🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1994

Platform:

GM H-body

Vin Code Engine:

"L" for 3800 V6, "3" for 3.8L V6 SFI

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Brand Image:

Buick positioned as a comfortable, quiet, and stylish American luxury marque.

Key Competitors 1994:

Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille/Fleetwood, Chrysler New Yorker, Toyota Cressida (in some markets).

Comfort Focus:

Emphasized a smooth ride, quiet cabin, and spacious interior for comfortable long-distance travel.

Powertrain Availability:

Standard V6 engine, known for its balance of power and efficiency.

Styling:

Classic American luxury sedan styling with a dignified presence.

📋 Manual Details

Languages:

English

Regions:

North America (primarily US, Canada)

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 200-250 pages (typical for this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Guide

Digital Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, drivetrain components (FWD).

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS information).

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, warning indicators, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), climate control system.

Body:

Doors, windows, locks, mirrors, seats, seat belts, airbags, interior trim, exterior lighting.

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, fuel filling, operation of climate control, audio system, and other features.

Maintenance:

Recommended maintenance schedules, fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, filter replacements (air, oil, fuel).

Diy:

Limited do-it-yourself tasks such as bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, checking fluid levels.

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems, safe driving practices, emergency procedures.

Towing:

Towing considerations, trailer wiring, load capacity information.

Depth:

Owner-level information focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically OCR'd text for searchability (dependent on scan quality).

Quality:

Printable on standard home/office printers. Quality depends on the original scan.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital file)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital file)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Displacement:

3.8L (3800 cc) V6

Engine Name:

Buick 3800 V6 (Series I)

Engine Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower Gross:

Approx. 170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Gross:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (or higher)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition depending on sub-variant.

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 1052855 (Green, Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 14.0 quarts (13.2 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E (Hydra-Matic)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this model year; 4T60-E was standard.

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Traction Control:

Available as an option on some models (TCS).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for dry fill, 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) total.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 206.4 inches (5243 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.4 inches (1433 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.8 inches (2891 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700 - 3900 lbs (1678 - 1769 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 19.0 cubic feet (538 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4-star rating (driver) / 4-star rating (passenger) in frontal impact tests from NHTSA for comparable models of this era.

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Likely 'Acceptable' or 'Good' in frontal offset tests conducted by IIHS for comparable models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, front shoulder belts with energy management system.

Child Restraints:

Provisions for child seat anchors (LATCH not present in this generation).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Separate controls for climate and audio.

Display:

Analog gauges for primary information, climate control display might be digital or analog depending on trim.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system on some models.

Bluetooth Radio:

N/A (No Bluetooth connectivity in 1994).

System Type:

Automatic Climate Control (optional on some trims, standard on higher trims) or Manual HVAC.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil), or 3,000 miles/3 months (conventional oil), whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs if equipped, or 30,000 miles for standard plugs.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial flush at 5 years/50,000 miles, then every 2-3 years/30,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid P/N 1050017 or Dexron III ATF.

Common Problems V6 3800:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on Series I 3800), occasional issues with the 4T60-E transmission electronics, fuel pump failures, water pump leaks.

Suspension Wear:

Front end components (ball joints, tie rods) can wear over time due to the vehicle's weight, requiring inspection.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older vehicles can experience minor electrical issues related to switches, sensors, or aging wiring harnesses.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable and upscale American vehicles, often targeting an older demographic seeking refinement.

Park Avenue Lineage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a premium trim level to a standalone model, representing Buick's flagship offering.

1991 Redesign:

The 1991 model year saw a significant redesign, moving to the GM H-body platform, which this 1994 model is part of. This generation emphasized smoother styling and improved aerodynamics compared to its predecessor.

Manufacturing Plant:

Likely assembled at GM's Lake Orion Assembly Plant (Michigan) or Fairfax Assembly Plant (Kansas), common for this platform.

Third Generation Years:

1991-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Popularity:

The Park Avenue was a strong seller in the American luxury sedan segment for its target demographic during the 1990s.

Buick 3800 Engine Reputation:

The 3800 V6 engine (Series I and later Series II) gained a reputation for durability and reliability, often cited by automotive publications.

Consumer Reports Comparisons:

Consumer Reports often reviewed vehicles in this class, providing comparative data on reliability, performance, and owner satisfaction.