1999 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 270

yellowblue Supercharged Engine (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a 3800 Supercharged engine. Supercharging, rather than turbocharging, emphasizes smooth, refined power. The supercharger is a device designed to pump more 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 an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is available in 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 engine. Engine Oil If you have the Driver Information Center, an ENGINE OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when the engine oil is approximately 1 quart (1L) low. If the message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add oil as needed. It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. 6-12