2003 BUICK PARK AVENUE Key

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
ªWindshield Wiper and Wiper Bladesº under
Cleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-82.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-25.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-22. A ¯uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if
needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
speci®ed in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, glove box
door and console door. Part D tells you what to
use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-20

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-27if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See
Parking Brake
on page 2-27if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
6-21

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
·The key should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
·The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
·To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
·To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ¯ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-22

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
žCoolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-24.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRONž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
SuperchargerSupercharger Oil (GM Part No. U.S.
12345982, in Canada 10953513).
See
Supercharger Oil on page 5-19.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Fuel Door,
Glove Box
Door, Console
Door and Rear
Compartment
Lid HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
6-25

Inspection......................................................6-24
Brake System.............................................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-24
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-23
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-24
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel.............................................3-30
Cluster.......................................................3-30
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-22
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-39
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-29
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-17
Light.............................................................3-33
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-36
Battery Warning..........................................3-34
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-37
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-33
Security.....................................................3-41
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-41
TCS Warning Light......................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-36
8

P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-15
Park Aid........................................................3-19
Park(P).........................................................2-28
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-37
Parking.........................................................3-19
Assist........................................................3-19
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-19
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-27
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-26
Passing.................................................4-12, 4-36
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..................................2-19
PASS-KeyžIII ................................................2-19
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-15, 3-50
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-65
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-28
Personalization Features.................................... 2-6
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-54, 3-58Playing a Compact Disc..........................3-60, 3-64
Playing the Radio...................................3-52, 3-56
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Power...........................................................3-21
Accessory Outlets........................................3-21
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Windows....................................................2-16
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.........2-11, 3-48
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter.............2-39
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-10
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-51
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-69
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-70
Care of Your CDs........................................3-70
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-65
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-56
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-52
Setting the Time..........................................3-52
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-66
11

Radios (cont.)
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-62
Understanding Reception..............................3-68
RainsenseŸ II Wipers....................................... 3-8
Rear Compartment Fuse Block.........................5-94
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Quarter Panel Turn Signal and
Stoplamps..................................................5-56
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-17
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-45
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-21
Rear Seat Pass Through.................................2-45
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-45
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-52
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-25
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with Compass.............................................2-33
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-29
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-14
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-14Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-72
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-70
Removing the Wheel Covers and Wheel
Nut Caps...................................................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-57
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-42
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..............................................1-57
Reporting Safety Defects................................... 7-9
Canadian Government................................... 7-9
General Motors............................................. 7-9
United States Government.............................. 7-8
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-42
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-42
Restraint System Check...................................6-20
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-56
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-57
Restraint Systems...........................................1-56
Checking....................................................1-56
Replacing Parts...........................................1-57
Resynchronization............................................. 2-8
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-22
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-19
Roadside......................................................... 7-5
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-28
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
12

Speedometer..................................................3-32
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-21
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-22
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-23
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.......................3-28
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-68
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-44
Center Console Storage Area........................2-44
Convenience Net.........................................2-45
Garage Door Opener Compartment................2-43
Glove Box..................................................2-42
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-45
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-45
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-76
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-76
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-45
T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-36
Testing the Alarm............................................2-18Theater Dimming............................................3-15
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent System...................................... 2-7
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..............................2-19
PASS-KeyžIII .............................................2-19
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-24
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-19
Tires.............................................................5-59
Buying New Tires........................................5-64
Chains.......................................................5-68
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-69
Check Tire Pressure System.........................5-60
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-68
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-59
Inspection and Rotation................................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-66
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-66
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-63
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-35
14