1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 251

Fuel The 8thdigit of your vehicle identification number (VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will of find theVIN at the top left your instrument panel. (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in theIndex.) If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine, in an emergency, you may beable to use .a lower octane-- as low as 87 -- if heavy knocking does not occur. If you are using 91 or higher octane unleaded gasoline and you still h e q heavy knocking, your engine needsservice. , If you don't have the 3800 Supercharged engine (VIN Code l),use regular unleaded gasoline rated at octane 87 or higher. If you have the3800 Supercharged engine, use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. , At a minimum, the gasolineyou use should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have-been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting iheAAMA specification could provide improved driveability andemissioncontrol system protection compared to other gasolines. Be surethe posted octane forpremium is at least 91 (at least 89 for middle grade 87 for regular). If the and octane is, less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you're using fuel rated at the recommended octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have aproblem. If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on theunderhood tune-up label), it is designed to operate'on fuels meet California that specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn onand/or your vehicle may fail asmog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis determine,the to cause of failure. In the event it determined that the is cause of the condition is the of fuels used, repairs type may not be covered by your warranty. ' 6-3