
Your Park Avenue Ultra has a 3800 Supercharged
engine. Buick chose supercharging rather than
turbocharging because Buick emphasizes smooth,
refined power.
The supercharger
is a device which is designed to pump
more air into the engine than it would normally use.
This air mixed with fuel creates increased engine power.
Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an
engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is
available at all driving conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure
required during specific driving conditions. When this increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during
idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All
of these controls working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800
V6 Supercharged Buick engine.
The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on
the rear (driver’s side) of the engine block. See
“Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when you
should check the fluid.
Engine Oil
3 \
c
.
If you have the Driver Information Center, an ENGINE
OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when
the engine oil is approximately
1 quart (IL) low. If the
message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add
oil as needed.
6-12
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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.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an 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.
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 generator and behind the
accessory drive belt on the driver’s side toward the rear
of the engine.
6-28
ProCarManuals.com

How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then 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
To determine what kind of fluid to t~@, 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.
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.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
6-29
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Belt Tensions
Automatically controlled by a Self-Tension idler pulley. Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive)
When draining or replacing torque converter, more fluid may be needed.
Pan Removal and Replacement
................................................... 6 quarts (5.6 L)
After Complete Overhaul
...................................................... 11 quarts (10.4 L)
Cooling System ............................................................. 13 quarts (12.3 L)
Oil change with filter change ................................................... 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Park Avenue Ultra
............................................................ 19 gallons (72 L)
Engine Crankcase
FuelTank
......................,...........................................18gall\
ons (68L)
Power Steering
PumpOnly .....................................................................lpi\
nt (0.5L)
Tire Pressures, Sizes
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is located on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires.
WheelNutTorque ........................................................ lOOlb-ft(140N~m)
Complete System
............................................................ 1
1/2 pints (0.7 L)
Refrigerant (R-l34a), Air Conditioning ................... See refrigerant charge label under the hood.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to \
fill to the appropriate level, as recommended
in this manual.
ProCarManuals.com

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
-
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake System
7-44 -
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity.
To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture
of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant’’ in
the Index.
Delco Supreme
11@ Brake Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
USAGE
Parking Brake
Cable Guides
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of
NLGI # 2, Category LB or
GC-LB.
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Supercharger GM
Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purgse lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
~
Supercharger Oil (GM Part
No. 12345982). See “Supercharger
Oil’’ in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

Section 9 Index
Air Bag ...................................... 1-20
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-24
How it Works
................................ 1-22
Location
.................................... 1-22
Readiness Light
......................... 1.21. 2.74
Servicing
................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-23
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-17
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-5
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-77
Air Control. Climate Control System ............. 3.3. 3-4
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent
................... 2- 16
Alignment and Balance. Tire
....................... 6-54
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-62
Antenna. Heated Backlite
........................ 3-35
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-24
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-76. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti.Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-30
Air Filter. Passenger Compartment .................. 3-7
Alarm. Instant. Keyless Entry
...................... 2-9 Appearancecare
............................... 6-56
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-65
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Armrest. Storage
.......................... 2.59. 2.60
Astroroof
..................................... 2-64
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-32
Audio Equipment, Adding
........................ 3-33
Audio Systems
................................. 3-10
Automatic
Overdrive
................................... 2-25
Transaxle Check
.............................. 7-40
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-21
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-61
Transaxle Operation
........................... 2-23
Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
................ 7-42
Auxiliary Power Outlets
.......................... 2-63
Battery
................... ................ 6-34
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyless Entry
.................... 2-13
Rundown Protection
........................... 2-49
WarningLight
............................... 2-74
Warnings
................................ 5.3. 5.4
9-1
ProCarManuals.com

Net. Convenience .............................. 2-61
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-25
New Vehicle Break-In
........................... 2-19
Nightvision
................................... 4-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
............. 6-78
Odometer
.................................... 2-72
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-72
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 13
Oil. Engine .................................... 6-12
OilLifeIndex
.................................. 2-87
Oil Pressure Light
.............................. 2-80
Oil. Supercharger
............................... 6-20
Opener. Garage Door ....................... 2-56. 2-64
Outside Mirrors
................................ 2-54
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Overheating Engine
............................. 5 - 12
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-39
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8- 10
Paint Spotting. Chemical
........................ 6-64
ParadeDimming
............................... 2-49
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-24
Shifting Into
................................. 2-28
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-30
AtNight
.................... ....... 2-15
Brake
................... ......... 2-27
Parking Brake
Mechanism Check
....................... 7-42
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-31
With a Trailer
................................ 4-38
Passenger Climate Control
......................... 3-9
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
................... 3-7
PASS-Key I11 2-17
Perimeter Lighting
......................... 2.47. 2.92
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-43
Personal Choice Comfort Controls
.............................. 3-2
DICDisplay
................................. 2-85
Radio Controls
............................... 3-10
Personal Choice Features
......................... 2-10
Delayed Loclung
........................ 2.11. 2.90
Memory Door Locks
...................... 2.5. 2.90
Perimeter Lighting
....................... 2.47. 2.92
Programming. DIC
............................ 2-88
Security Feedback
....................... 2- 11. 2.91
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-54
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Seatback Recliner
.............................. 1-5
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-28
Windows
................................... 2-33
Power. Retained Accessory
........ ............ 2-21
Lots
....................................... 2-16
Passing
...................................... 4-13 6 ................................
Power Steering
.................................... 4-10
9-8
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