1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 276

Your Park Avenue Ultra has a 3800 Supercharged engine. Buick chose supercharging rather than turbocharging because Buick emphasizes smooth, refined power. The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump more air into the engine than it would normally use. This air mixed withfuel creates increased engine power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is available at all driving conditions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure required during specific driving conditions. When this increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All of these controls working together provide high performance character and fuel efficiency in the 3800 V6 Supercharged Buick engine. The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on the rear (driver's side) of the engine block. See "Maintenance Schedule" in the Index for when you should check the fluid. Engine Oil 3 \ \ c \ . If you have the Driver Information Center, an ENGINE OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when the engine oil is approximately 1 quart (IL) low. If the message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add oil as needed. 6-12