1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE engine

/.:.:..; ..... .......... .:.:.....: ...... T%%%Y. .............. ,I ............. w.... .... .......
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Start the engine and let it mn until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting h~t. Watch QU~ fop the
engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may
be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of he proper DEX-COOP coolant mixture
ahrough the filler neck until the level reaches the
base
of the filler neck.
ProCarManuals.com

6-2
6- 3
4-9
6-12
4-17
6- 19
4-20
6-23
5-27
6-28
6-29
4-32
6-33
6-45
6-46
Service
Fuel
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Supercharger
Oil
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Radiator Bressure Cap
VVindskieTd Washes Fluid
Br&es
3 attery
Bulb Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires Appearance
Care
Cleaning the Inside QE Y(.w VehicEe
Cleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle
Underbody Maintenance
Chemical
Paint Spotting
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle icientifkation Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Re€rigerants
Engine Specifications
Vehicle Dimensions
Normal Maintenance Replacement 'Parts
ProCarManuals.com

Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect
the airdaow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your dealer before adding equipment to the outside
of
your vehicle. The
8th digit sf your vehicle
identification number
(Vm) shows the code lettee for your engine. You will
find the VIN at the top left of your instmment panel.
(See “Vehicle Identifkation Number’’ in the Endex.)
If you have the 3800 engine (VIN Code use regula
unleaded gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher. If you’re
using fuel rated
at the recommended octane or higher
and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service. But don’t
worry if YOU hear a little pinging
noise when you’re accelerating or driving
up a hill.
That’s normal, and YOU don’t have to buy a higher
octane fuel
to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant
knock
that means you have a problem.
If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine (VHN
Code I), use premium unleaded gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher. With the 3800 Supercharged
engine, in
an emergency, you may be able to use a
lower QC~XE -- as low as 87 -- if heavy knocking does
not occur. If you are using 91 cx higher octane unleaded
gasoline and
YOU hear heavy knocking, your engine
needs service.
6-3
ProCarManuals.com

Things that bum can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic ~r rubber. YQU OF others
could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will bum onto a hot engine.
ProCarManuals.com

A. Battery
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
@. Wmcishield Wisher Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Cdmt Recovery Tank
I. Air Cleaner
ProCarManuals.com

Your vehicle may have 2 3800 Sqercharged engine.
Supercharging, rather
than turbocharging, emphasizes
smooth, refined power.
The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump
more ais 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, iwreased 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 tfarsttIe cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass.
AB1 sf these controk working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on
the rear (driver’s side) sf the engine biock. See
“Maintenance Schedule”
in the Index for when you
should check the fluid.
c
ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL HMBHBMrn
Ef you have the Driver Infcmation Center, an ENGINE
OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when
the engine oil is approximately I quart (fL) Isw. 11 the
message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add
oil as needed.
7r
ProCarManuals.com

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified
by looking for the '"Starburst" symbol. Vas symbol
indicates that the 0iI has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (AH).
Do not use any oil whch
does
not cmy this Starburst symbd.
P
oil dipstick.
Be sure to fill it enough tc put the Bevel somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the 02 put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified f~r
gasoline engines.
You should also use the prcper viscosity oil for your
vehicle,
as shown in the following chart:
ProCarManuals.com

If none of them is true, use the %ong triphighway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs
ht. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine
under highway conditions causes engine oil
to $re& down dower.
If any one of these is true for you, use the short tripkity
maintenance schedule:
8
Most trips are less than 5 to 13 miles (8 to I 6 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive id1ir.g (such as frequent
$riving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most
trips are though dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other
commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine
oil to
break down
sooner. Hf any me of these is true for your
vehicle, then
YOU need to change your si1 and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs
kt. (See Engine Oil Life Monitor (Index) in
the Index.
1
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
ekmer,ts that may
be unhealthy for your skin and csdd
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very iong. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hznd cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about
the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real t-heat to the environment. If you
change
your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing
oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it
to a place that coilects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer,
a service station or a local recycling
center for kelp.
ProCarManuals.com