1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE run flat

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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.
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2-60 Rear Seat Pass Through
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear storage armrest
with a pass
-through feature that allows for trunk access.
Pull the rear armrest down, then push down on the trunk
access panel latch to open the panel. To close, push the
access panel until it latches.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle has a convenience net. You'll see it just
inside the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you're not using it.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Front Ashtray
The front ashtray may be removed for cleaning. To
remove, grasp the sides and pull forward.
Rear Ashtray
The rear ashtrays are located on each rear door panel. To
remove the rear ashtray, open the lid and ease the
ashtray upward until the edge can be grasped to pull the
ashtray up and out.
NOTICE:
Don't put papers or other flammable things
into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing a
damaging fire.
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2-87
Tire Pressure Status: Press the GAGE INFO button
until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. TIRE
PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when the Check
Tire Pressure System believes your vehicle's tire
pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure problem
is detected, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE
LOW: CHECK TIRES. If you see the TIRE
PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES message, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº and
ªCheck Tire Pressure Systemº in the Index.
There are times when you will have to reset (calibrate)
the Check Tire Pressure System. See ªCheck Tire
Pressure Systemº in the Index.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display such as:

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW

ENG COOLANT LOW
- CHECK LEVEL

ENGINE OIL LOW
- CHECK LEVEL

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE

DOOR AJAR

TRUNK AJAR
Pressing any of the DIC control buttons will remove the
above messages or warnings from the DIC display.
DIC Display and
Personal Choice Programming
The DIC is used to program the personal choices of two
drivers. The drivers are recognized as DRIVER #1 and
DRIVER #2. The DIC will identify a person as UNKNOWN
DRIVER if they are neither DRIVER #1 nor DRIVER #2.
You will let the DIC know which driver you are by using
your remote keyless entry transmitter or by pressing one of
the MEMORY buttons located on the driver's door. Each
remote keyless entry transmitter was pre
-programmed to
belong to DRIVER #1 or DRIVER #2. Each transmitter may
be programmed differently for each driver.
After you press UNLOCK on your transmitter and the
ignition is in RUN, the DIC will automatically display
the identified driver number. The vehicle will recall the
personal choice settings that were last made to
correspond to your transmitter, including your radio and
comfort control settings. See ªComfort Controls,
Personal Choiceº in the Index.
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4-31
Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver's door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
The other label is the Certification Label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don't carry more than 176 pounds (80 kilograms) in
your trunk.
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5-25
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the
flat tire repaired or replaced.
NOTICE:
Wheel covers won't fit on your compact spare. If
you try to put a wheel cover on your compact
spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
After you've put the compact spare tire on your vehicle,
you'll need to store the flat tire in your trunk. Use the
following procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.
Store the flat tire as far forward in the trunk as possible.
Store the jack and wheel wrench in their compartment in
the trunk.
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6-49
When the TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES
message appears on the Driver Information Center, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for
damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in the
Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon
as you can. See ªInflation
-Tire Pressureº in the Index.
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure or have one or
more tires repaired or replaced, you'll need to reset
(calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You'll also
need to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires,
buy new tires, install or remove the compact spare, and
whenever the vehicle's battery has been disconnected.
Don't reset the check tire pressure system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check
tire pressure system will not work properly and may not
alert you when a tire is low or high.To reset (calibrate) the system:
1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
2. Press the GAGE INFO button on the DIC until
TIRE PRESSURE appears on the display.
3. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for about five
seconds. After five seconds, the display will show
TIRE PRESSURE RESET. If TIRE PRESSURE
RESET does not appear on the display after about
five seconds, see your dealer for service. After you
release the DIC RESET button, TIRE PRESSURE
NORMAL will appear on the display.
The system completes the calibration process during
driving. During the first 10 to 25 miles (15 to 40 km) of
driving, the system will not alert you if a tire is high or
low. After 25 to 100 miles (40 to 160 km), the
system will only alert you about pressure differences of
12 psi (85 kPa) or more. After about 100 miles (160 km)
of driving, the system will alert you if one tire is
10 psi (69 kPa) different from the other three tires.
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9-
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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