2004 BUICK PARK AVENUE key

When to Change Engine Oil
(Vehicles With the GM Oil Life System)
If so equipped, your vehicle has a computer system
that lets you know when to change the engine oil and
lter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to
work properly, you must reset the system every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the oil life system may not
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year.
However, your engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset
the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Oil Life System
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use.
Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message being
turned on, reset the system.
Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the Oil Life
System, do the following:
1. Display OIL LIFE INDEX on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for more than
ve seconds. The oil life will change to 100%.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
5-18

Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located below the
generator and behind the accessory drive belt in the rear
of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the uid
level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-25.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-38

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
“Windshield Wiper and Wiper Blades” underCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-93.
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. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-25.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle uid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-23. 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
specied 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 inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-29if
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 inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
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. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-29if 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 identied below by name, part number
or specication may be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
Engine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242t) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
SuperchargerSupercharger Oil
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345982,
in Canada 10953513).
SeeSupercharger 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 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).
Fuel Door,
Glove Box
Door, Console
Door and Rear
Compartment
Lid HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-25

How to Check........................................5-23, 5-70
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-20
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-38
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-21
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-42
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-42
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Can’t See The HUD Image When the
Ignition is On..............................................3-20
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-24
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-69
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-24
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-24
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23Inspection (cont.)
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-24
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-33
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Interior Lamps................................................3-15J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-25
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
7

Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar®Personal Calling.................................2-42
OnStar®Services............................................2-42
OnStar®System.............................................2-41
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-42
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-29
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-41
Convex Mirror.............................................2-40
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-40
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-53
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-12
P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-15
Park Aid........................................................3-20
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-30
Shifting Out of............................................2-33
Parking
Assist........................................................3-20
Brake........................................................2-29
Over Things That Burn.................................2-33Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-19
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants..................................................6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-30
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-28
Passing.................................................4-14, 4-43
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-21
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-22
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-16, 3-56
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-75
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-31
Personalization Features.................................... 2-7
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-61, 3-66
Playing a CD.........................................3-68, 3-73
Playing the Radio...................................3-58, 3-63
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-22
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Windows....................................................2-18
10