1994 BUICK PARK AVENUE engine coolant

Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Buick dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less
than
10 miles (16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first. (See
“Change Oil Soon” in the Index.) If
none of
them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and at every
other oil change after that.
If the optional “Change Oil Soon” light comes on you
will need to change your oil sooner than either mileage
specified. Depending upon driving habits, the “Change
Oil Soon’’ light may come on
as early as 2,000 miles or
less from the last time the oil life monitor was reset (See
“Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.)
Always reset the oil
life monitor after every oil change.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
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Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37 “C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128 “C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature,
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add
anything else.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.

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Adding Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located at the left of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
“FULL COLD’ or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to
“FULL HOT” or a little
higher.
COOLANT
LOW
If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine
coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
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Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill
it.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (1 05 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.
Wlien you replace your radiator pressure cap, ap AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Following are explanations of the services listed in
Schedule I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed
in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle
uses these. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives
the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification”
in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH” or “SG” designation may be shown alone
or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD” or
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
5W-30 or SAE low-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
If your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor, the
monitor will show you when to change the oil. See
“Engine Oil Life Monitor”
in the Index. 2.
Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate
the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
equipped
with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension and steering linkage.
3. Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions
in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system
with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See
“Coolant”
in the Index. This provides proper freeze
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine
operating temperature.
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Section B: Owner Checks and
Services
Listed below 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
Section
D.
At Each Fuel Fill (It is important for you or
a service station attendant to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel
fill.)
Engine Oil Level
Engine Coolant
Level
Washer Fluid
Level
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add the
proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine
Oil” in the Index for further details.
Check the engine coolant level
in the
coolant recovery tank and add the
proper coolant mix
if necessary. See
“Coolant”
in the Index for further
details.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level
in the windshield washer tank and
add the proper fluid
if necessary. See
“Windshield Washer Fluid”
in the
Index for further details.
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INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Brake System
[nspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake
lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You
may need
to have your brakes inspected
more often if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need to be serviced, Also,
if the
brake system warning light stays on or
comes
on, something may be wrong
with the brake system. See ”Brake
System Warning Light”
in the Index. If
your anti-lock brake system warning
light stays on, comes on or flashes,
something may
be wrong with the
anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer
I USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service
SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils
of the proper
viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG” designation
may be shown alone or
in combination
with others, such as “SH/CD,” or
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD” etc. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
S0/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze
(GM Part No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming to
GM Specification 182SM or approved
recycled coolant conforming to
GM
Specification 182SM.
Delco Supreme
1 I@ Brake Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052535) or equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid.
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Part 9 INDEX
Accessory Power . Retained ........................ 81
Adding
Brake Fluid
.................................. 252
Electrical Equipment
...................... 14 1. 276
Engine Coolant
............................... 247
Engineoil
................................... 238
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 250
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 244
Windshield Waher Fluid
....................... 251
Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System)
.............. 34
Air Bag Readiness Light
........................... 36
Aircleaner
..................................... 243
Airconditioner
................................. 140
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
........................ 282
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
................ 167
Alcohol
in Gasoline .............................. 229
Aluminum Wheels
. Cleaning ....................... 273
Antenna Care
................................... I58
Antifreeze
...................................... 247
Anti-lock Brake System
........................... 167
Anti-lock Braking System Warning Light
............. 123
Appearance Care
................................ 268
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......... 275
Ashtrays and Lighter
............................. 11 7
Astroroof
...................................... 112 Assistance. Roadside
............................. 306
Audio Systems
.................................. 143
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 67
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 85
Automatic Ride Control ........................... 115
Automatic Transaxle .............................. 83
Fluid
....................................... 244
Shifting
...................................... 88
Battery
....................................... 255
Jump Starting
................................ 198
Warning Light
................................ 128
Blizzard
....................................... 186
Block Heater (Engine Coolant Heater) ................ 82
Blowout. Tire
................................... 215
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 254
Anti-lock
.................................... 167
Fluid
....................................... 252
Master Cylinder
.............................. 252
Parking
...................................... 87
PedalTravel
................................. 254
Replacement
................................. 254
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