🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

2004

Trim Levels:

Ultra, Custom

Platform:

G-body (GM_H_Body)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300M, Cadillac DeVille

Vehicle Appeal:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior, quiet cabin, V8 power (in earlier models, V6 in 2004), refined styling

Convenience:

Instant online access, searchable content, available on multiple devices, replaces outdated printed manuals

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY repairs, reduces dealership service costs

Licensing Status:

Officially Licensed, OE Material Derived

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for renewal)

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Page Count Estimate:

Likely over 2000 pages (typical for OE service manuals)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download (accessed via web browser)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.8L Supercharged V6 (L32), 3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6 (L36)

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4T65E)

Brakes:

Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, Traction Control

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension, Magnasteer II (speed-sensitive steering)

Electrical:

Complete Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (Automatic Climate Control)

Body And Frame:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Roof, Interior Trim, Frame Components

Fuel System:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Lines

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes

Cooling System:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Coolant

Infotainment And Electronics:

Radio, CD Player, OnStar System, Navigation (if equipped), Power Accessories

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Bodywork Repair

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal and installation

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level diagnostic procedures, repair specifications, and wiring diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

L36

Engine Description 1:

3.8L (3800 cc) Naturally Aspirated Series II V6

Displacement 1:

3791 cc (231 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke 1:

96.5 mm x 86.5 mm (3.80 in x 3.41 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.4:1

Horsepower 1:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

L32

Engine Description 2:

3.8L (3800 cc) Supercharged Series II V6

Displacement 2:

3791 cc (231 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke 2:

96.5 mm x 86.5 mm (3.80 in x 3.41 in)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.5:1

Horsepower 2:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for L32)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

17.0 Gallons (64 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65E

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controlled

Torque Converter:

Lock-up type

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III H (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for refill after draining pan

📐 Dimensions

Length:

207.0 inches (5258 mm)

Width:

73.4 inches (1864 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.8 inches (2890 mm)

Front Track:

61.8 inches (1570 mm)

Rear Track:

61.6 inches (1565 mm)

Curb Weight L36:

3700 - 3800 lbs (1680 - 1725 kg) approx.

Curb Weight L32:

3800 - 3950 lbs (1725 - 1790 kg) approx.

Trunk Capacity:

17.0 cu. ft. (481 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

Good

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

Good

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Rollover:

4/5 stars (depending on configuration)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Standard (Traction Control System - TCS)

Airbags Front:

Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags)

Airbags Side:

Optional (Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags)

Seatbelts:

Three-point active belts in front, three-point belts in rear

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available Bose premium audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD player

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Parking Assistance:

Available rear parking assist sensors

Onstar:

Available OnStar communication system

Remote Access:

Remote keyless entry, available remote start

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (GM DEX-COOL)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check owner's manual, typically around 50,000-100,000 miles under normal driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change for L36/L32

Coolant Type:

GM DEX-COOL® (Orange colored, extended life)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III H

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 V6), coolant elbow leaks, occasional supercharger belt issues (L32)

Common Problems Transmission:

Minor torque converter shudder, potential for solenoid issues in the 4T65E with high mileage

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn strut mounts, occasional rear strut leaks, Magnasteer system issues

Common Problems Electrical:

Window regulator failures, BCM (Body Control Module) glitches, gauge cluster issues

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often positioned as a more accessible luxury brand within GM.

Park Avenue Heritage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a top-trim level to a standalone model. The 2004 model is part of the fifth generation (C-body platform), which ran from 1997-2005, known for its refinement and V6 powertrain focus.

Production Period:

1997-2005 (fifth generation)

Manufacturing Plant:

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (Michigan, USA), Lansing Grand River Assembly (Michigan, USA)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto Ten Best Engines:

The 3800 Series II V6 (L36 and L32 variants) was a multiple recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, recognized for its smooth operation, durability, and power delivery, particularly the supercharged version.