🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Park Avenue Year: 1996 Codes Platform: GM H-body 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1996 Buick Park Avenue was positioned as a flagship full-size luxury sedan, emphasizing comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride for American consumers. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler New Yorker, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/Ninety-Eight, Cadillac DeVille Key Features Luxury Attributes: Spacious interior, plush seating, advanced (for the time) comfort features, quiet cabin isolation, and a focus on ride quality. Powertrain Offering: Offered with a choice of V6 and V8 engines, prioritizing smooth power delivery over outright performance. Manual Usefulness Target Audience: Owners of the 1996 Buick Park Avenue who have lost or misplaced their original owner's manual, or new owners seeking to understand their vehicle's features and maintenance requirements. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's operation, maintenance, and basic care Secondary Coverage: Safety features, controls, emergency procedures, and troubleshooting basics Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this era and model) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, starting, driving, fuel system basics Chassis: Brakes (operation), steering (operation), suspension (overview) Electrical: Instruments, controls, lighting, basic electrical system operation (e.g., fuses, battery) Comfort And Convenience: HVAC, audio systems, power features (windows, locks), seating adjustments Safety Systems: Seat belts, airbags (supplemental restraint system - SRS) Instrument Panel: Identification and function of all gauges, warning lights, and indicators. Lighting And Visibility: Operation of headlights, interior lights, turn signals, fog lights (if equipped), and adjustment of mirrors. Procedures Included Operation: Pre-driving checks, starting and driving, parking, securing the vehicle Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), tire pressure checks, basic care and appearance Emergency: In case of emergency (e.g., flat tire, jump starting, overheating, warning lights) Troubleshooting: Basic troubleshooting of common issues related to starting, driving, and vehicle systems Interior Adjustments: Seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment (tilt), headrest adjustment. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not cover detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if the PDF was generated from a good OCR process of the original manual Print Quality Print Ability: Printable on standard home/office printers Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.8L V6 (Series II) Displacement: 231 cu in (3.8 L) Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Optional Engine Engine Type: 4.9L V8 Displacement: 301 cu in (4.9 L) Horsepower: 205 hp @ 4400 rpm Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) for V6, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for V8 Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECM: GM P4 (Powertrain Control Module) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E) Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Optional Type: N/A for 1996 model year Features Overdrive: Yes Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 207.1 inches Width: Approximately 74.1 inches Height: Approximately 56.3 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 110.8 inches Interior Front Headroom: Approximately 39.8 inches Rear Headroom: Approximately 38.8 inches Front Legroom: Approximately 42.3 inches Rear Legroom: Approximately 39.7 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,600 - 3,800 lbs (depending on engine and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver: 4/5 Stars (for 1990s era testing standards) NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger: 4/5 Stars (for 1990s era testing standards) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS) Seat Belts: 3-point front and rear seat belts Child Seat Anchors: Rear seat belt anchors for child safety seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Often featured premium speaker systems. Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (optional), manual HVAC systems standard. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Lighting: Automatic headlamps (optional), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks. Connectivity Original Connectivity: N/A (No factory integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity for this era) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or consult manual for specific severe/normal conditions. Tire Rotation: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Transmission Service: Every 30,000 miles (filter and fluid change) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher) Coolant: GM P/N 10528673 (or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent) Known Issues Common Wear Items: Water pump seals, intake manifold gaskets (3.8L V6), fuel injectors, power window...