Market Position:
The 2001 Buick Park Avenue was positioned as a premium full-size luxury sedan, competing with vehicles like the Lincoln Continental, Chrysler 300M, and Cadillac DeVille. It emphasized comfort, quietness, and advanced features for its era.
Competitive Analysis:
The Park Avenue offered a blend of American comfort and, with the supercharged option, a surprising level of performance. Its front-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines were typical for the segment, aiming to provide a refined driving experience over outright sportiness.
Key Features:
Optional supercharged 3.8L V6 engine, StabiliTrak stability control (on certain models), Magnasteer (variable assist steering), Ultrasonic rear parking assist, extensive sound deadening for a quiet cabin, available premium audio systems, leather seating, and wood trim.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostics, maintenance, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting.
Page Count Estimate:
Thousands (typical for comprehensive OE service manual equivalent)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual (Digital)
Format:
PDF Download (Software)
Systems Covered:
Engine (3.8L V6 Supercharged & Naturally Aspirated), Transmission (4T65E automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Traction Control), Climate Control (HVAC), Electrical System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Body and Frame, Interior Components, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Procedures Included:
Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission service and repair, brake system servicing, suspension and steering adjustments, electrical diagnostics and repair, HVAC system troubleshooting, body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, fluid and filter changes, emission control system checks.
Technical Depth:
Expert Level (OE-derived), suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed diagnostic steps, specifications, torques, electrical schematics, and component-level repair.
File Format:
PDF (Searchable, Printable)
Print Quality:
High-resolution, comparable to original factory manuals, with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Option 1:
3.8L (3800) Series II V6, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
3.8 Liters / 231 Cubic Inches
Engine Option 1 Codes:
L36
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Option 2:
3.8L (3800) Series II Supercharged V6
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
3.8 Liters / 231 Cubic Inches
Engine Option 2 Codes:
L67
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Compression Ratio L36:
9.4:1
Compression Ratio L67:
8.5:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 octane) for L36, Premium (91 octane) recommended for L67.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable models/years, specific 2001 rating may vary)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Optional StabiliTrak stability control system.
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, reinforced safety cage construction, child seat LATCH anchors.
Infotainment System:
Delco AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette tape player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose), available GPS navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, optional StabiliTrak stability control, optional Traction Control System.
Connectivity Features:
OnStar communications system (optional, subscription-based).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil), or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (Dex-Cool coolant recommended)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Check fluid level regularly. Replace fluid and filter every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or under severe service conditions.
Engine Oil Type L36:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type L67:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, synthetic recommended)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12347025 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI, which is backward compatible)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent Dexron III/VI ATF
Common Issue 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (plastic end caps on Series II engines) leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating. Repair involves replacing gaskets and end caps with updated designs.
Common Issue 2:
Power steering pump leaks or whine, often due to seal wear or low fluid levels. Magnasteer system can be complex to diagnose.
Common Issue 3:
Spark plug blowout (less common with Series II but can occur), requiring thread repair kits.
Common Issue 4:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues can lead to rough idling, poor acceleration, and check engine lights. Cleaning or replacement is often required.
Common Issue 5:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, leading to blower fan only working at high speed or not at all.
Common Issue 6:
ABS/TCS warning lights illuminated, often due to faulty wheel speed sensors or ABS modulator issues.
Brand Heritage:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history dating back to 1899, known for producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic seeking luxury and refinement.
Model Evolution:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a trim level to a distinct model. The 2001 model represents the third generation of the modern Park Avenue, built on the G-platform, which shared components with other GM sedans.
Production Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1997-2005 (Third Generation)
