2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE power steering

2-20
Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five different positions.
ACCESSORY (A): In this position you can operate
your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition
switch as you turn the top of it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks your
ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any electrical
power to the accessories. The instrument panel cluster
will remain powered in OFF to illuminate the gear shift
indicator. The cluster will also activate the parking brake
light when the parking brake is set. Use OFF if you
must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is
not running.

4-9
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
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.
Traction Control System
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine power
to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
reengage the cruise control. (See ªCruise Controlº
in the Index.)

4-11
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.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed.
While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to
do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the
sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. Refer to
ªTraction Controlº in the Index.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Supercharged Engine (If Equipped)
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-21 Supercharger Oil
6
-22 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-25 Engine Coolant
6
-28 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-34 Battery6
-34 Bulb Replacement
6
-45 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-46 Tires
6
-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-63 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-65 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-71 Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-75 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-77 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-28
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
see ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
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.
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 passenger's side toward the
rear of the engine.

6-29 How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
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 use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº 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
When the windshield washer fluid reservoir is low,
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW will be
displayed on the DIC (if equipped).
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located by the
coolant recovery tank on the driver's side of the
engine compartment.
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full.

6-75
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive)
Pan Removal and Replacement 6.0 quarts (5.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After Complete Overhaul 11.0 quarts (10.4 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After performing either transaxle procedure, check fluid level when done. More fluid may be needed.
Belt Tensions
Automatically controlled by a self
-tension idler pulley. Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System13.0 quarts (12.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase
Oil change with filter change 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank18.5 gallons (70.0 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering
Pump Only1.0 pint (0.5 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Complete System 1.5 pints (0.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure
See Tire
-Loading Information label on the rear edge of the driver's door.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
See refrigerant charge label under the hood.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level as recommended in this manual.

6-77
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap 0.060 inch (.152 cm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Hook Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
(HVAC air filter) GM Part No. 52472175. . . . . . . . .
*On 3800 Supercharged Engine (Code 1) only, this
replaces original spark plug NGK Type PTR4B
-15.
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 206.8 inches (525.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.7 inches (189.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 57.4 inches (145.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 113.8 inches (289.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tire Tread 62.7 inches (159.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tire Tread 62.3 inches (158.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Accessory Belt (L36)
The L36 engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected and the routing.
See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index for when to
check the belt.
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air ConditioningD. Crank
E. Water Pump
F. Tensioner