1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE park assist

yellowblue
i
The 1999 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the ªSRSº system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-9.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-11
Personal Choice Features (If Equipped)
Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed to the driver's preference for memory door
locks, security feedback, delayed locking, memory seats,
perimeter lighting, parallel park assist mirror and
window lockout. See each feature in the Index. You can
also personalize your comfort control temperature, mode
and fan settings. See ªComfort Controls, Personal
Choiceº in the Index.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program these features
through the DIC. See ªDriver Information Centerº in
the Index.Security Feedback
This provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle
receives a command from the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The following modes may be selected:
Mode 0: No feedback when locking or
unlocking vehicle.
Mode 1: No feedback when locking; exterior lamps
flash when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 2: Exterior lamps flash when locking; no
feedback when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 3: Exterior lamps flash when locking and when
unlocking vehicle.
Mode 4: Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps when
locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle.
Mode 5: Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps when
locking; exterior lamps flash when unlocking vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-53 Power Remote Control Mirror
Your vehicle has an electric mirror control located on
the driver's door armrest.
Move the switch below the control to choose the right or
left mirror. If you place the switch in the center position,
no movement of the mirror will occur. To adjust the
mirror, push the arrow control in the direction you want
the mirror to go.Adjust each mirror so you can just see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional memory
seat and mirrors feature, these mirror positions, along
with the driver's seat position can be stored in memory.
See ªMemory Seat and Mirrorsº in the Index.
Parallel Park Assist Mirror (If Equipped)
If you have the optional DIC feature, the passenger's
outside rearview mirror also includes a tilt
-down feature
that operates when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (R), the
passenger mirror will return to its original position after
a five
-second delay. This delay prevents movement of
the mirror if multiple gear transitions (reverse to drive to
reverse) occur during a parallel parking maneuver. This
feature can be programmed on or off through the
Personal Choice selection menu. See ªDriver
Information Centerº or ªPersonal Choice Featuresº in
the Index for programming instructions. This feature
assists the driver with improved rear obstacle detection.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-88
If you unlock the vehicle using your door key instead of
your transmitter, the DIC will not change drivers and
will recall the information from the last transmitter used
or the last driver using one of the MEMORY buttons. If
this happens and you were not the last driver of the
vehicle, simply press your correct driver number on the
appropriate MEMORY button or press UNLOCK on
your transmitter.
The DIC can be used to program the following personal
choice features available with your vehicle:

Memory Seats

Memory Door Locks

Security Feedback

Delayed Locking

Perimeter Lighting

Parallel Park Assist Mirror

Window Lockout
See ªPersonal Choice Featuresº in the Index.See the following steps for personal choice
programming instructions.
1. Turn the ignition on and keep the transaxle in
PARK (P).
2. Inform the DIC which driver you are by pressing the
UNLOCK button on your transmitter or the
appropriate memory seat control.
3. Press and hold the ENG/MET button for five
seconds. WELCOME TO BUICK OPTION
FEATURE will appear in the display.
The next display will be your driver number and the
message ARMREST BUTTON CHANGES
DRIVER #. You are now in the selection mode
and the DIC is ready to program your personal
choices in memory.
Each feature that can be personalized will appear in
the display. Once you have made a selection for a
feature, the DIC will move on to the next personal
choice feature.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-89
4. Scroll through the following messages and
feature options:

PARALLEL PARK
- OFF/ON

AUTO DOOR LOCKS
- OFF/ON

UNLOCK IN PARK
- OFF/ON

WHICH DOORS
- ALL/DRIVER

DELAYED LOCKING
- OFF/ON

LOCK FEEDBACK
- OFF/ON

LOCK FEEDBACK
- LIGHTS/LIGHTS +
HORN

UNLOCK FEEDBACK
- OFF/LIGHTS

PERIMETER LIGHTS
- OFF/ON

SEAT RECALL
- OFF/ON

RECALL POSITION
- MEMORY/EXIT

WINDOW LOCKOUT
- ALL PASS/REAR
If you would like to exit the selection mode without
moving through each of the personal choice features,
simply press a different button on the DIC or turn off the
ignition. Whatever personal choices you made will still
be retained, even without passing through each of
the features.If you happen to move past a selection you would like to
make a personal choice for, press UNLOCK on your
transmitter or press the appropriate driver number on the
seat control. This will return you to the beginning of the
option feature programming mode.
A description of each feature programmable through the
DIC follows.
Parallel Park Assist
The parallel park assist mirror, which tilts the passenger
mirror while the vehicle is in REVERSE (R), can be
made active or inactive through the DIC. When
PARALLEL PARK
-OFF-ON appears on the display,
use the ENG/MET button to toggle the arrow between
OFF and ON. When you have made your choice, press
the RESET button to record your selection. For more
information on this feature, see ªMirrorsº in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
4-10
To turn the system off, press the button located at the
end of the shift lever.
The traction control system warning light will come on
and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button, the warning light will come
on
-- but the system won't turn off right away.
It will wait until there's no longer a current need to
limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The traction control system warning
light should go off.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Magnasteer
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with GM Magnasteer, a
steering system that continuously adjusts the effort you
feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Your steering can be adjusted for an easier or more firm
setting. See your dealer for information.
ProCarManuals.com

9-
yellowblue
9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ir Bag 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-23, 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Content Theft-Deterrent 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Instant, Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Heated Backlite 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-76, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Armrest, Storage 2
-58, 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assist Straps 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astroroof 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-31 . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Overdrive 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Check 7
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary Power Outlets 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-4, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-77, 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-14, 2-32, 2-33, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-10, 3-14, 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-12, 3-16, 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Playing a Compact Disc 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Door Unlocking System 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chains, Safety 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Tire Pressure System 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome Wheels 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Covers 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com