1993 BUICK PARK AVENUE Owners Manual

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 strike other
people who are.
’ crash, the two children can be crushed together
and seriously injured.
A belt must be used by
only one person at a time.
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@ What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is
so small thatthe shoulder belt is
verv close to the child’s face
or neck? Y
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s
shoulder,
so that in a crash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.
If the
child is
so small that the shoulder belt is still very
close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to
place the child in the center seat position, the one
that has only a lap belt.
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Here a child is sitting in a’seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder
part is behind
the child.
If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt’s force would then
be applied right on the
child’s abdomen. That
could causQ serious or
fatal iniuries
I
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Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order
you an extender. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat
you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for
you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch
plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are
working properly. Look
for any loose parts or damage.
If
you see anything that might keep a restraint system
from doing its job, have it repaired.
Replacing Safety Belts After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will have to have safety belt
parts, like the retractor, replaced or anchorage locations
repaired
-- even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time
of the collision.
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If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The belt is torn.
CAUTION:
frayed belts may not protect you in a
Torn or
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If
a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
I
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Part 2 Features & Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Buick. and information on starting. shifting
and braking
. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working
properly
.. and what to do if you have a problem .
Keys ........................................................................\
.... 60
DoorLocks
....................................................................... \
62
NewVehicleBreak-In .............................................................. 74
StartingtheEngine ................................................................. 76
ShiftingtheTransaxle
.............................................................. 80
Windows ........................................................................\
. 90
TiltSteeringWheel
................................................................ 90
Multi-FunctionLever
............................................................... 91
TurnandLaneChangeSignals ................................................... 91
Headlight High-Low Beam Change Signals
......................................... 91
WindshieldWiper/Washer
...................................................... 94
CruiseControl ................................................................ 96
Instrumentpanel
................................................................... 116
Speedometer and Odometer
..................................................... 117
Warning Lights and Gages
...................................................... 117
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~ .. . ~ .. .. _.__~ ....... - ...... ... ..._- .... -
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Keys
A CAUTION:
Leaving young children in a vehicle with the -’ ’**,>’’
ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A
child or others could be badly injured or even
killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls
or even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in a vehicle with young children..
The ignition keys are for
the ignition only.
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The door keys are for the
doors and all other locks.
When a new Park Avenue is delivered, the dealer
removes the plugs from the keys, and gives them to
the first owner. However, the ignition key may not have
a plug.
Each plug has a code on
it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith how
to make extra keys. Keep the
plugs
in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be
able to have new ones made easily using these plugs.
If
your ignition keys don’t have plugs, go to your Buick
dealer for the correct key code
if you need a new
ignition key.
Your Buick has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot
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trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
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Door Locks There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle:
’
/d CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dang
Passengers
-- especially children -!
open the doors and fall out. When a door i
locked, the inside handle won’t open it. ;
Outsiders can easily enter through an u
door when you slow down or stop your
This may not be
so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out
of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety
belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be
far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
From the outside: Use
your door key.
If your vehicle has a theft deterrent system and it is
armed, unlock the doors only with the
key or Remote
Keyless Entry System. This will avoid setting
off the
alarm.
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