1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual

Your Park Avenue Ultra has a 3800 Superchargedengine. Buick chose supercharging rather thanturbocharging because Buick emphasizes smooth,refined power.The supercharger is a device which is designed to pumpmore air into the engine than it would normally use.This air mixed with fuel creates increased engine power.Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from anengine accessory drive belt, increased pressure isavailable at all driving conditions.The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with avacuum control to regulate the increased pressurerequired during specific driving conditions. When thisincreased pressure or boost is not desired, such as duringidling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that thesupercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. Allof these controls working together provide highperformance character and fuel efficiency in the3800 V6 Supercharged Buick engine.The power steering pump and reservoir are mountedon the rear (driver’s side) of the engine block. See“Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when youshould check the fluid.Engine OilCHECK OILLEVELIf the CHECK OILLEVEL light on theinstrument panelcomes on, it meansyou need to checkyour engine oil levelright away.For more information, see “Check Oil Level Light” inthe Index. You should check your engine oil levelregularly; this is an added reminder.