🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1994

Platform:

GM C-body (updated from 1991)

Chassis Code:

C94

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and premium features

Key Competitors 1994:

Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS, Lexus LS400, Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Vehicle Highlights:

Spacious interior, quiet ride, smooth powertrain, advanced (for its time) features, elegant styling

Benefit For Owners:

Provides essential knowledge for safe operation, routine maintenance, and optimal care of the 1994 Buick Park Avenue, crucial for owners who may have acquired the vehicle without an original manual.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Topics:

Safety Features, Instruments & Controls, Pre-Driving Checks, Climate Control, Audio Systems, Driving Techniques, Emergency Procedures, Service & Appearance, Maintenance, Do-It-Yourself Repairs, Technical Information, Consumer Information

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive owner's manuals)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, fuse identification

Comfort Convenience:

HVAC system (heater, air conditioning), power seats, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control, audio system

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) - Airbags (driver and passenger), child seat installation, safety precautions

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating all vehicle controls and features

Maintenance:

Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement

Do It Yourself:

Basic maintenance tasks, minor troubleshooting guidance

Emergency:

Tire changing, jump starting, what to do in case of accidents or breakdowns

Depth:

Focuses on user operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete component rebuilds, which are typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval

Print Capability:

Printable on any standard printer, allowing for a physical copy

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3800 Series I V6 (Naturally Aspirated)

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3800 cc / 231 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code:

L36 (for 3800 Series I)

0-60 Mph Approx:

9.0 - 10.0 seconds (depending on configuration)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.0 gallons (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T60-E

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.92, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.75, Reverse: 2.38 (Typical for 4T60-E, specific ratios may vary slightly)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

202.0 inches (5131 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches (2814 mm)

Front Track:

61.4 inches (1560 mm)

Rear Track:

60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Front Headroom:

39.7 inches (1008 mm)

Rear Headroom:

38.2 inches (970 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.5 inches (1080 mm)

Rear Legroom:

39.3 inches (998 mm)

Shoulder Room Front:

59.8 inches (1519 mm)

Shoulder Room Rear:

58.8 inches (1494 mm)

Hip Room Front:

56.3 inches (1430 mm)

Hip Room Rear:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Trunk Capacity:

17.7 cubic feet (approx.)

Curb Weight:

3600 - 3800 lbs (approx., depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4700 lbs (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:

Not rated or rated 'Acceptable' (1990s era ratings were less standardized than today; specific 1994 model year data might be scarce)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) - Standard

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point height-adjustable, Rear 3-point (outboard), 2-point (center)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1994; manual would detail use of seat belts for child restraint systems.

Side Impact Protection:

Reinforced side door beams

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD Player, typically 6-speaker system (e.g., Delco/Bose) available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (optional) or Manual HVAC controls.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Traction Control:

Not typically available for 1994 Park Avenue.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; aftermarket solutions would be required.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power adjustable seats (6-way driver and passenger typically)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (typical recommendation for this era, consult manual for precise guidance)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, likely platinum-tipped for this model)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH rated)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (typical for 3800 V6)

Coolant Type:

GM Type I or Type II (Ethylene Glycol based, usually green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron-II/III (or GM P/N 1050017)

Common Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (Series I 3800), coolant leaks from plastic elbow fittings, power window regulators, transmission control solenoid issues, some electrical gremlins (typical for GM vehicles of this era).

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check and replace coolant elbows, ensure proper intake manifold gasket sealing, maintain transmission fluid and filter, keep battery terminals clean.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, well-appointed, and technologically advanced vehicles for the American market, often targeting a more mature and affluent demographic.

Park Avenue Lineage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since 1971, evolving from a top-trim level of the Electra to a standalone model. The 1991 redesign introduced the sleeker, more aerodynamic C-body platform, which this 1994 model utilizes.

1994 Updates:

Minor revisions for 1994 included updated interior trim, standard dual airbags (SIR), and revised suspension tuning for improved ride and handling compared to earlier C-body iterations.

Production Location:

General Motors Lansing Craft Centre, Lansing, Michigan, USA

Production Years Current Generation:

1991-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Recognitions:

While not tied to specific awards for the 1994 model year, the Park Avenue was consistently recognized for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and value in the luxury sedan segment by automotive journalists of the era.