1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE alternator

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.
For more information on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index.
AI R
BAG
You will see this light flash
for a few seconds when you
turn your ignition to
RUN
or START. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you
start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when
you
are driving, your air bag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
Battery Warning Light
VOLT
When you turn the key to RUN, one of these lights will
come on briefly, to show that your alternator and battery
charging systems
are working. If the light stays on, you
need service, and you should take your Buick
to the
dealer at once.
To save your battery until you get there,
turn
off all accessories and set your air system to OFF.
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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. Have the system inspected and repaired. The
power steering fluid reservoir on the L36 and L67
engine is located below the alternator and behind the
accessory drive belt on the driver’s side toward the rear
of the engine.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten
it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
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Engine Accessory Belt (L36)
C
I
A. Power Steering
B. Alternator
C. Air Conditioning
D. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
E Tensioner
The
3800 (L36) engine uses an engine accessory belt.
This diagram shows the features connected by the belt
routing. See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for
when
to check the belt.
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mharged Engine Accessory Belt (L67)
F
1. Front Belt
2. Back Belt A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
E
Alternator
Power Steering
Crank
Supercharger
Coolant Pump
Air Conditioning
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. See “Maintenance
Schedule” in the Index for when
to check the accessory
drive belts and supercharger oil level. Have your dealer
check the
oil level in the supercharger.
6-68
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