Automobile / Buick / Park Avenue

Buick Park Avenue Car Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 2002 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 44,000. I have an intermittent problem that does not seem associated to temperature, environment, and is most visible at highway speeds but also happens at idle occasionally. The engine ignition seems to die and the car hesitates and bucks. This can be seen in the tachometer, which briefly starts falling to zero. Also, when the problem occurs, the ammeter drops down and slowly returns. After the problem occurs, the MIL will illuminate the next time the car is started but can be turned off by killing the engine and restarting it. With an Actron scan tool, I found 2 codes in the system. They are 321 and 361. The scanner said that 321 is "18x interrupts/ignition" and 361 is "EST not toggling". Studying the wiring diagram shows that an EST signal goes into the ignition module and that the EST signal uses the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor as reference signals. I replaced the crankshaft sensor and then the ignition module but the problem is still there. Any help would be appreciated

Answer: You have done a very thorough job of troubleshooting. We suspect from what you described that the camshaft sensor is the culprit and replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1997 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 143,000. Radio static AM side. Condition gets worse when lights are turned on when applying signal lights and applying brakes. When increasing speed, noise increases. FM side ok

Answer: Radio static is usually the result of a poor ground connection on the antenna or the wire that hooks it to the radio. In addition, faulty spark plug wires or a faulty alternator can cause radio noise.

Question: 1999 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 120,000. Recently my car has been stalling at all speeds, even at 60 mph. The repair shop tells me the stalling is not setting a code. Over the past three months I have replaced the mass airflow sensor, knock sensor, temperature sensor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, and ignition coil. The repair shop says the fuel pump and regulator are testing ok. Both the fuel pump and regulator were replaced in 1998. I even cleaned the throttlebody. Please help, this is getting expensive. Thanks Bill

Answer: Possibilities are ignition pick-up coil, ignition module, faulty ignition switch or a faulty power control module (PCM).

Question: 2003 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 45,000. I was just told that my left front strut was beginning to leak. Service manager said that struts need to be changed in pairs. I talked with someone else and they said it is not necessary to change in pairs. Which is correct?

Answer: It is a good practice to change both front struts/shocks at the same time. As struts/shocks wear, they act differently. A new strut/shock on one side and an old strut/shock on the other side may adversely affect handling of the car.

Question: 2002 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 54,000. Car runs great. Speedometer does not always work. When it does not work and I am climbing a hill the "check Engine" light comes on. As soon as the speedometer starts to move again, the light goes off. Sometimes the light will stay on for 30 minutes, but when the speedometer moves, it goes out. Immediately car runs great. If I am going with traffic say 55 - 60 the speedometer reads 25 or so (sorta got to be careful about getting out at that speed Eh?) I get a code 24 from flashes on dashboard when asking computer about "check engine" deal. Problem is: the guys at the GM dealer say that there is no VSS on that year and model. And besides when I do find it, if I do have one on the car. Is it behind the speedometer or on transmission somewhere? Thanks for any help.

Answer: Your problem may be caused by the cruise control transducer. The speedometer cable from the transmission goes into the transducer and back out to the speedometer. It is more likely than not that the transducer is causing the problems you are experiencing. The vehicle speed sensor should be located in the back of the speedometer.

Question: 1998 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 76,000. Just bought this Buick Park Avenue about 3 months ago. Now that it is cold out I thought I would use the heated seats. Well, they do not do anything. The light comes on on both drivers and passengers side stating that it is on High or Lo but it doesn't get warm at all. My husband checked the fuses and they seemed to be all right. Just wondering if there is something simple (or fairly simple) that he could check to see why they do not work. I know the used car dealer where we bought the car do not know anything about cars!

Answer: Check to be sure that there is 12 volts on both sides of the switch for the heated seats with the switch on. If there is not, the switch is probably bad. Also, have the thermostatic controller for the seat heaters checked.

Question: 1992 Buick Park Ave ultra 3.8l super charged mileage: 143,000. Easy highway miles, car drives like new except: Only when engine fully warm, at highway speeds, motor bogs down when I step on the gas. Instead of a downshift and power surge, the tachometer indicates slower rpm, and the engine decelerates the car.  If I keep my foot on the gas, I hear a clanking from the engine. The only way to resume acceleration (or just maintain speed) is to let off the gas and or downshift manually. Just put in new plugs, fuel filter, air filter (all were in bad shape). But problem persists. When problem is really bad, it will even happen if I rev the engine in neutral (while rolling down the highway at 60 mph). No mechanics can identify the problem (supercharger?), and this car is too good to let go of. Please help. Thanks.

Answer: Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted. Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system. An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes. The information should pinpoint the mal functioning components.

Answer: Online repair manuals for your Park Avenue that give step-by-step instructions for repairs on your specific car. A repair manual is a very helpful tool when it comes to technical information like wiring schematics, drive belts routing, repair procedures and much more. We recommend that everyone with a car repair problem have access to a good auto repair manual for their car. Most times the original manual is very limited when it is time to repair.



Automobile / Buick / Park Avenue

Replace Air Filter

Check Engine Light