🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

C-body

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Brand Perception:

Buick positioned as a premium, comfortable, and quiet American luxury car brand.

Direct Competitors:

Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Chrysler New Yorker

Interior Comfort:

Renowned for its spacious, quiet, and comfortable interior; often featured plush seating and advanced sound insulation for its time.

Ride Quality:

Emphasized a smooth, comfortable ride, often achieved through sophisticated suspension tuning and ample wheelbase.

Engine Performance:

Offered refined V6 engines known for smooth power delivery and quiet operation.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (likely 2000+ pages for a complete workshop manual of this era)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3800 V6, 3300 V6), Transmission (4T60-E automatic), Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Drivetrain (FWD)

Electrical:

Body Electrical Systems, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraints (Airbags - if equipped), HVAC Components, Exterior Trim

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacement, Tire Rotation and Pressure Checks

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical System Troubleshooting, Fuel System Diagnosis, Engine Performance Issues

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement

Installation And Adjustment:

Component Installation, Alignment Procedures, Timing Adjustments, Electrical Component Calibration

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using Scan Tools (OBD-I compliant for this era), Multimeters, and other diagnostic equipment.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and critical tolerances for all components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for troubleshooting.

Exploded Views And Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams and illustrations showing component breakdown and assembly order.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

High Quality, Printable (individual pages or entire manual)

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper Simulation:

N/A (Digital Download)

Required Software:

Adobe Reader (free download)

Access Method:

Instant Email Delivery upon Payment

Device Compatibility:

PC, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Displacement 1:

3.8L (3800 cc) Buick V6, naturally aspirated (VIN 3)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 170 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 1:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code And Displacement 2:

3.3L (3300 cc) Buick V6, naturally aspirated (VIN 1)

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 160 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 185 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Cylinder Configuration:

V6 (90-degree)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Model:

4T60-E

Optional Transmission:

None standard for the Park Avenue in 1992

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Torque Converter Lock-Up:

Electronically controlled torque converter clutch for improved fuel efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.8 inches

Length:

Approx. 203.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 74.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (depending on options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Tests:

NHTSA conducted frontal crash tests for this era, results typically focused on driver and passenger protection. Specific ratings for 1992 models would need to be cross-referenced with historical NHTSA data, but generally aimed for good performance for the time.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard equipment for 1992.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts; driver's side includes pretensioner.

Body Structure:

Integral body-frame construction designed for rigidity and crash energy management.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional features could include premium sound systems with amplifiers and graphic equalizers.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (Climatronic) was a signature feature, offering precise temperature management.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, electronically controlled.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) compliant. The manual would detail diagnostic procedures using this system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically recommended at 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Check manual for precise interval and fluid type.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil:

Consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for this era) and API service classification.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Head Gaskets:

Certain GM 3800 V6 engines of this era, while generally robust, could be prone to head gasket issues, particularly if overheated. The 3.3L is less commonly associated with this.

Transmission Shift Quality:

The 4T60-E transmission can sometimes exhibit hesitant shifting or firm shifts if valve body issues or solenoid problems arise. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Electrical Connectors And Grounds:

As with many vehicles of this age, corrosion on electrical connectors and ground points can lead to intermittent issues with various systems.

Suspension Components:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts is common over time due to the vehicle's weight and emphasis on comfort.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often appealing to a mature demographic seeking a refined driving experience.

Park Avenue Lineage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a trim level to a distinct model line. The 1991-1996 generation (C-body) represented a significant redesign, emphasizing aerodynamic styling and increased interior space.

Manufacturing Location:

Assembled in the United States (typically at GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant or Flint, Michigan Assembly Plant for this generation).

Production Years:

The specific C-body Park Avenue generation ran from 1991 to 1996.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward'S 10 Best Engines:

The 3800 V6 engine family, which powered many Park Avenues, was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the 10 Best Engines multiple times in the 1990s, highlighting its smoothness, durability, and efficiency for its class.

Consumer Satisfaction:

For its era, the Park Avenue generally received positive ratings for ride comfort, quietness, and interior space, appealing to its target market.