🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

2002

Platform Code:

G-body (GM L-platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride

Key Competitors:

Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler 300M

Distinguishing Features:

Supercharged engine option, MagnaRide adaptive suspension (on some models), quiet and luxurious interior, spacious cabin

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners with detailed, factory-level repair and maintenance information, saving time and money on dealership visits for routine tasks and complex repairs.

Accuracy:

Vehicle-specific information, not generic, identical to dealership technician resources.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Complete Service and Repair

Model Variants:

All models and trim levels

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 (Estimated based on scope)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.8L Supercharged (L32), 3.8L Naturally Aspirated (L36) VIN 1, 3.8L Naturally Aspirated (L36) VIN K

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)

Brakes:

Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, Traction Control

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent (Coil Spring and Control Arm)

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Electrical:

Complete Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Body And Trim:

Exterior and Interior Components, Glass, Doors, Seats, Hood

HVAC:

Air Conditioning System, Heater Core, Climate Control

Safety Systems:

Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags), Seat Belts, Cruise Control

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Component Testing, DTC Diagnosis, Troubleshooting Charts

Repair:

Engine Mechanical Repair, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement

Installation:

Component Installation, Accessory Installation (where applicable)

Troubleshooting:

System-Specific Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Gremlins

Depth:

Factory-Level Detail for Technicians and Advanced DIYers

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, wiring schematics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

All pages are printable

Image Scaling:

Images can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Operating Systems:

Windows (Vista, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac OS

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (Free)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

L36

Engine Description 1:

3.8L (3800 cc) Series II V6 OHV 12-valve Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower 1:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

L32

Engine Description 2:

3.8L (3800 cc) Series II Supercharged V6 OHV 12-valve

Horsepower 2:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 octane for Supercharged optimal)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) for L32

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Optional Transmission:

None

Features:

Driver Shift Control (Selectable Gear Range), Overdrive

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

202.0 inches

Width:

73.1 inches

Height:

57.0 inches

Wheelbase:

113.8 inches

Curb Weight Min:

3767 lbs (L36)

Curb Weight Max:

3885 lbs (L32)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4800 lbs (approx)

Trunk Capacity:

16.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

4-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4-Star

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Standard (Traction Control System - TCS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Airbags Side:

Available Side Impact Airbags (Door Mounted)

Seatbelts:

Front Pretensioner Seatbelts, Rear 3-Point Seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and cassette tape player. Optional: In-dash CD changer.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control with remote climate control feature available.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Parking Assist (Ultrasonic Sensors).

Multiplex Communication:

Includes CAN (Controller Area Network) for communication between various vehicle modules, as detailed in the electrical schematics.

Memory Seats:

Available driver's seat memory with power lumbar support and adjustable bolsters.

Keyless Entry:

Available Keyless Entry System.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement L36:

100,000 miles (Platinum-tipped spark plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement L32:

100,000 miles (Platinum-tipped spark plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (L36/L32)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange Long-Life Coolant) or equivalent approved coolant

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 13.7 quarts (13.0 liters)

Common Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (plastic design), rocker arm wear (particularly on L36), power steering pump noise/leaks, electronic throttle control issues, sagging headliner, window regulator failures.

Supercharger Specific Issues:

Supercharger belt wear, intercooler leaks (on L32)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and a premium driving experience, often targeted at an older demographic but evolving with modern features.

Park Avenue Legacy:

The Park Avenue nameplate has a long history within Buick, evolving from a range-topping trim level to a standalone model, known for its smooth ride and luxurious appointments.

Third Generation Intro:

The third generation Park Avenue, to which this 2002 model belongs, was introduced for the 1997 model year, representing a significant redesign focused on aerodynamics, interior refinement, and powertrain advancements.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (Fairfax Assembly)

Production Years:

1997-2005 (for this generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award History:

While specific awards for the 2002 model year are not as widely publicized as some competitors, the Park Avenue generally received positive reviews for its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, consistent with Buick's brand identity.

Safety Awards:

Consistent with NHTSA and IIHS ratings for its era, indicating a solid safety structure.