Page 1: Table Of Contents
2003 Buick Century Owner Manual Seats and Restraint Systems ......1-1 Driving Your Vehicle ........4-1 Front Seats Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..........1-2 ..4-2 Rear Seats ..........1-6 Towing ........... 4-32 Safety Belts ..........1-7 Service and Appearance Care ......
Page 2 Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the How to Use This Manual BUICK Emblem and the name CENTURY are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle.
Page 3 Safety Warnings and Symbols You will also ﬁnd a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety You will ﬁnd a number of safety cautions in this book. symbol means “Don’t,” We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about “Don’t do this”...
Page 4 Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols Also, in this book you will ﬁnd these notices: Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, Notice: These mean there is something that could are shown along with the text describing the operation damage your vehicle.
Page 5 These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may ﬁnd on your vehicle:...
Page 6 NOTES...
Page 7 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ............1-2 Where to Put the Restraint ......1-39 Manual Seats ..........1-2 Top Strap ............1-40 Six-Way Power Seats ........1-3 Top Strap Anchor Location ......1-42 Reclining Seatbacks ........1-3 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Head Restraints ..........1-5 Children (LATCH System) ......1-42 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the Rear Seats ............1-6...
Page 8: Front Seats
Front Seats Manual Seats CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to.
Page 9 Six-Way Power Seats Reclining Seatbacks The control for the driver’s side power seat is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Your vehicle may be equipped with a passenger’s side power seat. That control is located on the outboard side of the passenger seat cushion.
Page 10 CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body.
Page 11 Head Restraints Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
Page 12: Rear Seats
Rear Seats To return the seatback to its original position, push it back up, making sure the seat latch locks it in place. Split Folding Rear Seat If the vehicle has a split folding seat, you can gain access to the interior of the vehicle through the trunk. To do this, pull forward on the seat tab, located on the side of the rear seat, to...
Page 13: Safety Belts
Safety Belts CAUTION: Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo This part of the manual tells you how to use safety area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a belts properly. It also tells you some things you should collision, people riding in these areas are more not do with safety belts.
Page 14 You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a Why Safety Belts Work crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so it goes.
Page 15 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.
Page 16 The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... 1-10...
Page 17 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? You could be – whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down.
Page 18 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? This part is only for people of adult size. You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an Be aware that there are special things to know about accident –...
Page 19 Lap-Shoulder Belt 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt it properly. across you very quickly.
Page 20 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
Page 21 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster To move it down, squeeze the release lever and the shoulder belt guide as shown and move the height Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the desired position. You can move adjuster to the height that is right for you.
Page 22 What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt against your body. The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.
Page 23 What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
Page 24 What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.
Page 25 What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to ﬁx it.
Page 26 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
Page 27 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.
Page 28 Center Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.
Page 29 To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-29 . Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
Page 30 Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
Page 31 When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-29 . Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
Page 32 The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
Page 33 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head.
Page 34 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies ﬂat. cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide The elastic cord must be under the belt and the over the belt, and insert the two edges of the guide on top.
Page 35 To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed.
Page 36: Child Restraints
Child Restraints If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Older Children What is the proper way to wear safety belts? If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.
Page 37 CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?
Page 38 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt.
Page 39 Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate CAUTION: restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint. People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle.
Page 40 CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants.
Page 41 What are the different types of add-on child restraints? CAUTION: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic Newborn infants need complete support, types. Selection of a particular restraint should take including support for the head and neck. This into consideration not only the child’s weight, is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck height, and age but also whether or not the...
Page 42 Child Restraint Systems CAUTION: The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should.
Page 43 A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for seating surface against the back of the infant. The the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.
Page 44 How do child restraints work? A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
Page 45 When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child Where to Put the Restraint restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor Accident statistics show that children are safer if they vehicle safety standards.
Page 46 Top Strap CAUTION: Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored A child in a child restraint in the center front to the vehicle.
Page 47 In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Anchor the top strap to an anchor point speciﬁed in Top Strap Anchor Location on page 1-42 .
Page 48 Top Strap Anchor Location Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The vehicle has top strap anchors installed for the rear seating positions. You will ﬁnd them behind the rear The vehicle has the LATCH system. You will ﬁnd seatback ﬁller panel.
Page 49 In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system. 1-43...
Page 50 To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child CAUTION: restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a label If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to on the seatback at each its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be lower anchor position.
Page 51 Securing a Child Restraint Designed Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear for the LATCH System Outside Seat Position 1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. 2.
Page 52 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the the retractor to set the lock. safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-46...
Page 53 5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
Page 54 Securing a Child Restraint in a CAUTION: Center Rear Seat Position A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger’s air bag if it inﬂates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.
Page 55 1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is plate and pulling it along the belt. positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 2.
Page 56 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. CAUTION: To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be larger child passenger.
Page 57 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. 5.
Page 58 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
Page 59: Air Bag Systems
Air Bag Systems Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems: This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. CAUTION: Your vehicle has air bags – a frontal air bag for the driver and another frontal air bag for the right front passenger.
Page 60 CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: The side impact air bag for the driver is Both frontal and side impact air bags inﬂate designed to inﬂate only in moderate to severe with great force, faster than the blink of an crashes where something hits the driver’s side eye.
Page 61 There is an air bag readiness light on the CAUTION: instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but The system checks the air bag electrical system for not for young children and infants.
Page 62 Where Are the Air Bags? The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-56...
Page 63 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air...
Page 64 When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact air bag. See Air Bag Systems on page 1-53 . A driver ’s side impact air bag is designed to inﬂate in moderate to The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags severe side crashes involving the driver’s door.
Page 65 What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing motion is not toward the air bag.
Page 66 What Will You See After an Air Bag CAUTION: Inﬂates? After the air bag inﬂates, it quickly deﬂates, so quickly When an air bag inﬂates, there is dust in the that some people may not even realize the air bag air.
Page 67 In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate an air bag, • Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on your air bag windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. systems. Improper service can mean that an air Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the bag system won’t work properly.
Page 68 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped CAUTION: Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is There are parts of the air bag systems in several places turned off and the battery is disconnected, an around your vehicle.
Page 69: Restraint System Check
Restraint System Check Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light CAUTION: and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
Page 70 If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision system parts? damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
Page 71: Features And Controls
Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............2-2 Starting Your Engine ........2-20 Remote Keyless Entry System ......2-4 Engine Coolant Heater ........2-21 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...2-5 Automatic Transaxle Operation .......2-23 Parking Brake ..........2-26 Doors and Locks ..........2-10 Shifting Into Park (P) ........2-26 Door Locks ..........2-10 Shifting Out of Park (P) .........2-29 Power Door Locks ........2-11...
Page 72: Keys
Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
Page 73 The ignition key is for the The ignition and door keys don’t have plugs. Your ignition only. dealer or Buick Roadside Assistance has the code for your keys. If you need a new ignition or door key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Also, see Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information.
Page 74 Remote Keyless Entry System At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer Your keyless entry system operates on a radio to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
Page 75 Remote Keyless Entry System (Remote Alarm): Press this button to activate an alarm. The ignition must be in OFF or ACC for the Operation remote alarm to work. When you press the remote alarm button the headlamps will ﬂash, the horn will sound Using the remote keyless repeatedly and your interior lamps will turn on, attracting entry transmitter, you can...
Page 76 Programmable Modes mode, the feature will sound the number of chimes corresponding to the current lock mode. If you Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following do not wish to change the current mode, you can modes. either exit the programming mode by following the instructions listed here or program the Mode 1: No Veriﬁcation...
Page 77 Delayed Locking If you wish to let the delayed locking feature complete the locking of the vehicle, no additional action is Delayed locking allows the doors to be locked while the required. The delayed locking feature will lock the doors passengers are exiting the vehicle.
Page 78 After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle will Matching Transmitter(s) to Your toggle the enable/disable state of the delayed locking Vehicle feature. During this procedure, the chime will sound, providing you with feedback. In Mode 1, a single chime Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to will be heard if the delayed locking feature is disabled.
Page 79 Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to 2. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body one. Do not use a metal object to do this. Use transferred to these surfaces may damage the type CR2032 or an equivalent.
Page 80: Doors And Locks
Doors and Locks There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key or remote keyless entry transmitter. Door Locks From the inside use the manual or power door locks. To manually unlock the driver’s door from the outside, insert the key and turn it toward the front of the vehicle.
Page 81 Power Door Locks Mode 1: Doors do not lock or unlock automatically when the transaxle is shifted out of or into PARK (P). Mode 2: All doors automatically lock when the transaxle Your vehicle is equipped is shifted out of PARK (P), but do not unlock with front power door lock automatically when the transaxle is shifted into PARK switches.
Page 82 5. While holding the door lock switch in the lock Lockout Protection position, move the shift lever out of and back into PARK (P). This feature helps to prevent a driver from locking the keys inside of the vehicle by disabling the power 6.
Page 83 Trunk Trunk Lock To unlock the trunk lid from the outside, insert the door key into its lock and turn it. You can also press the trunk CAUTION: release symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Remote Trunk Release It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can Press the remote trunk come into your vehicle.
Page 84 Trunk Assist Handle Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: The emergency trunk release handle is not The vehicle may have an designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or assist handle located on as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. the inside of the trunk Improper use of the emergency trunk release lid toward the driver’s side...
Page 85: Windows
Windows CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Page 86 Power Windows To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the front of the switch. Window Lock-Out The driver’s window controls also include a lock-out switch. Press LOCK to stop front and rear passengers from using their window switches.
Page 87: Theft-Deterrent Systems
® Theft-Deterrent Systems PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. ® When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone is Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s features, we know that nothing we put on it can make starter and fuel systems.
Page 88 Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY warning light again. If the starter still won’t work, and the key comes on, you will be able to restart your engine if ®...
Page 89: Starting And Operating Your Vehicle
Starting and Operating Your Ignition Positions Vehicle With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the key to ﬁve different positions: New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: •...
Page 90 Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you Retained Accessory Power (RAP) can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; With Retained Accessory Power (RAP), your power if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the windows and audio system will continue to work for up steering wheel left and right while you turn the key to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF...
Page 91 Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than Engine Coolant Heater 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
Page 92 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away 1. Turn off the engine. from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.
Page 93 Automatic Transaxle Operation CAUTION: The shift lever for the automatic transmission is on the steering column. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to.
Page 94 Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic CAUTION: transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is of PARK (P), increase pressure on the shift lever by “racing”...
Page 95 Notice: Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ): This position is for 25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph normal driving. If you need more power for passing, (90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use and you’re: THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ) as much...
Page 96 Parking Brake Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage To set the parking brake, other parts of your vehicle. hold the regular brake If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see pedal down with your right Towing a Trailer on page 4-35 .
Page 97 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake with your left foot. 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: • Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3.
Page 98 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Torque Lock Running If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl CAUTION: in the transaxle.
Page 99 Shifting Out of Park (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P) when the ignition is in the OFF position. In addition, you have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN.
Page 100 Engine Exhaust CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: • Repairs weren’t done correctly. • Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modiﬁed improperly. Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or your vehicle: smell.
Page 101 Running Your Engine While You CAUTION: Are Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle ever have to, here are some things to know. if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set.
Page 102: Mirrors
Mirrors There are two lamps located on the bottom of the mirror. Press the button located next to each lamp to turn it on or off. Manual Rearview Mirror Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Page 103 Outside Power Mirrors Outside Convex Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex The power mirror controls mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the are located on the driver’s driver’s seat. door armrest. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
Page 104: Onstar System
® ® OnStar System OnStar Services ® OnStar provides a number of service plans. Some of ® the services currently provided by OnStar are: • Automatic Notiﬁcation of Air Bag Deployment • Emergency Services • Roadside Assistance Stolen Vehicle Tracking •...
Page 105: Storage Areas
® OnStar Personal Calling Storage Areas ® With OnStar Personal Calling, you have a safer way to stay connected while driving. It’s a hands-free wireless Glove Box phone that’s integrated into your vehicle. You can place calls nationwide using voice-activated dialing with no Use the door key to lock and unlock the glove box.
Page 106 NOTES 2-36...
Page 107: Instrument Panel
Section 3 Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Overview .......3-2 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light ..3-29 Hazard Warning Flashers ........3-3 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ....3-30 Other Warning Devices ........3-4 Tire Pressure Light ........3-30 Horn .............3-4 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ......3-31 Tilt Wheel .............3-4 Oil Pressure Light .........3-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ......3-5 Low Oil Level Light ........3-35...
Page 108: Instrument Panel Overview
Instrument Panel Overview...
Page 109 The main components of the instrument panel are the Hazard Warning Flashers following: A. Exterior Lamps Control. See Exterior Lamps on page 3-11 . B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5 . C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-23 .
Page 110 The hazard warning Other Warning Devices ﬂasher button is located on the top of the steering If you carry reﬂective triangles, you can set one up at the column. side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.
Page 111 To tilt the wheel, hold the Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever wheel and pull the lever. Then move the steering wheel to a comfortable position and release the lever to lock the wheel into place. The lever located on the left side of the steering column includes the following: •...
Page 112 Turn and Lane-Change Signals If the arrow ﬂashes faster than normal as you signal a turn or a lane change, a signal bulb may be burned The turn signal has two upward positions for right and out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. two downward positions for left.
Page 113 Flash-to-Pass HI (High Speed): Turn the band away from you, to HI, and past the delay settings for wiping steady at high This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to speed. signal the driver in front of you that you want to pass. (Delayed Wiping): Turn the band away from you, just It works even if your headlamps are off.
Page 114 Windshield Washer Cruise Control If your vehicle has cruise control, you can maintain a (Windshield Washer): At the top of the speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without multifunction lever, there is a paddle with the word keeping your foot on the accelerator.
Page 115 If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10 . When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control back on.
Page 116 Resuming a Set Speed Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts There are two ways to reduce your speed while using off the cruise control.
Page 117 Ending Cruise Control The exterior lamps control has three positions: There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: Off: Push the control all the way in to turn off all lamps and lights. • Step lightly on the brake pedal, or •...
Page 118 Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic When it’s dark enough outside, your front turn signal lamps will turn off and your vehicle’s headlamps Headlamp System and parking lamps will turn on. The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come on. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the When it’s bright enough outside, your headlamps will...
Page 119 Delayed Headlamps 3. Press and hold the power door lock switch. While holding the door lock switch, cycle the exterior Delayed headlamp illumination provides a period of lamps control on and then off two times. exterior lighting as you leave your vehicle’s area. The 4.
Page 120 Interior Lamps Entry lighting includes a feature called theater dimming. With theater dimming, the lamps don’t just turn off at the end of the delay time. Instead, they slowly dim after Instrument Panel Brightness the delay time until they go out. The delay time is canceled if you turn the ignition key to RUN or START.
Page 121 Delayed Exit Lighting Dome Lamp This feature illuminates the interior for a period of time The dome lamp will come on when you open a door. after the ignition key is removed from the ignition. Battery Rundown Protection The ignition must be off for delayed exit lighting to work. When the ignition key is removed, interior illumination The vehicle has a feature to help prevent draining the will activate and remain on until one of the following...
Page 122 Auxiliary Power Connection When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the (Power Drop) equipment. For information on accessing the connection and Your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power electrical hookup, please refer to your service manual. connection.
Page 123: Climate Controls
Climate Controls MAX (Maximum Air-Conditioning): This mode recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel outlets. The Dual Climate Control System air-conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below With this system you can control the heating, cooling 40°F (4°C).
Page 124 On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let FAN: The left knob controls the fan speed. hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the OFF: Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to vehicle to cool down. turn off the fan.
Page 125 Defogging and Defrosting Rear Window Defogger Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high (Rear): Press the button to turn the defogger on. humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window The rear window defogger will shut off after about glass.
Page 126 Outlet Adjustment • If the airﬂow seems low when the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger compartment air ﬁlter, if equipped, may need to be replaced. For Open and close the air more information, see Passenger Compartment outlets, or adjust the Air Filter on page 3-20 and Part A: Scheduled direction of the airﬂow by Maintenance Services on page 6-4...
Page 127 4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille. 5. Remove the hood weather-strip from the passenger’s side of the vehicle (peel back halfway to center). 6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers. 9.
Page 128: Warning Lights, Gages And Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages and Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages Indicators and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. This part describes the warning lights and gages that may When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on be on your vehicle.
Page 129 Instrument Panel Cluster The instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically. United States version with Enhanced Traction System and ABS shown;...
Page 130 Speedometer and Odometer If the button is pressed and held for longer than 1.5 seconds while in the trip odometer mode, it will be reset to zero. If the button is pressed and held for longer The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles than 1.5 seconds while in the odometer mode, it will per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Page 131 Air Bag Readiness Light CAUTION: There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. If the air bag readiness light stays on after you The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
Page 132 Charging System Light If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose accessory belt or The charging system light another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. will come on brieﬂy when Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.
Page 133 Brake System Warning Light If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two ﬂoor.
Page 134 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Enhanced Traction System Warning Light Light If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System, the warning light may come on for the following reasons: United States Canada • If you turn the system off by shifting to SECOND (2) If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this warning light or FIRST (1), the warning light will come on and will come on for a few seconds when you turn the...
Page 135 If the transaxle shift lever is in any position other The low traction light also comes on brieﬂy when you than FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and the warning turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on light stays on after your parking brake is fully then, have it ﬁxed so it will be there to tell you when released, it means there’s a problem with the...
Page 136 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Tire Pressure Light You have a gage that Your vehicle may have a shows the engine coolant tire pressure monitor that temperature. If the can alert you to a large gage pointer moves into change in the pressure in the red area, your one tire.
Page 137 Malfunction Indicator Lamp Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not Service Engine Soon Light be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
Page 138 If the Light Is Flashing If the Light Is On Steady The following may prevent more serious damage to You may be able to correct the emission system your vehicle: malfunction by considering the following: • Reducing vehicle speed. Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle? •...
Page 139 If you experience one or more of these conditions, Here are some things you need to know to help your change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least vehicle pass an inspection: one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, ENGINE SOON light is on or not working properly.
Page 140 Oil Pressure Light • Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay CAUTION: on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving.
Page 141 Low Oil Level Light Change Engine Oil Light If your vehicle is equipped The CHANGE OIL SOON with an oil level monitoring light should come on system, the LOW OIL brieﬂy as a bulb check light will come on brieﬂy when you start the engine.
Page 142 Security Light Low Washer Fluid Warning Light The SECURITY light will The LOW WASH light will come on when you turn the come on when your key to START and stay on windshield washers are until the vehicle starts. working and the ﬂuid container is low.
Page 143 Service Vehicle Soon Light Fuel Gage The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light will come on if you have certain non-emission related vehicle problems. These problems may not be obvious and may affect vehicle performance or durability. Consult a qualiﬁed dealership for necessary repairs to maintain top vehicle United States Canada performance.
Page 144 Here are four things that some owners ask about. All Low Fuel Warning Light these things are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage: • At the gas station, the pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
Page 145: Audio System(S)
Audio System(s) ﬁnd out what your audio system can do and how to operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. Notice: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle –...
Page 146 AM-FM Radio RECALL: Push this knob to display the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), push the knob until you see the display you want, then hold the knob until the display ﬂashes.
Page 147 P SCAN (Preset Scan): Press this button to listen to Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) each of your preset stations for a few seconds. Press P SCAN again to stop scanning presets. BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease bass.
Page 148 Radio with Cassette and CD RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold this button until the display ﬂashes.
Page 149 P SCAN (Preset Scan): Press this button to listen to 5. Press and hold one of the six numbered each of your preset stations for a few seconds. pushbuttons. The sound will mute. When it returns, Press P SCAN again to stop scanning. release the pushbutton.
Page 150 Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) If you want to insert a tape while the ignition or radio is off, ﬁrst press EJECT or RECALL. BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Your tape bias is set automatically. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the left or the If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape right speakers.
Page 151 ® 6 RAND (Dolby ): Press this pushbutton to reduce Cassette Tape Messages background noise. The double-D symbol will appear on the display. TIGHT TAPE: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the ®...
Page 152 Playing a Compact Disc Do not add paper labels to discs, they could get caught in the CD player. Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The Do not play 3 inch discs without a standard adapter disc. player will pull it in.
Page 153 RECALL: Press this button to see which track is Compact Disc Messages playing. Press it again within ﬁve seconds to see how If the disc comes out or CHECK CD appears on the long it has been playing. To change what is normally display, it could be for one of the following reasons: shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold...
Page 154 Theft-Deterrent Feature 1. Write down any three or four-digit number from 000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from ® the vehicle. THEFTLOCK is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio 2.
Page 155 Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1.
Page 156 Audio Steering Wheel Controls If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, press this button to listen to the radio. If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain SRCE (Source): Press this button to change to playing radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel.
Page 157 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player The cut tape detection feature of your cassette tape player may identify the cleaning cassette as a damaged tape, in error. If the cleaning cassette ejects, insert A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause the cassette at least three times to ensure thorough reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged cleaning.
Page 158 Care of Your CDs Fixed Mast Antenna Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases The ﬁxed mast antenna can withstand most car washes or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight without being damaged. If the mast should ever and dust.
Page 159: Driving Your Vehicle
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..4-2 City Driving ..........4-21 Defensive Driving ...........4-2 Freeway Driving ...........4-22 Drunken Driving ..........4-3 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .......4-23 Control of a Vehicle ........4-6 Highway Hypnosis ........4-24 Braking ............4-6 Hill and Mountain Roads ........4-24 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ....4-10...
Page 160: Your Driving, The Road, And Your Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road, and Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following Your Vehicle distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly.
Page 161: Drunken Driving
Drunken Driving Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is it’s against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. a national tragedy.
Page 162 According to the American Medical Association, It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the a 180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC BAC of about 0.06 percent.
Page 163 But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of There’s something else about drinking and driving that 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills many people don’t know. Medical research shows of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night.
Page 164: Control Of A Vehicle
Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehicle go where Braking action involves perception time and you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and reaction time. the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
Page 165 Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is advanced electronic braking system that will help a mistake.
Page 166 The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. Let’s say the road is wet and you’re driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you.
Page 167 Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need hold it down — may be the wrong thing to do. Your to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t decrease stopping distance.
Page 168: Enhanced Traction System (Ets)
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) The Enhanced Traction System operates in THIRD (3) and OVERDRIVE ( ). If you are in THIRD (3), the Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System system can upshift the transaxle to OVERDRIVE ( (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in The Enhanced Traction System is turned off in slippery road conditions.
Page 169: Steering
Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips To turn the system off, move the gear shift lever to Driving on Curves FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) gear.
Page 170 Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to systems — steering and braking — have to do their work accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then where the tires meet the road.
Page 171: Off-Road Recovery
Off-Road Recovery You may ﬁnd that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand.
Page 172: Passing
Passing • Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a following too closely reduces your area of vision, two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle.
Page 173: Loss Of Control
• Skidding Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your care suited to existing conditions, and by not...
Page 174: Driving At Night
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, Driving at Night gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited.
Page 175 • You can be temporarily blinded by approaching Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several down and keep more space between you and seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When other vehicles.
Page 176: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reﬂexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
Page 177 CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.
Page 178 Driving Through Deep Standing Water CAUTION: (Continued) Notice: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in As little as six inches of ﬂowing water can carry through your engine’s air intake and badly damage away asmaller vehicle.
Page 179: City Driving
City Driving Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: • Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.
Page 180: Freeway Driving
Freeway Driving The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic ﬂow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
Page 181: Before Leaving On A Long Trip
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you Here are some things you can check before a trip: allow a reasonable following distance. • Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are Expect to move slightly slower at night. all windows clean inside and outside? •...
Page 182: Highway Hypnosis
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Page 183 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make CAUTION: your trips safer and more enjoyable. • Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all ﬂuid Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system ignition off is dangerous.
Page 184: Winter Driving
• Winter Driving As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident. • You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads.
Page 185 Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip”...
Page 186 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if you brake so snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet hard that your wheels stop rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake ice can be even more trouble because it may offer so your wheels always keep rolling and you can still the least traction of all.
Page 187 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard • Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, ﬂoor mats – anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
Page 188 Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little CAUTION: faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
Page 189: If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Or Snow
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Notice: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the or Snow wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will See “Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out.”...
Page 190: Towing
Towing Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing: • What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Towing Your Vehicle Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if •...
Page 191: Loading Your Vehicle
Dolly Towing Loading Your Vehicle Your vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow your Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps: may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label is inside the trunk lid.
Page 192 CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash.
Page 193: Towing A Trailer
Towing a Trailer CAUTION: CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or If you don’t use the correct equipment and in a crash. drive properly, you can lose control when you •...
Page 194 That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, • Then, during the ﬁrst 500 miles (800 km) that you important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) these are important for your safety and that of your and don’t make starts at full throttle.
Page 195 You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Buick Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33136 Detroit, MI 48232-5136 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005...
Page 196 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Safety Chains Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inﬂated to the upper limit You should always attach chains between your vehicle for cold tires. You’ll ﬁnd these numbers on the and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue Tire-Loading Information label (found inside the trunk of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if lid) or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-33 .
Page 197 Driving with a Trailer Passing Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal to know your rig.
Page 198 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Parking on Hills When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal ﬂasher and/or extra wiring. Check CAUTION: with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will ﬂash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Page 199 When You Are Ready to Leave After Maintenance When Trailer Towing Parking on a Hill Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down on this.
Page 200 NOTES 4-42...
Page 201 Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Service ............5-3 Battery ............5-42 Doing Your Own Service Work ......5-3 Jump Starting ..........5-43 Adding Equipment to the Outside Headlamp Aiming ...........5-49 of Your Vehicle ...........5-4 Bulb Replacement ..........5-51 Fuel ..............5-5 Halogen Bulbs ..........5-51 Gasoline Octane ..........5-5 Headlamps ..........5-51 Gasoline Speciﬁcations ........5-5 Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps ....5-52...
Page 202 Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Appearance Care ..........5-79 Electrical System ..........5-88 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ....5-79 Add-On Electrical Equipment ......5-88 Care of Safety Belts ........5-82 Headlamp Wiring ..........5-88 Weatherstrips ..........5-82 Windshield Wiper Fuses ........5-88 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle ....5-82 Power Windows and Other Power Options ..5-88 Sheet Metal Damage ........5-84 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......5-89...
Page 203: Service
Service Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to want to use the proper service manual. It tells you be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer much more about how to service your vehicle than this for all your service needs.
Page 204: Adding Equipment To The Outside Of Your Vehicle
Adding Equipment to the Outside of CAUTION: (Continued) Your Vehicle • Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can affect the airﬂow around it. This may cause wind noise other fasteners.
Page 205: Fuel
Fuel Gasoline Speciﬁcations It is recommended that gasoline meet speciﬁcations Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the which were developed by the American Automobile proper maintenance of your vehicle. Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association for better Gasoline Octane vehicle performance and engine protection.
Page 206: California Fuel
California Fuel Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel If your vehicle is certiﬁed to meet California Emission system and also damage the plastic and rubber Standards (see the underhood emission control label), it parts.
Page 207: Fuels In Foreign Countries
Fuels in Foreign Countries CAUTION: (Continued) If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard Don’t leave the fuel pump unattended when to ﬁnd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel refueling your vehicle —...
Page 208 CAUTION: If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
Page 209: Filling A Portable Fuel Container
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right Filling a Portable Fuel Container (clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly CAUTION: installed.
Page 210: Checking Things Under The Hood
Checking Things Under the CAUTION: Hood Things that burn can get on hot engine parts CAUTION: and start a ﬁre. These include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake ﬂuid, windshield washer and other ﬂuids, and plastic or rubber. You or An electric fan under the hood can start up others could be burned.
Page 211: Hood Release
Hood Release To open the hood, do the following: 1. Pull the handle inside the vehicle, located just below the instrument panel and to the left of the steering column. 2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release by pushing it to the right.
Page 212: Engine Compartment Overview
Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood, you will see: 5-12...
Page 213: Engine Oil
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield Engine Oil Washer Fluid on page 5-38 . Checking Engine Oil B. Battery. See Battery on page 5-42 . C. Underhood Fuse Block. See Fuses and Circuit It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you Breakers on page 5-89 .
Page 214 Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or The engine oil ﬁll cap is cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, located toward the front of keeping the tip down, and check the level. the engine near the engine oil dipstick handle.
Page 215 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identiﬁed by looking for the starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certiﬁed by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol. If you choose to perform the engine oil change service yourself, be sure...
Page 216 As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W-30 is the When to Change Engine Oil only viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle. You (GM Oil Life System) should look for and use only oils which have the API Starburst symbol and which are also identiﬁed as Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know SAE 5W-30.
Page 217 How to Reset the CHANGE OIL SOON What to Do with Used Oil Light Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. your engine oil and ﬁlter based on vehicle use.
Page 218: Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 2. Lift up on the two clips located on the top of the ﬁlter assembly See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for to unlock the cover. location of engine air cleaner/ﬁlter. When to Inspect Inspect the air cleaner/ﬁlter every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) and replace every 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Page 219: Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Automatic Transaxle Fluid CAUTION: When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle ﬂuid Operating the engine with the air cleaner/ﬁlter level is when the engine oil is changed. off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to Change both the ﬂuid and ﬁlter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or...
Page 220 How to Check To get the right reading, the ﬂuid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may (82°C to 93°C). choose to have this done at the dealership service Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles department.
Page 221 Checking the Fluid Level Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: Prepare your vehicle as follows: The automatic transaxle ﬂuid dipstick handle is the • Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine black loop located running.
Page 222 If the ﬂuid level is low, add only enough of the proper ﬂuid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough ﬂuid at the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It doesn’t take much ﬂuid, generally less than one pint (0,5 L).
Page 223: Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant Notice: When adding coolant, it is important that ® you use only DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant. ® If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to The cooling system in your vehicle is ﬁlled with ® the system, premature engine, heater core or DEX-COOL engine coolant.
Page 224 What to Use Notice: If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your ® one-half DEX-COOL coolant which won’t damage warranty.
Page 225 The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your CAUTION: engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark or a little Turning the radiator pressure cap when the higher. engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Page 226: Radiator Pressure Cap
Radiator Pressure Cap Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode Notice: Your radiator cap is a pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss The emergency engine protection operating mode and possible engine damage from overheating. allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the emergency situation.
Page 227 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
Page 228 If No Steam Is Coming From Your If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. Engine If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally. An overheat warning can indicate a serious problem.
Page 229: Cooling System
Cooling System CAUTION: When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
Page 230 When the engine is cold, If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check the coolant level should be to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. at or above the COLD If the engine is overheating, both fans should be mark on the coolant running.
Page 231 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, ® drinkable water and DEX-COOL engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23 for more information.
Page 232 If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it. CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly.
Page 233 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. Notice: Your engine has a speciﬁc radiator ﬁll procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
Page 234 4. Fill the radiator with the ® proper DEX-COOL CAUTION: coolant mixture, up to the base of the ﬁller neck. See You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot Engine Coolant on engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol page 5-23 for more and it will burn if the engine parts are hot information about the...
Page 235 6. Then ﬁll the coolant recovery tank to the COLD 8. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the mark on the coolant recovery tank. upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 7.
Page 236: Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid 10. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to ﬂow out of the ﬁller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure The power steering ﬂuid reservoir is located on the the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
Page 237 When to Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is hot, the It is not necessary to regularly check power steering ﬂuid level should be at the unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or H (hot) mark. When you hear an unusual noise.
Page 238: Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Notice: • When using concentrated washer ﬂuid, follow What to Use the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. When you need windshield washer ﬂuid, be sure to read • Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer ﬂuid. the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will Water can cause the solution to freeze and be operating your vehicle in an area where the damage your washer ﬂuid tank and other parts...
Page 239: Brakes
Brakes There are only two reasons why the brake ﬂuid level in the reservoir might go down. The ﬁrst is that the brake ﬂuid goes down to an acceptable level during Brake Fluid normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the ﬂuid level goes back up.
Page 240 CAUTION: With the wrong kind of ﬂuid in your brake system, your brakes may not work well, or they may not even work at all. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake ﬂuid. United States Canada When your brake ﬂuid falls to a low level, your brake Notice: warning light will come on.
Page 241 Brake Wear Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are ﬁrst applied or lightly Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum applied. This does not mean something is wrong with brakes. your brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads...
Page 242: Battery
Replacing Brake System Parts Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many chemicals known to the State of California to cause parts have to be of top quality and work well together if cancer and reproductive harm.
Page 243: Jump Starting
Jump Starting 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. If your battery has run down, you may want to use Notice: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your with a negative ground, both vehicles can be vehicle.
Page 244 To uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, squeeze the sides of the red plastic cap and pull the cap upward. You should always use the remote positive (+) terminal instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery. CAUTION: An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you.
Page 245 CAUTION: CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery Fans or other moving engine parts can injure gas to explode. People have been hurt doing you badly. Keep your hands away from moving this, and some have been blinded. Use a parts once the engine is running.
Page 246 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 8. Now connect the negative (−) cable to 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positve (+) the negative (−) terminal of the dead battery.
Page 247 Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and step. The other end of the negative (−) cable run the engine for a while. doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal part, or to the remote negative (−) 11.
Page 248 To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 3.
Page 249: Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly prepared as follows: Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with • The headlamps must be off for one hour prior to horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been aiming and must remain off during this procedure.
Page 250 Driver’s Side Headlamp Shown Passenger’s Side Headlamp Shown A. Vertical Aim Adjustment Screw A. Horizontal Aim Adjustment Screw B. Horizontal Aim Adjustment Screw B. Horizontal Block Index Plate C. Vertical Aiming Level Open the hood and locate the vertical and horizontal aim indicators.
Page 251: Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement Headlamps 1. Open the hood. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer. For the type of bulb, see Replacement Bulbs on page 5-55 . Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
Page 252: Front Turn Signal And Parking Lamps
9. Insert the bulb socket into the headlamp assembly. 10. Reverse all steps to reassemble the headlamp assembly, then check the lamps. Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps 1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the removal procedure earlier in this section. 2.
Page 253: Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (Chmsl)
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) 1. Open the trunk. 3. Remove the old bulb by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 4. Push the new bulb into the bulb socket. 5. Turn the socket one-quarter turn clockwise to reinstall. 2. Reach through the access opening in the trunk lid. 5-53...
Page 254: Taillamps, Turn Signal, And Stoplamps
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and 1. Open the trunk. 2. If your vehicle is equipped with a convenience net, Stoplamps remove it. 3. Remove the three plastic wing nuts (A). There is one wing nut located on the outside of the carpet.
Page 255: Back-Up Lamps
Back-Up Lamps 4. Twist and pull the bulb socket (B) from the trunk lid. 5. Twist and/or pull the old bulb from the bulb socket. 6. Twist and/or push the new bulb into the lamp socket. 7. Twist and/or push the lamp socket into the trunk lid covering.
Page 256: Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” under Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10 for more information. 1. Turn on the wipers to LO. 2.
Page 257: Tires
Overinﬂated tires are more likely to be cut, about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, punctured or broken by a sudden see your Buick Warranty booklet for details. impact — such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Page 258: Tire Pressure Monitor System
Notice: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinﬂation How to Check or overinﬂation is all right. It’s not. If your tires Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire don’t have enough air (underinﬂation), you can get pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inﬂated the following: simply by looking at them.
Page 259 The tire inﬂation monitor system detects differences in tire To reset (calibrate) the system: rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire 1. Turn the ignition to RUN. pressure. The system can alert you about a low tire – but 2.
Page 260: Tire Inspection And Rotation
Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12 500 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-61 and Wheel Replacement on page 5-64 for more information.
Page 261: When It Is Time For New Tires
When It Is Time for New Tires CAUTION: One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to check the treadwear which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts indicators, which will become loose after a time.
Page 262: Buying New Tires
Buying New Tires CAUTION: To ﬁnd out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. Mixing tires could cause you to lose control The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had while driving.
Page 263: Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on Quality grades can be found where applicable on the the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum conditions on a speciﬁed government test course.
Page 264: Wheel Alignment And Tire Balance
Temperature – A, B, C Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment representing the tire’s resistance to the generation may need to be reset.
Page 265 Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: CAUTION: Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. It could affect the braking and dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose or how far it’s been driven.
Page 266: Tire Chains
Tire Chains A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the Notice: Use tire chains only where legal and only accelerator pedal.
Page 267: Changing A Flat Tire
Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes ﬂat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning ﬂashers. CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people.
Page 268 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. 1. Turn the center nut on the compact spare tire cover counterclockwise to remove it. Then lift and remove the cover. See Compact Spare Tire on page 5-78 for more information about the compact spare tire.
Page 269 3. Turn the nut holding the jack counterclockwise and The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), extension remove it. Then remove the jack and wrench. and protection guide (B) and wheel wrench (C). 5-69...
Page 270 Removing the Wheel Covers Removing the Wheel Center Caps If your vehicle is equipped with wheel covers, be sure to To remove a center cap, use a wheel wrench to begin the process of loosening use the wrench to pry the plastic wheel nut caps.
Page 271 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 3. For jacking at the vehicle’s front location, put the 1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. jack lift head (C) about 6 inches (15 cm) from the Don’t remove them yet.
Page 272 CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
Page 273 7. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts 5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle become loose after a time.
Page 274 CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 8. Install the compact spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
Page 275 10. Tighten the wheel nuts ﬁrmly in a crisscross CAUTION: (Continued) sequence as shown. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque speciﬁcation. See “Capacities and Speciﬁcations” in the Index for wheel nut torque speciﬁcation.
Page 276 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. After you’ve put the compact spare tire on your vehicle, you’ll need to store the ﬂat tire in your trunk.
Page 277 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools A. Retainer When storing a compact spare tire in the trunk, put the B. Cover protector/guide back in the foam holder. C. Compact Spare Tire D. Nut CAUTION: E. Jack F. Wheel Wrench Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the G.
Page 278: Compact Spare Tire
Compact Spare Tire Notice: When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught Although the compact spare tire was fully inﬂated when on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Page 279: Appearance Care
Appearance Care They can all be hazardous – some more than others – and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. are toxic. Others can burst into ﬂames if you strike a In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle.
Page 280 Here are some cleaning tips: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems • Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black), • egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine Clean up stains as soon as you can – before and blood can be removed as follows: they set.
Page 281 Cleaning Vinyl Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Use warm water and a clean cloth. • Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones may have to do this more than once.
Page 282: Care Of Safety Belts
Care of Safety Belts Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Keep belts clean and dry. The paint ﬁnish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. CAUTION: Washing Your Vehicle Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it The best way to preserve your vehicle’s ﬁnish is to keep it may severely weaken them.
Page 283 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car period of years. You can help to keep the paint ﬁnish washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Page 284: Sheet Metal Damage
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels Sheet Metal Damage Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.
Page 285: Underbody Maintenance
Underbody Maintenance Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust See your GM dealer for more information on purchasing control can collect on the underbody. If these are not the following products. removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, ﬂoor pan Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials and exhaust system even though they have corrosion...
Page 286 Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials (cont’d) (cont’d) Description Usage Description Usage Removes dust, Quickly and easily ﬁngerprints, and surface removes spots and stains Finish Enhancer Spot Lifter contaminants, Spray on from carpets, vinyl and wipe off. cloth upholstery. Removes swirl marks, Odorless spray odor ﬁne scratches and other eliminator used on...
Page 287: Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identiﬁcation Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label You’ll ﬁnd this label on the inside of the trunk lid. It’s very Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: • your VIN, • the model designation, •...
Page 288: Electrical System
Electrical System Windshield Wiper Fuses The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit Add-On Electrical Equipment breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have it ﬁxed.
Page 289: Fuses And Circuit Breakers
Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and in the fuse block wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of ﬁres caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse.
Page 290 Circuit Usage Fuses Usage Breakers Blank Not Used POWER Blank Not Used Power Seats SEATS INADV POWER Interior Lamps Blank Not Used DOOR LOCKS Door Locks Blank Not Used Fuses Usage TAIL LAMPS, PARK LOCK Ignition Key Solenoid Taillamps, License Plate Lamps LIC LAMPS Blank Not Used...
Page 291 Underhood Fuse Block Fuses Usage BTSI PARK Some fuses and relays are located in the underhood Shifter Lock Solenoid LOCK fuse block on the passenger’s side of the vehicle in the AIR BAG Air Bag engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 or more information on location.
Page 292 Fuses Usage High Blower, Hazard Flasher, Relays Usage Stoplamps, Power Mirror, Door Cooling Fan 2 Locks Cooling Fan 3 Ignition Switch, BTSI, Stoplamps, Starter Solenoid Anti-Lock Brake System, Turn Signals, Cluster, Air Bag, Daytime Cooling Fan 1 Running Lamps Module Ignition Main Cooling Fan Air Pump (Optional)
Page 293 Fuses Usage Fuses Usage Headlamp (Right) Not Used Rear Compartment Release Generator Parking Lamps Engine Control Module Fuel Pump A/C Compressor Clutch Headlamp (Left) Cooling Fan Not Used Electronic Ignition Not Used Transaxle Not Used Horn Not Used Fuel Injector Not Used Oxygen Sensor Not Used...
Page 294: Capacities And Specifications
Capacities and Speciﬁcations Capacities and Speciﬁcations Capacities Application English Metric Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 2.4 lbs 1,1 kg Automatic Transaxle Pan Removal and Replacement 7.4 quarts 7,0 L After Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts 9,5 L When draining/replacing converter, more ﬂuid will be needed.
Page 295: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Part Number Engine Air Cleaner/Filter A1614C* Engine Oil Filter Type PF47* Passenger Compartment Air Filter 10406026 Type 41–101* Spark Plugs Gap: 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) Wiper Blade Sheperd’s Hook Type 22.0 inches (56.0 cm) Length ®...
Page 296 NOTES 5-96...
Page 297 Section 6 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule ........6-2 At Least Once a Year ........6-11 Introduction ...........6-2 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections ..6-14 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....6-2 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Maintenance Requirements ......6-2 Boot and Seal Inspection ......6-14 How This Section is Organized ......6-3 Exhaust System Inspection ......6-14 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services ...6-4...
Page 298: Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your Introduction vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. Improper vehicle maintenance can Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and even affect the quality of the air we breathe.
Page 299: How This Section Is Organized
How This Section is Organized “Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what should be checked and when. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good This maintenance schedule is divided into ﬁve parts: condition.
Page 300: Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance This part tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when to schedule them. Services When you go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service This part contains engine oil scheduled maintenance people will perform the work using genuine GM parts.
Page 301: Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance Whenever the tires are rotated, the Tire Inﬂation Monitor System must be reset. The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles + A good time to check your brakes is during tire (166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles rotation.
Page 302 When the system has calculated that oil life has been 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON light will page 5-60 for proper rotation pattern and additional come on.
Page 303 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Replace passenger compartment air ﬁlter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ﬁlter may require Replace passenger compartment air ﬁlter. If you replacement more often. drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ﬁlter Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on may require replacement more often.
Page 304 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on Inspect engine air cleaner ﬁlter. If necessary, replace page 5-60 for proper rotation pattern and additional the ﬁlter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions, information.
Page 305 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Change automatic transaxle ﬂuid and ﬁlter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of Replace passenger compartment air ﬁlter. If you these conditions: drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ﬁlter − In heavy city traffic where the outside may require replacement more often.
Page 306: Part B: Owner Checks And Services
Part B: Owner Checks and Services Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Check the windshield washer ﬂuid level in the windshield Listed in this part are owner checks and services washer tank and add the proper ﬂuid if necessary. which should be performed at the intervals speciﬁed to See Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38 for further help ensure the safety, dependability and emission details.
Page 307: At Least Twice A Year
At Least Twice a Year damp weather more frequent application may be required. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-16 . Restraint System Check Automatic Transaxle Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages Check the transaxle ﬂuid level;...
Page 308 Starter Switch Check Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check CAUTION: CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others When you are doing this check, the vehicle could be injured. Follow the steps below. could move suddenly.
Page 309 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn parking brake. the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. •...
Page 310: Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part C: Periodic Exhaust System Inspection Maintenance Inspections Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, Listed in this part are inspections and services which missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, holes, loose connections or other conditions which each spring and fall).
Page 311: Throttle System Inspection
Throttle System Inspection Brake System Inspection Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, as needed. Replace any components that have high chaﬁng, etc.
Page 312: Part D: Recommended Fluids And Lubricants
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Usage Fluid/Lubricant Lubricants GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part Power Steering No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada System 993294, or equivalent). Fluids and lubricants identiﬁed below by name, part ® Automatic DEXRON -III Automatic number or speciﬁcation may be obtained from your Transaxle Transmission Fluid.
Page 313: Part E: Maintenance Record
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service and any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Maintenance Record Odometer Maintenance Record...
Page 314 Maintenance Record (cont’d) Odometer Maintenance Record Date Serviced By Reading 6-18...
Page 315 Maintenance Record (cont’d) Odometer Maintenance Record Date Serviced By Reading 6-19...
Page 316 Maintenance Record (cont’d) Odometer Maintenance Record Date Serviced By Reading 6-20...
Page 317 Section 7 Customer Assistance Information Customer Assistance Information ......7-2 Reporting Safety Defects ........7-10 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ......7-2 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Online Owner Center ........7-4 Government ..........7-10 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian (TTY) Users ..........7-4 Government ..........7-10 Customer Assistance Offices ......7-4...
Page 318: Customer Assistance Information
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to your dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will following information available to give the Customer be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service...
Page 319 STEP THREE: Both General Motors and your dealer You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone are committed to making sure you are completely number or write them at the following address: satisﬁed with your new vehicle. However, if you continue BBB Auto Line to remain unsatisﬁed after following the procedure Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
Page 320: Online Owner Center
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or all in one place. speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), The Owner Center allows you to: Buick has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with • Get e-mail service reminders.
Page 321 United States – Customer Assistance Overseas – Customer Assistance Buick Customer Assistance Center Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. P.O. Box 33136 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Detroit, MI 48232-5136 Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico 1-800-521-7300 1-800-832-8425 (For Text Telephone devices and U.S.
Page 322: Gm Mobility Program For Persons With Disabilities
GM Mobility Program for Persons Roadside Assistance Program with Disabilities Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car This program, available to warranty (whichever occurs ﬁrst).
Page 323 Vehicle license plate number • Hotels Buick reserves the right to limit services or • Glass replacement reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Buick’s • Tire repair facilities judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence. •...
Page 324: Courtesy Transportation
Courtesy Transportation, a customer Warranty service can generally be completed while you support program for new vehicles. wait. However, if you are unable to wait Buick helps The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options.
Page 325 Public Transportation or Fuel Additional Program Information Reimbursement Courtesy Transportation is available during the If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. reimbursement up to $30 per day (ﬁve days maximum) may be available for the use of public transportation A separate booklet entitled Warranty and Owner such a s taxi or bus.
Page 326: Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government Reporting Safety Defects to the If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle United States Government has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could Motors of Canada Limited.
Page 327: Reporting Safety Defects To General Motors
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write: information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, Buick Customer Assistance Center brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. P.O. Box 33136 RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00...
Page 328 Service Bulletins Current and Past Model Order Forms Service Bulletins give technical service information Service Publications are available for current and needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
Page 329 Appearance Care (cont.) Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle ....5-82 Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature ....3-48 Finish Damage ..........5-84 Adding Washer Fluid ........5-38 Sheet Metal Damage ........5-84 Additional Program Information ......7-9 Underbody Maintenance ....... 5-85 Additives, Fuel ..........
Page 330 Backing Up ............ 4-39 California Fuel ..........5-6 Battery Replacement ......... 2-8 Canada – Customer Assistance ......7-5 Battery Rundown Protection ......3-15 Canadian Owners ..........ii Battery ............5-42 Canadian Roadside Assistance ......7-7 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......4-23 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ......
Page 331 Child Restraints (cont.) Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades ....5-83 Infants and Young Children ......1-32 Cleaning ............5-79 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Inside of Your Vehicle ........5-79 Children (LATCH System) ......1-42 Outside of Your Vehicle ........ 5-82 Older Children ..........
Page 332 Customer Assistance Information (cont.) Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature ....3-49 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Doing Your Own Service Work ......5-3 Users ............7-4 Dolly Towing ..........4-33 Customer Assistance Offices ......7-4 Dome Lamp ........... 3-15 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..... 7-2 Door .............
Page 333 Engine (cont.) Exhaust ............. 2-30 Electrical System ..........5-88 Oil ............. 5-13 Add-On Equipment ........5-88 Overheating ..........5-26 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......5-89 Starting ............2-20 Headlamp Wiring ......... 5-88 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ...... 4-10 Power Windows and Other Power Options ..5-88 Warning Light ..........
Page 334 FM ............... 3-50 Glove Box ............. 2-35 Folding Rear Seat ..........1-6 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Following Distance .......... 4-39 Disabilities ............ 7-6 Footnotes ............6-5 Fuel ............... 5-5 Additives ............5-6 California Fuel ..........5-6 Hazard Warning Flashers ........3-3 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....
Page 335 How to Check Power Steering Fluid ....5-37 Inspection (cont.) How to Check ........5-20, 5-58 Instrument Panel Brightness ......3-14 How to Use This Manual ........ii Instrument Panel Fuse Block ......5-89 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ....1-12 Instrument Panel ..........
Page 336 LATCH System (cont.) Door ............2-10 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the Leaving Your Vehicle ........2-12 LATCH System ........1-45 Lockout Protection ........2-12 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running ... 2-28 Power Door ..........2-11 Leaving Your Vehicle ........2-12 Programmable Automatic Door Locks .....
Page 337 Maintenance Schedule (cont.) Part E - Maintenance Record ......6-17 New Vehicle Break-In ........2-19 Scheduled Maintenance ......... 6-5 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts .... 5-95 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection ......6-14 Throttle System Inspection ......6-15 Using Your ...........
Page 338 Other Warning Devices ........3-4 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services .... 6-4 Outlet Adjustment ..........3-20 Part B - Owner Checks and Services ....6-10 Outside ............2-33 Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections ..6-14 Convex Mirror ..........2-33 Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ..
Page 339 Remote Trunk Release ........2-13 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..1-11 the Spare Tire ..........5-71 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ....5-68 Removing the Wheel Center Caps ....5-70 Removing the Wheel Covers ......5-70 Replacement Bulbs .........
Page 340 Seats (cont.) Six-Way Power Seats ........1-3 Safety Belt ............. 3-24 Split Folding Rear Seat ........1-6 Reminder Light ..........3-24 Securing a Child Restraint ........ 1-48 Safety Belts ........... 5-82 Center Rear Seat Position ......1-48 Care of ............5-82 Designed for the LATCH System ....
Page 341 Shifting Out of Park (P) ........2-29 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ......1-15 Taillamps ............5-54 Skidding ............4-15 Turn Signal, and Stoplamps ......5-54 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....... 4-20 Theft-Deterrent, Radio ........3-48 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..... 5-80 Theft-Deterrent Systems ........
Page 342 Tires (cont.) Transportation Options ........7-8 Wheel Replacement ........5-64 Trip Odometer ..........3-24 When It Is Time for New Tires ...... 5-61 Trunk Assist Handle ........2-14 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater ....2-22 Trunk Lock ............ 2-13 Top Strap Anchor Location .......
Page 343 Vehicle Identiﬁcation ........5-87 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ....3-22 Number (VIN) ..........5-87 Warnings ............3-3 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ....5-87 Hazard Warning Flashers ....... 3-3 Vehicle Storage ..........5-42 Other Warning Devices ........3-4 Vehicle ............4-6 Safety and Symbols .........
Page 344 What to Use ........5-24, 5-37, 5-38 Power ............2-16 Wheels ............5-64 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ....6-10 Alignment and Tire Balance ......5-64 Windshield Washer ........... 3-8 Replacement ..........5-64 Fluid ............5-38 When to Add Engine Oil ........5-14 Windshield Wiper ..........

Buick Century 2003 Owner's Manual

Table of Contents

Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle

Section 5 Service and Appearance Care

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule

Section 7 Customer Assistance Information

Quick Links

Chapters

Related Manuals for Buick Century 2003

Summary of Contents for Buick Century 2003

Table of Contents