In this case, you should press and re press the button on the hand transmitter every two seconds without ever releasing the button on the Universal Transmitter.
Page 125 2. Press the training button on the garage door opener motor head unit. Note: Following this step, you have 30 seconds to start Step 3. 3. Return to the Universal Transmitter in your vehicle and firmly press and release the Universal Transmitter button you have already programmed for two to three seconds.
Page 126 yellowblue The Instrument Panel Your Information System 2-68...
Page 127 The main components of your instrument panel are: A. Air Outlet B. Headlamps/Parking Lamps Switch C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever D. Instrument Cluster/Gages E. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch F. Climate Control System and Audio Steering Wheel Controls G. Gearshift Lever H. Audio System I.
Page 128: Instrument Panel Cluster
yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following instrument panel clusters. Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages.
Page 129 yellowblue Cluster With DIC (United States version shown, Canadian similar) 2-71...
Page 130: Speedometer And Odometer
Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
Page 131: Safety Belt Reminder Light
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement.
Page 132: Air Bag Readiness Light
Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
Page 133: Brake System Warning Light
Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
Page 134 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti system, the light(s) will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal. If the light stays on and the chime sounds, turn the ignition to OFF.
Page 135: Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The traction control system warning light may come on for the following reasons: If you turn the system off by pressing the button located on the end of the shift lever, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again.
Page 136 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
Page 137 This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: Light Flashing A misfire condition has been...
Page 138 Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration.
Page 139: Fuel Gage
Service Vehicle Soon Light This light will come on if you have certain emission related vehicle problems. For example, if the entire electrical system fails to send and receive messages from the vehicle’s components, the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning light comes on. These problems may not be obvious and may affect vehicle performance or durability.
Page 140 Head Up Display (HUD) (If Equipped) CAUTION: If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in your field of view, it may take you more time to see things you need to see when it’s dark outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim and placed low in your field of view.
Page 141 NOTICE: Although the HUD image appears to be near the front of the vehicle, do not use it as a parking aid. The HUD was not designed for that purpose. If you try to use the display as a marker for the front of your vehicle, such as in a parking lot, you may misjudge distance and hit an obstacle or another vehicle.
Page 142 Care of the HUD Clean the inside of the windshield as necessary to remove any dirt or film that reduces the sharpness or clarity of the HUD image. To clean the HUD lens, spray household glass cleaner on a soft, clean cloth. Gently wipe and dry the HUD lens.
Page 143: Dic Controls And Displays
GAGE INFO: Use this button to display oil pressure, oil life, coolant temperature, tire pressure and battery information. RESET: This button, used along with other buttons, will reset system functions. ENG/MET: Use this button to change the display between English and metric units. DIC Controls and Displays There are two lines in the DIC display.
Page 144 Instantaneous Fuel Economy: Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows FUEL ECONOMY INST. Instantaneous fuel economy varies with your driving conditions, such as acceleration, braking and the grade of the road being traveled. The RESET button does not function in this mode.
Page 145 Tire Pressure Status: Press the GAGE INFO button until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when the Check Tire Pressure System believes your vehicle’s tire pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure problem is detected, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES.
Page 146 UNLOCK button on your transmitter or the appropriate memory seat control. 3. Press and hold the ENG/MET button for five seconds. WELCOME TO BUICK OPTION FEATURE will appear in the display. The next display will be your driver number and the message ARMREST BUTTON CHANGES DRIVER #.
Page 147 4. Scroll through the following messages and feature options: PARALLEL PARK OFF/ON AUTO DOOR LOCKS OFF/ON UNLOCK IN PARK OFF/ON WHICH DOORS ALL/DRIVER DELAYED LOCKING OFF/ON LOCK FEEDBACK OFF/ON LOCK FEEDBACK LIGHTS/LIGHTS + HORN UNLOCK FEEDBACK OFF/LIGHTS PERIMETER LIGHTS OFF/ON SEAT RECALL OFF/ON RECALL POSITION...
Page 148 Memory Door Locks The memory door lock modes, when shifting in and out of PARK (P), can be changed through the DIC. You can change these modes by different selections of the following DIC displays: AUTO DOOR LOCKS OFF/ON UNLOCK IN PARK OFF/ON If you choose OFF for AUTO DOOR LOCKS, your door locks will operate normally with no...
Page 149 Security Feedback By choosing different combinations of these selections, you can choose the type of transmitter activated feedback when locking and unlocking your vehicle with your transmitter. Each time you make a selection by pressing the ENG/MET button, press the RESET button to record your choice.
Page 150 Perimeter Lighting When the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed, the DRL lamps (high beams at reduced intensity), parking lamps and back up lamps will turn on if it is dark enough according to the twilight sentinel. You can control activation of this feature by choosing OFF or ON when the PERIMETER LIGHTS choice is displayed on the DIC.
Page 151 Window Lockout The number of passenger windows locked out by the WINDOW LOCK switch can be programmed through the DIC. If you choose ALL PASS, all three passenger window switches will be inactive when the WINDOW LOCK switch is enabled. If you choose REAR, only the two rear passenger window switches will be locked out when the WINDOW LOCK switch is enabled.
Page 152 yellowblue NOTES 2-94...
Page 153 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls Personal Choice Comfort Controls (If Equipped) Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control...
Page 154: Comfort Controls
Comfort Controls This section tells you how to operate your comfort controls. Your comfort control system uses ozone friendly R 134a refrigerant. With these systems, you can control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a flow through ventilation system described later in this section.
Page 155 Sun and temperature sensors automatically adjust the air temperature, the airflow direction and the fan speed to maintain your comfort setting. The system may supply cooler air to the side toward the sun. Be careful not to put anything over the sensors on top of the dash. Temperature Button To adjust the comfort level you want maintained inside the vehicle, push the TEMP button.
Page 156 Automatic Operation Press the AUTO button when you want the system to automatically adjust to changes in the temperature. When the system is set for automatic operation, air will come from the floor, middle or windshield outlets depending on the temperature inside the vehicle, the outside temperature and sun load.
Page 157: Air Conditioning
The ventilation system always allows fresh air to flow through your vehicle when the vehicle is moving, even with the system in the OFF mode. VENT: The VENT button allows outside air to flow through your vehicle without the air conditioning compressor working.
Page 158: Rear Window Defogger
Heating Press AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing the TEMP up or down arrow. You may also adjust the dual automatic comfortemp system manually by pressing the AIR FLOW button until FLOOR appears. Again, adjust the temperature by pressing the TEMP up or down arrow.
Page 159: Ventilation System
NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid or the integrated rear window antenna, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Passenger Climate Control The front seat passenger can control the air temperature in their seating area.
Page 160 Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the louvered vents. You have rear passenger comfortemp outlets that you can use to adjust the direction of the airflow to the rear seating area. The temperature is controlled by the front passenger setting. yellowblue...
Page 161: Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Ventilation Tips Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction such as leaves. The heater and defroster will work better, reducing the chance of fogging your windows. Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects.
Page 162: Setting The Clock
Steering Wheel Controls for Climate Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control the temperature function by using the button on your steering wheel. Press the TEMP up arrow to increase the temperature and the TEMP down arrow to decrease the temperature.
Page 163 Playing the Radio VOLUME: This knob turns the system on and off and controls the volume. To increase volume and turn the radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press the upper knob briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock.
Page 164 Setting the Tone BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease bass. TREB: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.
Page 165 PREV (1): Press this button to search for the previous selection on the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for PREV to work. The sound will mute while seeking. NEXT (2): Press this button to search for the next selection on the tape.
Page 166 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) Playing the Radio VOLUME: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock.
Page 167 4. Press TONE to select the setting you prefer. 5. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons. The sound will mute. When it returns, release the button. Whenever you press that numbered button, the station you set will return and the tone you selected will be automatically selected for that button.
Page 168 Playing a Cassette Tape The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If the ignition and the radio are on, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape and start over.
Page 169 SIDE (5): Press this button to change the side of the tape that is playing. (6): Press this button to reduce background noise. The double D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Page 170 RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press the button until you see the display you want, then hold the button until the display flashes.
Page 171 Setting the Tone BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease bass. TREB: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.
Page 172 PREV (1): Press this button to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. The sound will mute while seeking.
Page 173 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) Playing the Radio VOLUME: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock.
Page 174 PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select the band. 3.
Page 175 Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound to the front or rear speakers.
Page 176 (3): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape reverses. "" (4): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed.
Page 177 E20: There’s too much moisture in the air. (Wait about an hour and try again.) If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem.
Page 178 Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option) With the optional compact disc changer, you can play up to 12 discs continuously. Normal size discs may be played using the trays supplied in the magazine. The small discs (8 cm) can be played only with specially designed trays.
Page 179 Close the door by sliding it all the way to the left. If the door is left partially open, the changer will not operate and an error will occur. When the door is closed, the changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will continue for up to two minutes depending on the number of discs loaded.
Page 180 The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again. The CD changer door is open. Completely close the door to restore normal operation. An empty magazine is inserted in the CD changer. Try the magazine again with a disc loaded on one of the trays.
Page 181: Personal Choice Radio Controls
SOURCE: Press this button to play a CD if you have a magazine loaded in the changer and the radio is playing. To return to the radio while a CD is playing, press FM. You can also press this button to switch between a cassette tape, CD or the CD changer if all three are loaded.
Page 182 NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4. 1. Write down any three or four digit number from 000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle.
Page 183: Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Disabling the Theft Deterrent Feature Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down until SEC shows on the display.
Page 184 SCAN: Press this button to scan the stations preset on your radio pushbuttons. This feature works like your radio’s P SCAN button and allows you to listen to each of your preset stations for a few seconds. The radio will go to the first preset station, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station.
Page 185: Care Of Your Cassette Tape Player
To help avoid hearing loss or damage: Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly. NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two way radio be sure you can...
Page 186 When using a scrubbing action, non cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. If the cleaning cassette ejects, insert the cassette at least three times to ensure thorough cleaning.
Page 187 Care of Your Compact Disc Player The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. Heated Backlite Antenna Your AM FM antenna is integrated with your rear window defogger, located in the rear window.
Page 188 yellowblue NOTES 3-36...
Page 189 Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving. Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Road Recovery...
Page 190: Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
Page 191: Drunken Driving
Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
Page 192 It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
Page 193: Control Of A Vehicle
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
Page 194: Braking
Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time.
Page 195: Anti-Lock Brakes (Abs)
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
Page 196 Here’s how anti lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.
Page 197 Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Page 198: Steering
To turn the system off, press the button located at the end of the shift lever. The traction control system warning light will come on and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the warning light will come but the system won’t turn off right away.
Page 199: Steering Tips
Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
Page 200: Steering In Emergencies
Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
Page 201: Off - Road Recovery
Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Page 202 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
Page 203: Loss Of Control
Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Page 204: Driving At Night
Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. 4-16 Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively.
Page 205: Night Vision
Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50 driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20 year old.
Page 206: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads
yellowblue Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
Page 207 Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them. CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents.
Page 208: City Driving
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine.
Page 209: Freeway Driving
Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross country trip.
Page 210 At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow.
Page 211: Before Leaving On A Long Trip
Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check before a trip:...
Page 212: Highway Hypnosis
Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Page 213 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle.
Page 214: Winter Driving
Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your trunk. 4-26 Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles.
Page 215: Driving On Snow Or Ice
Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip”...
Page 216 Your anti lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti Lock”...
Page 217 Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
Page 218: Recreational Vehicle Towing
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
Page 219: Loading Your Vehicle
Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire Loading Information label found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle.
Page 220 CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash.
Page 221: Towing A Trailer
Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Page 222: Weight Of The Trailer
And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Buick Motor Division Customer Relations Center P.O. Box 5039 Troy, MI 48007-5039...
Page 223: Weight Of The Trailer Tongue
Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.
Page 224: Safety Chains
Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for hitches.
Page 225: Driving With A Trailer
Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
Page 226: Making Turns
Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
Page 227: Driving On Grades
Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down to THIRD (3) and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and...
Page 228: Maintenance When Trailer Towing
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: Start your engine; Shift into a gear; and Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3.
Page 229 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating Cooling System If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow...
Page 230: Hazard Warning Flashers
Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. Press the button in to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
Page 231: Jump Starting
Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. But please follow the steps in this part to do it safely. CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: They contain acid that can burn you.
Page 232 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.
Page 233 CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
Page 234 8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 9. Now connect the black negative ( to the good battery’s negative ( Don’t let the other end touch anything until the...
Page 235: Towing Your Vehicle
13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. A. Heavy Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: To help avoid serious personal injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
Page 236: Engine Overheating
NOTICE: Use the proper towing equipment to avoid damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas of the vehicle. With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is essential that the correct towing equipment is used to tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel or car carrier equipment.
Page 237 CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
Page 238: Cooling System
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the window as necessary.
Page 239 CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.
Page 240 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
Page 241 NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Page 242 yellowblue CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap even a little they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
Page 243: How To Add Coolant To The Radiator
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops.
Page 244 3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture.) 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL COLD mark.
Page 245: If A Tire Goes Flat
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this. If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out”...
Page 246: Changing A Flat Tire
Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people.
Page 247: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Instructions for changing your tires are on the inside of the tire cover. You can rest the cover near you for easy reference while you change the tire. 1.
Page 248 Removing Wheel Covers and Wheel Nut Caps The following steps are necessary if you have the alloy (aluminum) wheel with a center cover that conceals the wheel nuts. 1. Insert the flat end of the wheel wrench in the notch and pry off the center cover. Do not drop the cover or lay it face down, as it could be scratched or damaged.
Page 249: Spare Tire
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Use the wheel wrench to loosen the wheel nuts, but don’t remove them yet. 2. The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench to the bolt to create a jack handle.
Page 250 CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
Page 251 7. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
Page 252 9. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-24 10. Using the wheel wrench, tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence. CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off.
Page 253 NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Page 254 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. 5-26 Store the compact spare tire and tools as shown in the diagram.
Page 255: Compact Spare Tire
Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
Page 256: If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Or Snow
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
Page 257 yellowblue NOTES 5-29...
Page 258 yellowblue NOTES 5-30...
Page 259 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
Page 260: Doing Your Own Service Work
Service Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll...
Page 261 CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
Page 262 (See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.) If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Page 263: Fuels In Foreign Countries
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Page 264: Filling Your Tank
Filling Your Tank CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline. The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of your vehicle.
Page 265 While refueling, hang the tethered cap on the fuel door latch. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Page 266 NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and your fuel tank and emissions system may be damaged.
Page 267 Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire.
Page 268 Then go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary hood release. It is under the front edge of the grille. 6-10 Lift up on this lever as you lift up the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly.
Page 269 3800 Series II Engine (L36) When you open the hood on the 3800 (L36) engine, here’s what you will see (3800 Supercharged (L67) engine similar): A. Battery E. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick B. Radiator Pressure Cap F. Brake Master Cylinder C.
Page 270: Engine Oil
Supercharged Engine (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a 3800 Supercharged engine. Supercharging, rather than turbocharging, emphasizes smooth, refined power. The supercharger is a device designed to pump more air into the engine than it would normally use. This air mixed with fuel creates increased engine power.
Page 271: When To Add Engine Oil
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Page 272: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use
NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. Add engine oil at the engine oil fill cap next to the oil dipstick.
Page 273 As shown in the chart, SAE 10W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W to be colder than 60 F (16 C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 30.
Page 274: Engine Oil Additives
Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. When to Change Engine Oil If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city maintenance schedule: Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
Page 275: What To Do With Used Oil
What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner.
Page 276 yellowblue 1. Remove the wing nuts on the air cleaner 2. Remove the air intake hose that snaps over the housing cover. throttle body by pulling the hose upward and away from the throttle body. As you are detaching the hose, remove the air cleaner housing cover by pulling upward and rearward.
Page 277 3. Replace the air filter. 4. Reattach the air intake hose. 5. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned.
Page 278: Supercharger Oil
Supercharger Oil Unless you are technically qualified and have the proper tools, you should let your dealer or a qualified service center perform this maintenance. When to Check Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every 36 months, whichever occurs first. What Kind of Oil to Use See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”...
Page 279: Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90...
Page 280 Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90 At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180 F (82...
Page 281: How To Add Fluid
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross hatched area. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way. How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use.
Page 282: Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE: Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
Page 283 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
Page 284: Checking Coolant
NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Page 285 If this ENG. COOLANT LOW CHECK LEVEL message comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
Page 286: Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Page 287: Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Page 288: Brake Fluid
Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT brake fluid. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
Page 289 What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Maintenance Schedule. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.
Page 290: Brake Wear
Brake Wear Your vehicle has four wheel disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built in wear indicators that make a high pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
Page 291: Vehicle Storage
Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top quality GM brake parts.
Page 292: Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement The following procedure tells you how to replace your headlamp bulbs. For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulbs not listed in this section, contact your service department. Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
Page 293 yellowblue 1. Remove the thumb screws by turning 2. Pull the headlamp away from the car. them counterclockwise. 6-35...
Page 294 3. Remove the bulb socket by turning it one of a turn counterclockwise, while pressing it firmly, then pull it out. You can use pliers to remove the bulb socket if you are unable to do it by hand. 4. Remove the wire connector from the bulb by lifting the lock tab and pulling it away from the plastic base.
Page 295 Headlamp Aiming The headlamp aiming device is under the hood, directly behind the headlamps. Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been set at the factory and should need no further adjustment.
Page 296 The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows: The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly level surface. If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven surface. The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud attached to it.
Page 297: Front Turn Signal
2. Turn the vertical aiming screw (C) until the level bubble (D) is lined up with zero. Front Turn Signal The front turn signal bulbs can be accessed by removing the headlamp assembly as described in the previous bulb replacement procedure. Once the headlamp assembly has been removed, reach down from the top of...
Page 298 Rear Turn Signal/Stoplamp 1. Open the trunk. On either side of the rear of the trunk is a plastic retainer that holds the cargo net and taillamp assembly in place. 2. Unhook the cargo net from the cargo net retainer and remove the retainer by turning it counterclockwise.
Page 299 6. Pull the taillamp assembly away from the vehicle. 7. Remove the bulb socket assembly by turning the socket one turn counterclockwise and pulling it out. 8. Once the socket has been removed, pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket.
Page 300 Rear Turn Signals/Stoplamps/Back-Up Lamps Turn lamps, stoplamps and back up bulbs are located behind the taillamp assembly along the trunk lid. The following instructions explain how to access these bulbs. 6-42 1. There are four studs located at the edge of the trunk lid.
Page 301 3. Next, there are six fasteners along the top of the trunk lid (three on each side), holding the trunk trim in place. Remove these fasteners. 4. Hold the trunk trim back to expose the three remaining nuts holding the taillamp assembly in place.
Page 302 yellowblue 5. From inside the trunk compartment, use a 10 mm 6. Pull the taillamp assembly away from the trunk lid. wrench to remove the nuts from the studs. The bulbs are located on the back side of the assembly. 6-44...
Page 303: Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
7. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. You can use pliers to remove the bulb socket if you are unable to do it by hand. 8. Once the socket has been removed, pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket.
Page 304 Your new vehicle comes with high a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Buick Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
Page 305 CAUTION: (Continued) Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured or broken by a sudden impact such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires have been damaged, replace them.
Page 306 When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). How to Check Use a good quality pocket type gage to check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them.
Page 307 When the TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES message appears on the Driver Information Center, you should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage. (If a tire is flat, see “If a Tire Goes Flat” in the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can.
Page 308: Tire Inspection And Rotation
Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New Tires”...
Page 309: Buying New Tires
When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
Page 310: Uniform Tire Quality Grading
CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
Page 311 Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
Page 312: Wheel Replacement
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset.
Page 313: Tire Chains
Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Page 314: Appearance Care
Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
Page 315: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric 1.
Page 316: Cleaning Vinyl
Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner.
Page 317: Care Of Safety Belts
Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Page 318: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle
Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. (See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”...
Page 319 NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces.
Page 320: Cleaning Tires
Cleaning Tires To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner. NOTICE: When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle. Petroleum based products may damage the paint finish and tires.
Page 321: Underbody Maintenance
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Buick will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.
Page 322 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER SIZE 994954 23 in. x 25 in. 1050172 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050173 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050427 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) 1052925 16 oz.
Page 323: Engine Identification
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Page 324: Electrical System
Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
Page 325: Fuses And Circuit Breakers
Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse.
Page 326 Fuse Usage Interior Lamps PDM Module HVAC Motor, HVAC Mix Motors IGN SEN EC Mirror, Driver HTS Seat, Rear Defog Relay, MEM Module, Cool LVL Sensor, Pass Heated Seat 6-68 Fuse Usage HVAC Flat Pk Mtrs, ELC Sensor, ELC Sensor (R Bec) Anti Lock Brake System Module HVAC...
Page 327 Fuse Usage Run/Accessory Wiper Motor EMPTY Not Used WSW/RFA Wiper Switch, RFA, Rain Sense B/U LP EC Mirror, Back Underhood Fuse Block There are additional fuses located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. Up Lamps Position yellowblue Circuitry Not Used SBM, LCM Turn Signal...
Page 328 Position Circuitry Oxygen Sensor, Post Sensor R Module PCM, MAF Sensor AC Clutch Brake Switch, Trans Shift, PCM/ EGR Ref, Lin EGR, Cnstr Purge Sol, Cnstr Purge SW Horn Relay Not Used Not Used Injectors #1 Ignition Module Rt High Beam Not Used Lt High Beam Not Used...
Page 329 Position Circuitry Relay A/C CLU micro Relay Fuel Pump micro BAT #1 HVAC Blower Motor Low Speed Fan Relay LCM Module BAT #2 Starter High Speed Fan Relay Removing the Rear Seat Cushion NOTICE: A fuse center is located under the rear seat cushion.
Page 330 To Reinstall the Rear Seat Cushion 6-72 CAUTION: A safety belt that isn’t properly routed through the seat cushion or is twisted won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. If the safety belt hasn’t been routed through the seat cushion at all, it won’t be there to work for the next passenger.
Page 331 Rear Compartment Fuse Block Additional fuses are located in the fuse center under the rear seat. Position Circuitry Relay Heated Backlite to Rear Grid Relay Relay Trunk Release to Solenoid Relay ELC to Compressor Position Circuitry Memory Seat Module, Driver Seat Switch, Driver Lumbar SW ELC Sensor, ELC Compressor Solenoid...
Page 332: Replacement Bulbs
Position Circuitry Fuel Door Rel Solenoid, Trunk Release Relay, DLC Not Used IP Ashtray Cigarette Lighter Not Used Not Used Passenger Heated Seat Module Rt Rear Cig Lighter Lt Rear Cig Lighter RFA, Memory Seat Module, Driver Seat Switch 6-74 Replacement Bulbs Exterior .
Page 333: Capacities And Specifications
Capacities and Specifications The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information. Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive) Pan Removal and Replacement ..........After Complete Overhaul .
Page 334: Engine Specifications
Engine Specifications Engine ....... . . VIN Engine Code ......Type .
Page 335: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ... . . Engine Oil Filter ....Fuel Filter .
Page 336 Supercharged Engine Accessory Belt (L67) The Supercharged 3800 engine uses two accessory drive belts. One belt drives the generator, power steering pump, coolant pump and air conditioning compressor. The second belt drives the supercharger. Each belt has its own tensioner and idler pulley. 6-78 1.
Page 337 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Introduction How This Section is Organized Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections...
Page 338: Introduction
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer for details. Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment.
Page 339: How This Section Is Organized
How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.
Page 340: Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
Page 341: Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance Short Trip/City Definition Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle: Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
Page 342 Scheduled Maintenance Short Trip/City Intervals Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first). These intervals only summarize maintenance services. Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance on the following pages. Long Trip/Highway Definition Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of the conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance is true.
Page 343: Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
Page 344 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 345 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Replace passenger compartment air filter. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 346 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 21,000 Miles (35 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) 24,000 Miles (40 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 347 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace air cleaner filter.
Page 348 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 36,000 Miles (60 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Page 349 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
Page 350 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) (Continued) – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Page 351 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Page 352 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 63,000 Miles (105 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) 66,000 Miles (110 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 353 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Replace passenger compartment air filter. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 354 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 81,000 Miles (135 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 355 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace air cleaner filter.
Page 356 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 96,000 Miles (160 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Page 357 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 _ F (32 _ C) or higher. –...
Page 358: Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
Page 359 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Rotate tires.
Page 360 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) (Continued) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 361 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Rotate tires.
Page 362 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) (Continued) – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Page 363 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance For supercharged engines only: Check the supercharger oil level and add oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first). See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in this section. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 364 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Page 365 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote For supercharged engines only: Check the supercharger oil level and add oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first).
Page 366 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
Page 367: Part B: Owner Checks And Services
Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
Page 368: At Least Twice A Year
At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Page 369 Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2.
Page 370 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). The key should come out only in LOCK.
Page 371: Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Page 372: Throttle System Inspection
Throttle System Inspection Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables. 7-36 Brake System Inspection Inspect the complete system.
Page 373: Part D: Recommended Fluids And Lubricants
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine Oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
Page 374 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Chassis Chassis Lubricant (GM Part Lubrication No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC Hood Latch Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol Assembly, (GM Part No. 12346293 or Secondary Latch, equivalent) or lubricant meeting Pivots, Spring requirements of NLGI # 2, Anchor and...
Page 375: Part E: Maintenance Record
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY READING Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services”...
Page 376 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-40...
Page 377 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Buick if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text...
Page 378: Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
Page 379 STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Buick Customer Relations Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
Page 380: Customer Assistance For Text
Canada can dial 1 Customer Assistance Offices free telephone Buick encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Buick, the letter should be addressed to Buick’s Customer Relations Center. United States Buick Customer Relations Center P.O.
Page 381: Gm Mobility Program For Persons With Disabilities
Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations GMODC Customer Communication Centre 169-007 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Telephone: 905-644-4112 Fax:...
Page 382: Roadside Assistance
Takes the anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing easy access to service professionals trained to work with Buick owners, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. For details on Buick Premium Roadside Assistance, please consult your Buick Premium Roadside Assistance owner booklet included with your owner’s manual.
Page 383: Courtesy Transportation
Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Buick helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,...
Page 384: Warranty Information
Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts.
Page 385: Reporting Safety Defects To The United
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors.
Page 386: Reporting Safety Defects To General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1 7300, or write: Buick Customer Relations Center P.O. Box 5039 Troy, MI 48007-5039 In Canada, please call us at 1 or 1 7854 (French).
Page 387 1999 BUICK 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.)
Page 388 ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER NUMBER Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner’s Manual In Portfolio Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Page 389 Section 9 Index ir Bag ........How Does it Restrain .
Page 390 Brake ........Adjustment Fluid ........Master Cylinder .
Page 391 Personal Choice ..........Steering Wheel Touch Control Clock, Setting the .
Page 392 Driving (Continued) ....On Hill and Mountain Roads On Snow or Ice ......Through Water .
Page 393 Foreign Countries, Fuel ......French Language Manual ......Front Center Console .
Page 394 Illuminated Entry ............Inflation, Tire Pressure Inside Manual Day/Night Rearview Mirror Inspections...
Page 395 Loading Your Vehicle ......Locks Cylinders ........Delayed Locking .
Page 396 Outside Mirrors ........... Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle Overheating Engine .
Page 397 Seat Passengers ............Storage Armrest Window Defogger .
Page 398 Seatback, Power Recliner (Front) ....Seats Heated ........Lumbar Control .
Page 399 achometer ..............Tape Player Care Temperature Control, Climate Control System Theater Dimming...
Page 400 Trunk (Continued) ......Release, Remote Security Override ......Trunk Mounted CD Changer .

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Parkavenue 1999

Buick 1999 Park Avenue Owner's Manual

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Section 4 Your Driving and the Road

Section 5 Problems on the Road

Section 7 Maintenance Schedule

Section 8 Customer Assistance Information

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Summary of Contents for Buick 1999 Park Avenue