2004 BUICK PARK AVENUE suspension

To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.
If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven
surface.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) on the driver’s seat.
Close all doors.
Tires should be properly inated.
Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
Start with the horizontal aim. The adjustment screws
can be turned with an E8 Torx
®socket or T15 Torx®
screwdriver.
Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the
vertical aim.1. Turn the horizontal
aiming screw (A) until
the indicator (B) is
lined up with zero.
2. Turn the vertical aiming screw (C) until the level
bubble (D) is lined up with zero.
5-50

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P235/55R17 size tires, don’t
use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P235/55R17 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
“S” type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-78

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance...............6-7
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-14
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-19
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-19
At Least Once a Month.................................6-19At Least Twice a Year...................................6-20
At Least Once a Year...................................6-20
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-23
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-24
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-24
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-24
Brake System Inspection................................6-24
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants..........................................6-25
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-34.
6-23

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

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

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.......6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
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
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-7
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-23
Throttle System Inspection............................6-24
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-45
Making Turns.................................................4-43
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-41
Manual Operation...........................................3-25
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle................. 2-8
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-51
Memory Seat.................................................2-51
Memory Seat Recall........................................3-56
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-50
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5Mirror Operation.....................................2-36, 2-37
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass.....2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-36
Memory.....................................................2-51
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-41
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-40
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-40
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-23
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-109
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
ODO/TRIP (Odometer/Trip)...............................3-48
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-19
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
9

Sensors.........................................................3-26
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-41
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-45
Service Bulletins.............................................7-11
Service Engine Soon Light...............................3-41
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Setting Preset Stations............................3-60, 3-65
Setting the Time.............................................3-58
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-60, 3-65
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-95
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-30
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-33
Short Trip/City Denition.................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-7
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-91
Specications, Capacities...............................5-108
Speedometer..................................................3-35
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-21
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-25
Steering........................................................4-11Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection.......................6-23
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering Wheel Comfort Controls......................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-78
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-48
Convenience Net.........................................2-49
Garage Door Opener Compartment................2-47
Glove Box..................................................2-47
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-49
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-49
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-87
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-88
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-19
Sunroof.........................................................2-50
T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-39
Testing the Alarm............................................2-21
Theater Dimming............................................3-15
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-75
Theft-Deterrent System...................................... 2-8
13