Yes (diagnostic steps for common and complex issues)
Repair Procedures:
Yes (step-by-step instructions for all components)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Yes (including OBD-II diagnostics)
Component Replacement:
Yes (detailed guides for all major and minor components)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (comprehensive electrical schematics)
Torque Specifications:
Yes (critical for proper assembly)
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds
Instruction Style:
Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with pictures
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable (entire manual or selected pages)
Image Resolution:
High quality images and diagrams
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Downloadable Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Downloadable Format)
Searchability
Text Search:
Likely searchable text within PDF (dependent on PDF creation)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
L36 (3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters / 231 cubic inches
Engine Configuration:
3800 Series II V6
Engine Aspiriation:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower L36:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L36:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine Code:
L67 (3.8L V6 Supercharged)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters / 231 cubic inches
Engine Configuration:
3800 Series II Supercharged V6
Engine Aspiriation:
Supercharged
Horsepower L67:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L67:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (for L36), 91 Octane recommended for L67 (Supercharged) for optimal performance
Engine Management
ECU Type:
GM Powertrain Engine Control Module (ECM)
Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic with Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS)
Transmission Model:
4T65-E HD (Heavy Duty, often paired with L67)
Features
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
207.2 inches
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
107.5 cubic feet
Front Headroom:
39.6 inches
Rear Headroom:
38.5 inches
Front Legroom:
42.0 inches
Rear Legroom:
38.2 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (depending on engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 5000 lbs
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2002 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2002 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for 2002 model year, based on similar platform vehicles)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard (GM's Traction Control System - TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional (StabiliTrak on some higher trims)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Dual Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional/Available Side-Impact Airbags (often in seats)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional Bose premium audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Connectivity
Onstar System:
Optional OnStar communication system
Convenience Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Memory Seats:
Optional driver's seat memory settings
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific recommendation)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type L36:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type L67:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified), consider 5W-30 synthetic for supercharged engine
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346311 (Orange) or Dex-Cool compatible, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 12345376 or Dexron III/VI ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
Common on 3800 Series II engines due to plastic/metal gasket design. Manual will detail replacement procedure.
Head Gasket Failures:
Less common than intake gaskets, but can occur, especially with overheating. Manual provides diagnosis and repair.
Strut Mount Wear:
Due to the vehicle's weight and luxury focus, strut mounts can wear over time, affecting ride quality. Manual covers replacement.
Power Window Motors:
Occasional failure of window regulator or motor assemblies. Manual details troubleshooting and replacement.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Can fail, leading to incorrect temperature control. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Buick Heritage:
Founded in 1899, Buick is one of the oldest American automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, luxury, and engineering innovation (e.g., overhead valve engines).
Model Evolution
Park Avenue Lineage:
Evolved from earlier large Buick sedans like the LeSabre and Electra, with the 'Park Avenue' name used for top-trim levels before becoming a distinct model in the early 1990s.
2002 Model Year Context:
This generation (launched in 1997) represented GM's focus on the W-body platform and provided a comfortable, American-style luxury experience, contrasting with more European-centric luxury brands.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1997-2005 (for this generation)
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jd Power Ratings:
Historically, Buick models often received strong ratings from J.D. Power for initial quality and long-term dependability, particularly the 3800 V6 engine.
Ward Autoworld Awards:
The 3800 Series II V6 engine was a multi-time winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, highlighting its reliability and performance.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability by publications like Consumer Reports during its production run.
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