Target Audience:
Buick Park Avenue 2003 owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs themselves, as well as professional automotive technicians
Value Proposition:
Provides the same in-depth, vehicle-specific information used by dealership technicians, eliminating the need for generic guides and expensive professional labor for many tasks.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage, step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams and illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications, digital format for easy access and printing.
Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Page Count:
Not specified, but implied to be comprehensive
Manual Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Operating Systems:
Windows Vista (32 and 64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac compatible
Powertrain:
Engine, Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension
Chassis:
Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Body Electrical:
Air Condition, Suppl Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/ Can Communication
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for diagnosis, maintenance, service, and repair
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all systems
Troubleshooting Guides:
Includes specific troubleshooting procedures for common symptoms and fault conditions.
Technical Depth:
Factory high-detail, vehicle-specific, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools Info:
Information regarding diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data, and appropriate diagnostic tool usage.
Visual Aid Quality:
High-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations for component identification and assembly/disassembly procedures.
Electrical Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics covering all electrical systems, including power distribution, grounds, and circuit tracing.
Searchability:
PDF format allows for text searching, making it easy to locate specific information.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, allowing for enlargement of images and diagrams
Binding Type:
Digital (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free online)
Engine Options:
3.8L V6 (Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated options likely)
Typical Horsepower:
205-240 hp (depending on naturally aspirated or supercharged variant)
Typical Torque:
230-280 lb-ft (depending on naturally aspirated or supercharged variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Port Fuel Injection (PFI) or Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
ECU Type:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-II)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 4T65-E)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Typically only automatic offered on Park Avenue)
Transmission Features:
Electronic controls, overdrive, torque converter clutch
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.5 inches
Length:
Approx. 204.5 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.0 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,600 - 3,800 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but typically around 5,000 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for similar models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional or standard depending on trim)
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional), CD player, cassette player (common in this era).
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Onstar:
Available OnStar telematics system
Seats:
Leather seating surfaces, heated and power-adjustable front seats (optional or standard).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or as indicated by the oil life monitor, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific API certification)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool® (orange ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Common Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump noise, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, Northstar engine specific issues (if applicable to some higher trims, though the 3.8L V6 was more common).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter change) for the 3.8L V6.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 quarts for the 3.8L V6 engine.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (drain and fill) for the 4T65-E transmission.
Brand Positioning:
Buick historically positioned as a premium, comfortable, and quiet American sedan.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has a long history within Buick, evolving from earlier luxury models to the front-wheel-drive platform used in 2003.
Production Years Platform:
1997-2005 (for the G-body platform)
