Market Position:
The 2005 Buick Park Avenue was positioned as a flagship full-size luxury sedan, offering comfort, a quiet ride, and a premium interior.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other American luxury sedans such as the Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, and well-equipped versions of mainstream sedans like the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300.
Key Features:
Emphasis on ride comfort, spacious interior, advanced (for its time) features, and a powerful V8 engine option. The manual reflects the complexity of these luxury features.
Manual Value Proposition:
This manual provides dealership-level technical data, enabling owners and independent technicians to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs, saving time and money compared to relying solely on dealer services.
Coverage:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Page Count Estimated:
Varies by specific drivetrain and options, typically 2000+ pages for a complete factory service manual
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Operating System Compatibility:
Windows Vista 32 and 64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac OS.
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Control System, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging
Transmission Systems:
Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable, though unlikely for Park Avenue), Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle
Suspension Steering:
Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Steering Column, Power Steering
Braking Systems:
Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake
Comfort Convenience:
Air Conditioning, Seat Belt, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Horn
Interior Systems:
Suppl Restraint System (SRS), Engine Immobilizer, Meter Audio/Visual, Instrument Panel, Seat, Exterior & Interior Trim
Electrical Systems:
Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Body Systems:
Engine Hood/Door, Windshield/Glass Mirror
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, circuit testing
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements
Calibration Procedures:
Component calibration and initialization procedures where applicable
Wiring Schematics:
Includes comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, intended for use by professional technicians. Includes detailed explanations, diagrams, and schematics.
Technical Depth Detail:
Detailed torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic charts, and component identification.
File Format Details:
Adobe PDF. Compatible with Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS. Requires Adobe PDF Reader.
Print Quality:
High resolution, printable pages with ability to enlarge images and diagrams. Print only required pages.
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF download). No physical binding.
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital File). User prints on their choice of paper.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent unzipping utility).
Engine Description Primary:
3.8L (3800 Series III) V6 Supercharged (L32)
Engine Displacement Primary:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration Primary:
Naturally Aspirated V6 (Standard), Supercharged V6 (Optional on most trims)
Horsepower Primary Naturally Aspirated:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque Primary Naturally Aspirated:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Primary Supercharged:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque Primary Supercharged:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), Returnless Fuel System
Fuel Type Required:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded) for naturally aspirated; 91 Octane (Premium Unleaded) recommended for supercharged models for optimal performance.
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change for 3.8L V6
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 3.8L: 5W-30 (API Service Classification SG or higher, GM specification GM6094M or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.0 US quarts (9.5 Liters) for 3.8L V6
Recommended Coolant:
Dex-Cool® (Orange, Extended Life) 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Optional:
Supercharged models typically use a heavy-duty version of the 4T65-E
Transmission Features:
Driver Shift Control (DSC) for manual selection of gears, electronic shift control.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - although Dexron-III was original, Dexron-VI is backward compatible and recommended for newer fill.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 - 6.0 US quarts (4.7 - 5.7 Liters) for a fluid change (dry fill is higher).
Length:
203.7 inches (5174 mm)
Width:
73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
57.3 inches (1455 mm)
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Curb Weight Base Model:
Approximately 3,700 - 3,800 lbs (1678 - 1724 kg)
Curb Weight Supercharged:
Approximately 3,900 - 4,000 lbs (1769 - 1814 kg)
Trunk Volume:
17.0 cubic feet (481 Liters)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:
4 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control - optional on some trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags (door-mounted), Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
Available premium audio systems (e.g., Bose), CD player, optional navigation system, steering wheel audio controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Assist (rear parking sensors), StabiliTrak (stability control, optional), Driver Information Center (DIC).
Connectivity Features:
OnStar® communications system (subscription-based service).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, when using synthetic oil. 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated): 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs. 3.8L V6 (Supercharged): 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with specific heat range plugs.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III/VI ATF
Coolant Type And Mix:
Dex-Cool® (Orange, Extended Life) 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Known Issues Engine:
Lower intake manifold gasket leaks (pre-2004 models, less common on 2005), Northstar engine (if equipped, though less common on Park Avenue) had head gasket issues. Supercharger belt wear.
Known Issues Transmission:
Torque converter shudder or failure on high-mileage vehicles (4T65-E), occasional solenoid issues.
Known Issues Suspension:
Front strut mounts, worn control arm bushings, rear air suspension compressor failure (if equipped).
Known Issues Electrical:
Window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, instrument cluster pixel issues (common across GM vehicles of this era).
Brand Heritage:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history dating back to 1899, known for producing comfortable and luxurious vehicles.
Model Evolution Park Avenue:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since 1971, evolving from a luxury trim level to a distinct model. The 2005 model represents the final year of the fifth generation, which debuted in 1997.
Production Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years Of Generation:
1997-2005 (Fifth Generation)
