🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1994

Generation:

Third Generation (C-body)

Chassis Code:

C-body

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1994 Buick Park Avenue was positioned as a premium American luxury sedan, competing with domestic rivals like the Lincoln Continental and Chrysler New Yorker, as well as imported luxury sedans from Japan and Europe. It emphasized comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles offering similar levels of comfort and luxury. Key differentiators included Buick's traditional strengths in ride quality and V6 engine refinement. The Park Avenue's front-wheel-drive platform offered good interior packaging.

Key Features:

Comfort-oriented suspension, quiet cabin, spacious interior, smooth powertrain, available premium options, focus on driver and passenger comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Electrical Systems, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Bodywork, Troubleshooting

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for OE service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Software

Manual Type Specifics:

Service and Repair Manual Software, providing diagnostic and repair procedures beyond basic maintenance.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download (Digital)

Licensing:

Officially licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials.

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for renewal)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM/PCM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Torque Converter, Drive Axles, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Power Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum, ABS), Chassis Electrical, Body Electrical, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), SRS (Airbag System), Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacement, Engine Tune-Up, Engine Overhaul, Fuel Injector Service, Ignition Coil Testing, Spark Plug Replacement, Cooling System Flush, Thermostat Replacement, Water Pump Replacement, Oil Pan Gasket Replacement, Oil Pump Service, Exhaust System Repair, Transmission Fluid Change, Transmission Rebuild, Drive Shaft Service, CV Joint Replacement, Wheel Bearing Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints), Steering Gearbox Service, Power Steering Pump Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Brake Rotor/Drum Resurfacing, Brake Caliper Rebuild, ABS System Diagnosis and Repair, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, Wiring Harness Repair, Fuse and Relay Troubleshooting, HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair (compressor, evaporator, heater core), Airbag System Information, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Procedures, Component Location Diagrams, Exploded View Diagrams, Torque Specifications, Wiring Diagrams

Body Repair Procedures:

Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door and latch adjustments, bumper repair, and minor collision damage assessment.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventive maintenance and fluid checks to detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, internal engine and transmission repair, and electrical system troubleshooting. Includes factory-specified torque values, tolerances, and special tool recommendations.

Torque Specifications Coverage:

Provides detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis components.

Diagnostic Tools Coverage:

Information for using OBDI diagnostic scan tools for engine and transmission diagnostics. May include specific diagnostic codes and procedures.

Electrical Schematics Detail:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine control, chassis, body, lighting, and comfort features.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High Resolution (Scan quality can vary, but digital format allows for sharp display)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Accessibility:

Accessible on PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection and web browser.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.8L (3800) Series I V6 (L36)

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (PFI)

Engine Code Primary:

L36

Engine Code Optional:

3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67) (Available on Park Avenue Ultra)

Engine Displacement Liters:

3.8

Engine Cylinders:

6

Engine Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Engine Bore X Stroke:

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

Engine Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Optional Transmission:

N/A (4-speed automatic standard)

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Transmission Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available within the manual

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Length:

206.7 inches

Width:

73.7 inches

Height:

56.6 inches

Front Track:

61.3 inches

Rear Track:

60.3 inches

Curb Weight:

3,600 - 3,800 lbs (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Available in manual

Trunk Volume:

17.0 cubic feet (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

4-star (1994 Model Year NHTSA Data)

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

4-star (1994 Model Year NHTSA Data)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (optional on some trims)

ABS System Type:

Bosch 2-channel ABS (Front wheels only)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS), side-impact beams, crumple zones, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Seat Belt Type:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, available premium sound system, analog or digital climate control.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, intermittent wipers, power steering, power brakes. Limited advanced driver-assistance systems by modern standards.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (conventional oil); Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or as per manual recommendation

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SG/CD, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12378510 (Green Long-Life Coolant) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Known Issues:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (due to plastic coolant elbows), window regulator failures, power steering pump noise, ABS sensor issues, occasional transmission solenoid problems, spark plug blow-out (on earlier 3800 engines, less common on later models).

Known Issues Electrical:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system issues, MAF (Mass Airflow) sensor problems, O2 sensor failures, intermittent dash light issues.

Common Repairs:

Replacement of intake manifold gaskets and coolant elbows, power steering pump and hose replacement, front strut and shock absorber replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, fuel pump replacement.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (with filter) (approx.)

Coolant Capacity:

12.0 quarts (approx.)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

8.5 quarts (approx.)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable and well-appointed vehicles. The Park Avenue nameplate has been used for various large sedans in Buick's lineup, often representing the pinnacle of comfort and luxury.

Model Evolution 1994:

The 1994 model year marked the third generation of the front-wheel-drive Park Avenue, based on GM's C-body platform. It featured a significant styling update with a smoother, more aerodynamic design, and continued to emphasize comfort and a refined ride, often utilizing the highly regarded 3800 V6 engine.

Model Evolution Prior Generations:

Previous generations of Park Avenue were often larger, rear-wheel-drive vehicles, embodying traditional American luxury. The 1991-1996 generation represented a shift towards modern front-wheel-drive platforms and improved fuel efficiency.

Model Evolution Trim Levels:

Available in base Park Avenue and the more luxurious Park Avenue Ultra trim levels. The Ultra typically featured the supercharged engine and enhanced luxury features.

Production Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Frequently cited for its comfortable ride and quiet interior. The 3800 V6 engine was generally well-regarded for its durability and smoothness.