2004 BUICK PARK AVENUE service

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-6
Child Restraints
.......................................1-27
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-49
Restraint System Check
............................1-58
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-19
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-23
Mirrors
....................................................2-36
OnStar
®System
......................................2-41
HomeLink®Transmitter
.............................2-43
Storage Areas
.........................................2-47
Sunroof
..................................................2-50
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-51
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-32
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-57Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-31
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-49
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-61
Tires
......................................................5-62
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Specications
...................5-108
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-109
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index.................................................................1
2004 Buick Park Avenue Owner ManualM

In many crashes severe enough to inate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger air bag.
Air bags are designed to inate only once. After an
air bag inates, you’ll need some new parts for
your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air
bag system won’t be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include air bag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information
about the frontal air bag system. The module
records information about the readiness of the
system, when the system commands air bag
ination and driver’s safety belt usage at
deployment. The module also records speed,
engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
Let only qualied technicians work on your air bag
systems. Improper service can mean that an air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air
bag covering on the driver’s and right front
passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag module
and seatback for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
1-57

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-11.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an air bag can still inate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are close
to an air bag when it inates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the air
bag systems. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-58

Remote Keyless Entry System
If equipped, the remote keyless entry system operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See “Battery
Replacement” and “Resynchronization” under
“Remote Keyless Entry System Operation” following
this section.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualied technician for service.
2-5

Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver’s
window and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors using the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the
door with the manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle’s lamps ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-99.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s lamps
do not ash, the vehicle should be serviced by
an authorized service center.
PASS-Key®III
Your PASS-Key®III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
2-21

PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means you don’t have
to do anything different
to arm or disarm the
system. It works when you
insert or remove the key
from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-99. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key
may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
10 additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is for programming additional keys only.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
®III to
have new keys made. To program additional keys you
will need two current driver’s keys. You must add a
step to the following procedure. After Step 2, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver’s key.
Then continue with Step 3.
2-22

To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start,
see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
5. The SECURITY light will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that the
SECURITY light went on due to how quickly the
key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your
engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
®III system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key
®III, see your dealer
to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-38for more information.
2-23

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn to ve
different positions.
A (ACCESSORY):In this position you can operate your
electrical accessories. Press in the ignition switch as
you turn the top of it toward you.
B (LOCK):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. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a
tool to force it could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle
needs service.
C (OFF):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 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.
D (RUN):This is the position that the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the ignition
key. This is the position for driving. Even when
the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate
your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
E (START):This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the ignition key. The switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.
2-24