1993 Buick Century Owners Manual

25

22.5

37.5

30

50

1.

37.5

62.5

45

75

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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule I and Schedule II. The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses

these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle. NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.

ITEM NO. SERVICE 1 Engine Oil and Filter Change-Always use

SG Energy Conserving 11 oils of proper viscosity. The “SG” designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as ‘‘SG/CC:’ “SG/CD” or “SF, SG, CC:’ etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index. 2 Chassis Lubrication-Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage.

ITEM NO. SERVICE 3 Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque (3300 V6

Code N Engine Only)*-Check the mounting bolts and/or nuts.

the,torque of

4 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection-For

proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires, Inspection & Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check for damaged wheels also.’

*An Emission Control Service. ~2 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the.emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”

284

ITEM NO. SERVICE 5 Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection-

* Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Replace as needed.

6 Cooling System Service*-Drain, flush and

refill the system with new or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine operating temperature. Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck. To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a pressure test of both the cooling system and the pressure cap.

ITEM NO. SERVICE 7 Transaxle Service-Change both the fluid and filter every l5,O00 miles (25 O00 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside tem- perature regularly reaches 90°F (32OC) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery service.

If you do’not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change both the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (160 0o0 km). Spark Plug Replacement*-Replace spark plugs with the proper type. See “Specifications ‘and Capacities” in the Index.

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ITEM NO. SERVICE

ITEM NO. SERVICE

Spark Plug Wire Inspection**-Inspect for bums, cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit at the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed.

10 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection (2.2L Code 4 engine only)**- Conduct the EGR system service as described in the service manual. To purchase a service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index.

12

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*-Replace every 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or more often under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions. Fuel %nk, Cap and Lines Inspection* A- Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails and injection assembly, if equipped) for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint or any damage. Replace parts as needed. Periodic replacement of the fuel filter is not required.

*An Emission Control Service. *The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”

286

Section B: Owner Checks and Services

Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. At Each Fuel Fill (It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these undechd checks at each fuel fill.)

Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Section D.

WHAT TO DO

CHECK

Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details.

Engine Coolant Level Check

the engine coolant level in the coolant recovery tank and add the proper coolant mix

OR SERVICE Engine Oil Level

I if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for further details. I fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details.

WHAT TO DO

Windshield Washer Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer Fluid Level

tank and add the proper

At Least Once a Month

CHECK

OR SERVICE

Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-

Loading Information label located on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See “Tires” Index for further details.

in the

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CHECK

OR SERVICE

At Least Once a Year

Key Lock Cylinders I Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D. Body Lubrication

Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, glove box door and console door. Section D tells you what to use.

WHAT TO DO

Starter Switch

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly.

If it does,

the regular brake.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in “P” (Park) or “N”

(Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.

288

CHECK

OR SERVICE

position.

lever

Steering Column While parked, and with the parking brake Lock

WHAT TO DO

set, try to turn the key to

“LOCK’ in each shift

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle “P” (Park) Mechanism Check

The key should turn to “LOCK’ only when the shift lever is in “P” (Park). The key should come out only in “LOCK.” /t! CAUTION: When you are doing this chick, your vehicle could begin to mow. M u or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle In case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the -gular b W e at wce ahauld +he vehicle h m n i n +* m- - - - Park on a 1 ply steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.

To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transaxle in “N” (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. To check the “P” (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to “P” (Park). Then release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

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Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and M1). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

INSPECTION OR SERVICE

Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel- Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection Exhaust System Inspection

~~~~

~~

Throttle Linkage Inspection

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary. Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.

floor pan or could

290

~

~~

INSPECTION OR SERVICE

Brake System Inspection

~~~

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

-1 -

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer.

USAGE

FWID/LUBRICANT

Engine Oil GM Goodwrench Motor Oil

~~

or equivalent for API service SG. Energy Conserving 11 oils of

Engine Coolant

the proper viscosity. The “SG’ designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as “SGICC,” “SG/CD” or “SF, SG, CC,” etc. TO determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index. 50/50 mixture of water (preferably distdled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze (GM Part No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved recycled coolant‘conforming to GM Specification 1825M. I Delco Supreme 1 P B,rake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535). or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.

Hydraulic Brake System Parking. Brake Guides Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB

Part

(GM

I GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 1052884) or equivalent.

I Power Steering System Automatic Transaxle I DEXRON@-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 12345881)

No. 1052497 or

equivalent).

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USAGE

Key Lock Cylinders

Automatic Transaxle Shift Linkage Chassis Lubrication

Windshield Washer Solvent

FWID/WBRICANT

Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. -l2345120), -synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or silicone lubricant (GM Part No. 1052276 or 1052277). Engine oil.

~~

Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent). GM Optikleen@ Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 105lSl5) or equivalent.

293

USAGE

FWID/WBRICANT

~~

~~~

Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring

~~

Anchor

b. Release Pawl

a. Engine oil.

b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB

(GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent).

Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109).

Hood and Door Hinges, Station Wag01 Liftgate, Fuel Door Hinge, Folding Seat Hardware, Rear Compartment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips Dielectric Silicone Grease

(GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

See “Capacities and.Specifications” in the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.

294

Section E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the columns indicated. When completing the Maintenance Performed column, insert the numbers from

the Schedule I or Schedule 11 maintenance charts which correspond to the maintenance performed. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.

DATE

ODOMETER READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

295

' I DATE

I READING ODOMETER I

SERVICED BY

I MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

2%

DATE

ODOMETER READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE

PERFORMED

297

DATE

ODOMETER READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE

PERFORMED

298

n h r t 8 Customer Assistance Information

Here you will find out how to contact Buick if you need assistance . This part also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects . Part 8 includes:

Customer Satisfaction Procedure ........................................................ 300 Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired ..................................... 301 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Servicelblications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 PublicationsOrderForm .............................................................. 305

299

lustomer Satisfaction Procedure

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and Buick. Normally, any problems with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s Sales or Service Departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:

300

STEP ONE: Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management. Complaints can often be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the General Manager. STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of Dealership Management; it appears your problem cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Assistance Center i n Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). In Mexico, call 254-17-86. In herto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands, call 1-809-763-1315. In all. other overseas locations, contact GM International Export Sales in Canada by calling 1-416-644-4112. For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative:

Your name, address, telephone number. Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate attached to the left top of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.) Dealership name and location Vehicle delivery date and present mileage Nature of problem

In order to give your inquiry prompt attention, pleasedl if you wish to the toll-free number listed above. However, write Buick, write to:

Buick Motor Division Customer Assistance Center 902 E. Hamilton Avenue Flint, Michigan 48550

A listing of all Buick Zone Offices and offices outside the U.S. which can assist you can also be found in the warranty booklet. When contacting Buick, please remember that your problem will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the dealership’s facilities, equipment and personnel. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a problem.

Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired To assist owners who have hearing difficulties, Buick has installed special TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf) equipment in its Customer Assistance Center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer who has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter (TTY) can communicate with Buick by dialing: 1-800-TD- BUICK. (TDD users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

301

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS To THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:

NHTSA U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

302

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS To THE CANADIAN GOVERNM%NT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:

Transport Canada at Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3J2.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS To GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:

Buick Motor Division Customer Assistance Center 902 E. Hamilton Avenue Flint, Michigan 48550

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Service Publications Information on how to obtain Product Service Publications, Subscriptions and Indexes as described below is applicable only in the fifty U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) and only for cars and light trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO pounds (4 536 kg). In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins and Indexes can be obtained by writing to:

General Motors of Canada Limited Service Publications Department 1908 Colonel Sam Dr. Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7

Buick regularly sends its dealers useful service bulletins about Buick products. Buick monitors product performance in the field. We then prepare bulletins for servicing our products better. Now, you can get these bulletins too. Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid future costly repairs. Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can help a technician service your vehicle better.

Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small number of cars or trucks. Your Buick dealer or a qualified technician may have to determine if a specific bulletin applies to your vehicle. You can subscribe to all Buick bulletins. This way you’ll get them as they come out. You can wait a while and get an index to the bulletins. You can also get individual bulletins. However, you’ll need the index to identify them. Subscriptions You can subscribe to all Buick Product Service Publications (PSP’s). This will include bulletins for all cars sold by Buick and will not be limited to PSP’s applicable to any particular model. When you buy a subscription, you will receive the PSP’s in periodic mailings, shortly after they come out. A subscription costs $86.50 in U.S. funds ($106.50 includes a special binder) and it entitles you to all PSP’s published by Buick during the model year. You can purchase a subscription by sending a check or money order to Service Publications, P.O. Box 1901, Flint, Michigan 48501, along with the order form located in the following text. You may get additional subscription ordering forms by calling the toll-free number shown in the following text.

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.

Individual PSP’s If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s issued by Buick for all models in the model year, you can buy individual PSPs, such as those which may pertain to a particular model. To do this, you will first need to see our index of PSP’s. It provides a variety of information. Here’s what you’ll find in the index and how you can get one: What You’ll Find in the Index A list of all PSP’s published by Buick in a model year (1989 or later). PSP’s covering all models of Buick cars are listed in the same index. Ordering information so you can buy the specific PSP’s you may want. Price information for the PSPs you may want to buy. How You Can Get an Index Indexes are published periodically. Most of the PSP’s which could potentially apply to the most recent Buick models will be listed in the most recent publication for that model year. This means you may want to wait until the end of the model year before ordering an index, if you are interested in buying PSP’s pertaining to a current model year car or truck. Some PSPs pertaining to a particular model year vehicle may be published in later years, and these would be listed in the later year’s index. When you order an index for a

304

model year that is not over yet, we’ll send you the most recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes for earlier model years. Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, and mail it in. We will then see to it that an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1989-1993 model years. Toll-Free Telephone Number If you want an additional ordering form for an index or a subscription, just call toll-free and we’ll be happy to send you one. Automated recording equipment will take your name and mailing address. The number to call is 1-800-551-4123. Copies at participating Dealers Copies of indexes and individual PSP’s are at your participating Buick dealer. You can ask to see them. A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER These PSP’s are meant for technicians. They are not meant for the “do-it-yourselferl’ Technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job quickly and safely. Buick Service Publications You can get these by using the order form:

I f

305

306

....................

Brake Fluid ................................ .243. 292 Electrical Equipment ..................... .75. 117. 265 Engine Coolant ................ .195. 239. 270. 272. 292 Engine Oil ........................ .227. 270. 272. 292 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241. 271. 273. . 292 Sound Equipment ................................ 117 Transaxle Fluid .................... .236. 271. 273. 292 Windshield Washer Fluid

.242. 293 AirBag(S1R) ..................................... 35 Air Cleaner ............................. .233. 271. 273 Air Conditioner .......................... .114. 270. 272 Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 223 Alcohol in Gasoline Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ........................ 262 Antenna Care ..................................... 131 Antifreeze .......................... .239. 270. 272. 292 Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials . . . . . . . .258. 264 Ashtrays and Lighter ............................... 104 Audiosystems .................................... 116 AM/FM Stereo Radio ............................. 118 AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . . . . EO AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Care of Audio Systems ............................ 129

................................

Radio Reception. Understanding Setting the Clock .................. .118. 121. 124

.............. 117 Automatic Door Locks ........................ 66 Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt (see “Safety Belts”) Automatic Transaxle

................ .236. 271. 273. 292 Adding Fluid Checking Fluid ........................... 236 Shifting .................................. 77 Starting Your Engine ........................ 74

.185, 186, 244

Jump Starting ............................. Warnings .......................

Batteries. Remote Lock Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Battery .................................... 244 185 Battery Warning Light ........................ 108 Blizzard ................................... 173 .76, 232 Block Heater, Engine Blowout, Tire ............................... 205 Brake Adjustment ............................... 149 Fluid ............................... 243, 292 Master Cylinder .......................... 243 Parking .................................. 80

....................

307 .

Pedal Travel ...................................... 149 RearDrum ..................................... 149 Replacement ................................... 244 Warning Light- .................................. 109 ....................... 148 Wear Indicators-Disc Brakes Brake System Wakng Light ......................... 109 Braking ......................................... 146 Braking in Emergencies .............................. 149 “Break-In:’ New Vehicle Normd Driving. ................................. 72 When Towing a Trailer ........................... 176 Buckling Up (see “Safety Belts”) Bulb Replacement Headlight ................................. .245. 269 Taillight .................................. .247. 269 Turn Signal ............................... .246, 269

capacities and Specifications ................. .270. 272 CarbonMonoxide .............................. 83. 173 Cargo Security Cover ................................ 101 Cassette Tape Holder ............................... 103 Cassette Tape Player (see “Audio Systems”) Center Passenger Position ............................ 41 Chains. Tire ................................. .217. 257 Changing a Flat Tire ............................... 205 Checking BrakeFluid .................................... 243 Engine Coolant ................................. 239 Engine0 il ..................................... 227

Power Steering Fluid ............................. 241 Safety Belt Systems ......... ...................... 60 Transaxle Fluid .................................. 236 Underhood ..................................... 226 Chemical paint Spotting ............................ 263 ChildRestraints .................................... 47 Children’ ......................................... 45 Cigarette Lighter .................................. 105 Circuit Breakers & Fuses ........................... 266 CityDriving ..................................... 162 Cleaner, Air ............................. .233. 271. 273 Cleaning AluminumWheels ............................... 262 Antenna ....................................... 131 Cassette Player .................................. 129 Fabric ........................................ 258 Glass .......................................... 261 Inside of Your Buick ............................. 258 Materials ........................................ 264 Outside of Your Buick ............................ 261 Safety Belts .................................... 261 Special Problems ................................ 260 Top of Instrument Panel ........................... 260 Underbody Maintenance .......................... 263 Vinyl ......................................... 260 Warnings ...................................... 258 Weatherstrips .................................... ‘262 White Sidewall Tires ............................. 262 Windshield and Wiper Blades ...................... 261 Climate Control ................................... 115

308

..

Clock. Setting the ......................... .118. 121. 124 Comfort Controls Air Conditioning ................................. 114 Heating ............... ........................ 115 Ventilation ................................. .ll5. 116 Your Buick Comfort Control System ................. 114 Compact Disc Care ................................ 130 Compact Spare Tire ....................... .205. 215. 218 Compartment. Rear Locking Storage .................. 103 Control of a Vehicle ................................ 146 Convenience Net .................................. 101 Convex Outside Mirror .............................. 99 Coolant (See “Engine Coolant”) Courtesy Lights .................................... 98 Cruisecontrol ..................................... 91 CupHolder ...................................... 103 Curves. Driving on ................................ 150 Customer Assistance Information ..................... 299

........................... 96 DaytimeR-ngLights Dead Battery: What to Do ........................... 185 Defensive Driving ................................. 142 Defogger. Rear Window ............................. 115 Defogging Your Windows ............................ 115 Defrosting ........................................ 115 Dimensions ....................................... 269 Doing Your Own Service Work ...................... 222 DoorLoc ks ....................................... 65 Downshifting .................................. .79, 167

Driver Position .................................... 30 AtNight ....................................... 155 City .......................................... 162 Controlling a Skid ............................... 154 Defensively .................................... 142 Drunken ........................................ 143 Freeway ....................................... 163 Hill and Mountain ............................... 166 Hydroplaning ................................... 159 In a Foreign Country ............................. 224 In Fog, Mist and Haze ............................ 160 IntheRain ..................................... 158 LongDistance .................................. 164 Loss of Control ................................. 154 OnCurves ..................................... 150 On Snow or Ice ................................. 172 Passing ......................................... 152 Through Deep Standing Water ....................... 76 Winter Driving ................................... 171 Drunken Driving .................................. 143

Electrical Equipment, Adding ................................. 75, 117, 265 Emergencies, Braking in ............................ 149 Emergencies on the Road ........................... 183 Emergencies, Steering in ............................ 151 EmergencyStarting ................................ 185 Emergency Towing ..... .......................... 189 Engine Block Heater ........................... .76, 232

Engine Coolant .......................... .238. 270. 272 Checking & Adding ......................... .l95. 239 Proper Mixture to Use ............................ 239 Safety Warnings About .................... 110. 195. 201 Temperature Gage ................................ 110 Temperature Warning Light ........................ 110

(see “Engine Coolant”)

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Engine Exhaust ................................ .83. 173 Engine Identification .............................. -265 Engineoil ....................................... 227 Additives ...................................... 231 Checking & Adding ................. .227. 270. 272. 292 Crankcase Capacity .......................... .270. 272 Disposing of Used Oil ............................ 232 Energy Conserving .............................. 231 Filter ................................. 232.271. 273 Warning Light .................................. 107 When to Change ................................ 232 Engine Overheating ............................ 110. 195 Engine Specifications ......................... .270. 272 Engine. Starting .................................... 74 Ethanol in Gasoline. ............................... 223 Exhaust Dangerous Gas in ............................ .83. 173’ Running Engine While Parked ....................... 84 Expectant Mothers. Use of Safety Belts ................. 40 Expressway Driving 163 Extender. Safety Belt ................................ 60 Exterior Appearance (see “Appearance Care”)

...............................

Fabric cleaning (see ‘%Appearance care”) Fan Warnings .................... .186. 187. 197. 199. 226 Filling the Fuel Tank ...................... .225. 270. 272 Filter. Oil ................................ 232.271. 273 Finish Damage ................................... 263 Flashers. Hazard Warning ........................... 184 Flat Tire ........................................ 205 Flip-Open Rear Vent Windows ........................ 85 Flooded Engine .................................... 75 Fluid Brake ..................................... 243. 292 Capacities ..................................... 292 Power Steering ..................... .241. 271. 273. 292 Transaxle ......................... .236. 271. 273. 292 Windshield Washer ...................... .89. 242. 293 Fluids and Lubricants .............................. 292 Fog. Driving in ................................... 160 FoldingRearSeats .................................. 18 Foreign Counties .................................... 224 Freeway Driving .................................. 163 French Language Manual ............................. 2 Fuel ............................................ 223 AlcoholinFuel ................................. 223 Capacity ................................... 270. 272 Exhaust Warnings ........................... .83. 173 Filling Your Tank ....................... .225. 270. 272 Gage .......................................... 107 In Foreign Countries ............................. 224 Mileage Chart .................................. 320 Requirements . ................................... 223

310

Warnings ......................................

225 Fuses & Circuit Breakers ........................... 266

G a g e s Battery ......................................... 109 Coolant Temperature ............................. 110 Fuel .......................................... 107 Gasoline ........................................ 223 ................ .225. 270. 272 Gasoline Tank. Filling Your Gear Positions (see “Shifting the Transaxle”) Gearshift Lever (see “Shifting the Transaxle”) GloveBox ........................................ 71

Halogen Bulbs ............................ .245. 269 Hazard Warning Flashers ........................... 184 Headlight & Taillight. Removing and Replacing . .245. 247. 269 Headlights ........................................ 95 High-Low Beam Changer .......................... 88 Instrument Panel Light Intensity Control ............... 95 “0n”Warning ................................... 96 Replacement Bulb ............................... 269 Wiring ........................................ 268 Head Restraints .................................... 17 Ti

Hearing or Speech Impaired ......................... 301 Heater (see “Comfort Controls”) Heater, Engine Block .......................... .76. 232 HighBeams ................................... 88, 157 Highway Hypnosis ................................. 165

HillandMountainRoads ............................ 166 Hills. Parking on ............................. .168. 180 Hood Release .................................... 226 Safety Warning .226. 227 Warning. Overheated Engine .............. .195. 200. 202 Horn ............................................ 86 ............... .195. 200. 202 Hot Engine. Safety Warnings Hydroplaning ..................................... 159

............................

Identification Number. Vehicle ...................... 265 Idling Your Engine ................................. 82 If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow ............. 219 Ignition Key ........................................... 64 Positions ....................................... 73

Indicator Lights (see “Warning Lights”) Infant Restraint (see “Child Restraints”) Inflation. Tires ................................... 252 Inside Rearview Mirror .............................. 98 Instrument Panel .................................. 105 Instrument Panel Warning Lights ...................... 106

J ack.

......................................

Jump Starting .....................................

re

205 185

Keyless Entry System ............................. 66 Keys ............................................ 64

L a n e Change Indicator ............................ 87 Lap-Shoulder Safety Belt Front Automatic ................................. 30 Rear ............................................. 43 Use by Children ............................... .45, 51 Liftgate ...................................... .69, 111 Remote Release Button ........................ .66, 69 Lighter .......................................... 105 Lights Courtesy ....................................... 98 Daytime Running Lights ........................... 96 Halogen Bulbs .................................. 245 Headlights .........................;.. .......... 95 Interior Lights Delay .............................. 97 Map ............................................ 96 Operation ....................................... 95 Parking Lights ................................... 95 Reading ......................................... 97 Removing & Replacing . Bulbs ...................... 245 Replacement Bulbs .............................. 269 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint .................... 36 Taillights ....................................... 95 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............... 87 Warning Lights .................................. 106 Loading Your Vehicle .............................. 249 Lock, Remote Control ............. : ................ 66 Locks ........................................ 65, 69 Long Distance Driving ............................. 164 Low Battery ................................. .108, 185 Low Oil Pressure Warning ........................... 107 312

Lubricants and Fluids .............................. 292 Luggage Carrier Deck ......................................... 100 Roof .......................................... 100

Maintenance Materials ........................... 264 Maintenance Record ............................... 295 Maintenance Schedule .............................. 275 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine S&n Light) ... 111 ManualFrontSeat .................................. 14 Map Light ......................................... 96 Master Cylinder, Brake ............................. 243 Methanol in Gasoline ............................... 223 1 .............. 320 Mileage Chart ...................... Mileage Indicator (see “Odometer”) Mirrors Convex Outside Mirror ............................ 99 Inside Manual Day/Night ............................ 98 Inside Rearview Mirror with Reading Lights ........... 98 Manual Adjust ................................... 99. Power Remote Control ............................ 99 Visor Vanity .................................... 100 MountainDriving ................................. 166

N e w Vehicle Break-In ............................. 72 Night Driving .................................... 155

o c t a n e Requirements (see “Fuel Requirements”) Odometer ........................................ 106 Oil. Engine ......................... .227. 270. 272. 292 Quality ........................................ 229 Thickness ..................................... 230 UsedOil ...................................... 232 When to Change ................................ 232 Oil Warning Light .................................. 107 OperationofLigh ts ................................. 95 Outside Rearview Mirrors ............................ 99 Overheated Engine ................................ 195 Overheated Engine Coolant Warning Light .............. 110 P (Park), Shifting Into ....................

i ........ 81 OnHills ....................................... 168 Over Things That Burn ............................ 83 WithaTrailer ................................... 180 With the Engine Running ........................... 82 ParkingBrake ...................................... 80 Passenger Belts (see “Safety Belts”) Passing .......................................... Polishing and Waxing (see “Appearance Care”) PowerAntenna .................................... 131 Power Door Locks ................................. 66 Power Seat Controls ................................ 15 Power Steering Fluid .................. .241. 271. 273. 292 Power Windows .............................. .85. 268 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts During .................. 40

Parking

152

Problems on the Road ... .......................... 183 Publications (see “Service Publications”)

.199. 241

Radiator Overheating (see “Overheated Engine”) Radiator Pressure Cap ......................... Radio (see “Audio Systems”) Reading Lights .................................... 97 Rear Seats. Folding ................................. 18 Rear Storage Security Cover ......................... 101 Rear Window Defogger ............................. 115 Rearview Mirrors .................................. 98 Reclining Seatbacks ................................. 15 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .................. 292 Remote Lock Control ............................... 66 Replacement Bulbs ................................ 269 Replacement Fuses ................................ 266 Replacement Parts ............................ .271. 273 Replacing Safety Belts ............................... 61 Replacing Tires ................................... 254 Replacing Wheels ............................. .256. 257 Reporting Safety Defects ............................ 302 Restraints. Child ................................... 47 ................................... 17 Restraints, Head Reverse .......................................... 77 Roadsigns ....................................... 134 Color ......................................... 134 Pavement Markings .............................. 141 Shape ......................................... B7 Symbols ....................................... 139 313

Traffic Lights ................................... 140 Your Own Signals ................................ 141 Roads. Hill and Mountain ........................... 166 Rocking Your Vehicle ............................... 218 Rotation. Tire .................................... 253 Running Your Engine While Parked .................... 84

safety Belt Extender .............................. 60 ts ....................................... 23 S a ~ ~ B e l Adults ......................................... 29 Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt ....................... 30 Center Passenger Position .......................... 41 Checking ....................................... 60 Children ........................................ 45 ChildRes traints .................................. 47 Cleaning ....................................... 261 Driver Position .................................. 30 Extender ....................................... 60 Howtowear .................................... 29 LargerChildren .................................. 58 Pregnancy. Use During ............................ 40 Questions &Answers .............. .28, 29. 33. 34. 35. 61 RearSafetyBel ts ................................. 43 Replacement .................................... 61 Right Front, Adult Passenger ........................ 40 Smaller Children and Babies ........................ 46 Third Seat Passenger Position ....................... 41 TopStrap ....................................... 48

314

Torn ........................................... 61 Twisted ........................................ 35 Vehicles First Sold in Canada ....................... 30 Warning Light ................................... 29 Why You Should Wear Safety Belts ................... 23 Safety Defects. Reporting ........................... 302 Scheduled Maintenance Services ...................... 278 Seat Belts (see “Safety Belts”) Seats ............................................ 14 Front Seatback Latches ........................... -17 HeadRestraints .................................. 17 Manual Front Seat ................................ 14 Power Seat ...................................... 15 Rear Seats, Folding ............................... 18 Reclining Seatback ................................ 15 Second Seat, Folding .............................. 18 Third Seat, Folding ............................... 20 Service Engine Soon Light ........................... 111 Service Information ................................. 221 Service parts Identification Label ..................... 265 Service Publications ............................... 303 Service Publications Order Form ..................... 305 Setting the Clock .......................... .118, 121, 124 Setting the Trip Odometer ........................... 1% Shifting Into “P” (Park) ............................. 81 Shifling the Transaxle ............................... 77 Signaling Turns ............................... .87, 141 Signs, Road ...................................... 134 SIR (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint) .................. 35 Skidding ........................................ 154

117

Snowstorm (see “Winter Driving”) Sound Equipment. Adding ........................... Sound Systems (see ‘Audio Systems”) Spare Tire. Compact. ...................... .205. 215. 218 Specifications and Capacities ................... .270. 272 Specifications. Engine ......................... .270. 272 Speed Control (see “Cruise Control”) Speedometer ..................................... 106 Stains. Removing .................................. 258 Starting .Your Engine ................................ 74 Starting Your Vehicle if the Battery is Dead

Steering

(see “Jump Starting”) In Emergencies .................................. 151 Off-Road Recovery .............................. 152 Tips .......................................... l50 Steering Wheel. Tilt ................................ 86 Stereo Sound Systems (see “Audio Systems”) Storage

Armrest ....................................... 103 Convenience Net ................................ 101 Rear Locking Compartment ........................ 103 Rear Storage Security Cover ....................... 101 Storing Your Vehicle ............................... 244 Stuck. If You Are .................................. 219 Sun Visors ........................................ 100 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag) .............. 35

TAlgate Ajar warning Light ........................

111

Tape Player (see “Audio Systems”) Technical Facts & Specifications

Bulbs ......................................... 269 Electrical Equipment. Add-on .............. .75. 117. 265 Fluid Capacities & Types ................ .270. 272. 292 Fuseusage .................................... 267 Service Parts Identification Label ................... 265 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ................ 265 Temperature Warning Light .......................... 110 Theft ............................................ 71 Thermostat ...................................... 241 Tilt Steering Wheel ................................. 86 Time. Setting the .......................... .118. 121. 124 Tire hading ................................ .249. 251 Tires ........................................... 251 BuyingNew .................................... 254 Chains ................................... .218. 257 Flat. Changing .................................. 205 Inflation ....................................... 252 Inspection & Rotation ............................ 253 Loading ................................... 249. 251 Pressure ....................................... 252 QualityGrading ................................. 255 Spare. Compact ......................... .205. 215. 218 Wear Indicators ................................... 254 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance .................. 256 Wheel Replacement ......................... .256. 257 When to Replace Wheels .......................... 256 Winter Driving. and Tires 171 170

......................... T o r q u e b k .....................................

Towing a Trailer .................................. 175 Towing Your Buick ................................ 189 Traf%lc Lights ...................................... 140 Trailer Towing .................................... 175 Driving with a Trailer ........... i ............... -179 Maintenance. ................................... 181 Parking on Hills ......................... .. ....... 180 Trailer Brakes .................................. 178 Turn Signals .................................... 179 Transaxle, Automatic (see “Automatic Transaxle”) Transmission, Automatic (see ‘Automatic Transaxle”) Trip Odometer. ................................... 106 Trunk Lock ....................................... 69 Remote Release Button ............................ 69 Turn Signal Indicator ............................... 87 Turn Signal/Headlight Beam Lever ..................... 86 Cruise Control ................................... 91 Headlight High/Low Beam ......................... 88 Turn & Lane Change Signals ....................... 87 Turn Signal Indicator ............................... 87 Windshield Wipers .............................. -88 windshield Washer ................................. 89 Turn Signal Reminder ............................... 87

underbody Maintenance .......................... 263 Unleaded Gasoline ................................ 223 Upholstery Care .................................. 258 Urban Driving .................................. 1 . 162

Vehicle Identification Number.(VIN) ................. 265 Vehicle hading .................................. 249 Vehicle Storage .................................... 244 Vent Windows, Flip-Open ............................ 85 Ventilation .................................... U. 116 VIN ......................................... : ... 269 Visor Vanity Mirror. ............................... 100 Volts Gage ....................................... 109

w a r n i n g Flashers. Hazard ......................... 184 Warning Lights .................................. -106 AirBag ........................................ 36 Battery ......................................... 108 Brake ......................................... 109 Coolant Temperature ............................. 110 Oil ........................................... 107 Safety Belt Reminder Light ......................... 29 Service Engine Soon .............................. 111 TailgateAjar .................................... 111 Washer, Windshield .................................. 89 WasherNiper, Rear Window ......................... 90 Weight Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ................... 250 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ............... 250 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................... 256 Wheel Covers, How to Remove ....................... 210 WheelNuts ...................................... 209 Wheel Nut Torque ................................. 215

316

.256. 257

Wheel Replacement .......................... Windows Power .................................... .85. 268 Standard ........................................ 84 Vent. Flip-Open .................................. 85 Windshield Washer ................................. 89 Fluid ......................................... 242 Windshield Wipers ................................. 88 Cleaning ....................................... 261 Replacement .............................. .249. 261 Winter Driving .................................... 171 If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Deep Snow ............ .174, 218 If You're Caught in a Blizzard ...................... 173 Wrecker Towing .................................. 189

317

Owner’s Record of Upkeep & Fuel Usage

MILEAGE

DATE

COMMENTS

I 318

Owner’s Record of Upkeep & Fuel Usage

DATE

MILEAGE

AMOUNT

COMMENTS

3l9

Fuel Mileage Chart You can use this chart to quickly calculate your fuel mileage.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

MILES PER GALLON

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

31 32 33 34 35 36

90 96 102 108 114 120

112 120 128 136 144 152 160 168 176 184

126 132 138 144 150 156 162 168 174 180 186 192 198 204 210 216

180-189 198 207 216 225 234 243 252 261 270 279 288 297 306 315

192200208 216224232240248256264272280288 324 360

5 50 5.5 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 6 60 66 72 78 84 7 70 77 84 -91 98 105 112 119 126 133 140 147 154 161 168 175 182 189 196 203 210 217 224 231 238 245 252 8 80 88 96 104 9 90 99 108 117 126 135 144 153 162 171 10 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 11 110 121 132 143 154 165 176 187 198 209 220 231 242 253 264 275 286 297 308 319 330 341 352 363 374 385 396 12 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240 252 264 276 288 300 312 324 336 348 360 372 384 396 408 420 432 13 130 143 156 169 182 195 208 221 234 247 260 273 286 299 312 325 338 351 364 377 390 403 416 429 442 455 468 14 140 154 168 182 196 210 224 238 252 266 280 294 308 322 336 350 364 378 392 406 420 434 448 462 476 490 504 15 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 255 270 285 300 315 330 345 360 375 390 405 420 435 450 465 480 495 510 525 540 16 160 176 192 208 224 240 256 272 288 304 320 336 352 368 384 400 41 6 432 448 464 480 496 51 2 528 544 560 576 17 170 187 204 221 238 255 272 289 306 323 340 357 374 391 408 425 442 459 476 493 510 527 544 561 578 595 612 18 180 198 216 234 252 270 288 306 324 342 360 378 396 414 432 450 468 486 504 522 540 558 576 594 612 630 648 19 190209228247266285304323342361 380399418 437456475494513532551 570589608627646665684 20 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360 380 400 420 440 460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 620 640 660 680 700 720 21 210 231 252 273 294 315 336 357 378 399 420 441 462 483 504 525 546 567 588 609 630 651 672 693 714 735 756 22 220 242 264 286 308 330 352 374 396 418 440 462 484 506 528 550 572 594 616 638 660 682 704 726 748 770 792

320

. __ ...

.. . .

THIS MANUAL IS PRINTED ON

The 1993 Buick Century

Owner’s Manual

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25603822 B First Edition

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1992 All Rights Reserved

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, Buick, and the Buick Emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFlCAllON THROUGH

Natlonal Insttlute for

AUTOMOTIVE

SERVICE

EXCELLENCE

c .. . - _ _ x

We support voluntary technician certification.

’

This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your. Buick, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux proprietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en francais chez votre concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7.

I 2

3

innovator. Buick engineers developed the “valve-in-head” engine, a light, powerful and reliable engine which- would eventually influence the entire automotive industry. William C. Durant was instrumental in promoting Buicks across the country using his Durant-Dort Carriage Co. outlets and salespeople as the nucleus of a giant distribution system. He knew the Buick as a “self-seller? , If automobiles could be this good, he thought, maybe it was time to switch from the horse and buggy business to automobiles.

At the 1905, New York Auto Show, Durant took orders for 1,OOO Buicks before the company had built 40. On Buick’s success, Durant created a holding company, September 16, 1908. He called it General Motors.

William C. (Billy) Durant

Walter Marr and Thomas Buick Buick’s chief engineer, Walter L. Marr (left), and Thomas D. Buick, son. of founder David Dunbar Buick, drove the first Flint Buick in a successful Flint-Detroit round trip in July 1904. David Buick was building gasoline engines by 1899, and Man, his engineer, apparently built the first auto to be called a Buick in 1900. However, Buick traditionally dates its beginnings to 1903. That was the year the company was reorganized, refinanced and moved from Detroit to Flint. Buick has always been a product

Durant also created a racing team that won 500 racing trophies in 1909 and 1910, including successes at Indianapolis two years before the Indy 500 began. The success of Buick engines was visible not only on the race track, but in endurance tests across the country and around the world. Buick was the only car to complete a 1,000-mile Chicago-to-New York race in 1906. And a Buick was the first car to travel across South America, driven from Buenos Aires, Argentina, over the Andes to Santiago, Chile in 1914.

Buick .drew plenty of attention because it could climb hills and run through mud like no other car. Buick's endurance and reliability were world hmous. During World War I, Buick built Liberty aircraft engines as well as Red Cross ambulances so successful that one Buick ambulance was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government. As a builder of premier automobiles, Buick was hard hit by the Great Depression. However, new General Manager Harlow H. Curtice created popular new models including the Special and the Roadmaster. Buick sales soon flourished.

I911 Model 21 Du?ing Car

First Buick Factory

In World War II, Buick built aircraft engines, tanks and other military hardware. This post-war period brought great styling and engineering changes which resulted in increased sales. The torque converter automatic transmission, Dynaflow, was introduced in the 1948 Roadmaster. Buick’s famous “portholes” came along in 1949.

A high-compression V-8 engine was introduced in 1953. And Buick’s famous vertical pillar “toothy” grille (introduced in 1942), became more massive in the post- war era.

I953 Skylark

1949 Roadmaster

Motor Trend magazine named the 1962 Buick Special “Car of the Year:’ The first production V-6 engine was used in the Special.

1962 Buick Special Built inside the walls of the old buildings in Buick’s former Flint complex, which formed the cornerstone of General Motors, Buick City is a state-of-the-art assembly facility with more than 200 robots and other high-tech equipment. It was completed in the fall of 1985. Buicks are, and will continue to be, premium American motorcars with smooth power, high performance, rich detail and comfortable accommodation.

Ed Mertz, General Manager, Buick Motor Division Our mission is simple: “Buick will provide Premium American Motorcars backed with services that exceed our customers’ expectations, throughout the purchase, ownership, service and repurchase experience?

Buicks are SUBSTANTIAL. Buicks are DISTINCTIVE. Buicks are POWERFUL. Buicks are MATURE.

. _.

1923 Buick Sport Roadster

Table of Contents

This part explains how to start and operate your Buick.

This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.

Introduction How to Use this Manual ....................................................... .10 I3

This part tells you how to use your manual and includes safety and vehicle damage warnings and symbols.

Part 1 Seats and Safety Belts .......................................................... Part 2 Features & Controls .......................................................... .63 Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W! : ........................ Part 4 Your Driving and the Road. .......................... Part 5 Problems on the Road. ....................................................... Part 6 Service & Appearance Care ....................................................

This part tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.

This part tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your sound system.

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how

to drive under different conditions.

.221

.I33

.l83

Here the manual tells you how to keep your Buick running properly and looking good.

Part7MaintenanceSchedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part 8 Customer .Assistance Information ..............................................

This part tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants

to use.

.299

This part tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects on page 302.”

hrt9Index ......................................................~...............307

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use yellow and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

I A CAUTION:

In the yellow caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. This will help you learn about the htures and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index: A good place to look fbr what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it;

14: Each part of this manual begins with a brief list of its contents, so you can often find at a glance if a part contains the information you want. part 7: This part of the manual covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Part 8 Customer Assistance: This part includes important information about “Reporting Safety Defects.” You will also find customer satisfaction phone numbers (including customer satisfaction numbers for the hearing and speech impaired). ‘We’ve also included ordering information for service publications in this part.

10

it in You will also find a red circle with a slash through this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do

this,” or “Don’t let this happen.” 8 Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these blue notices:

In the blue notice area, we tell you about, something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. In this manual, we’ve used the familiar words and colors that Buick has used for years. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same colors, and the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you will find on your vehicle.

These symbols are important for. you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN

BELTS

POWER WINDOW

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

POSSIBLE A

CAUTION

INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

,111,

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

WINDSHIELD ' ' '

0 - 0 -

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

Thes, ,ymbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

F- -- CHARGING I-1

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

SEAT

TURN SIGNALS

e3

SYSTEM

BATTERY

t0 @e4 i

WIPER & WASHER

WINDSHIELD= WASHER

RADIO k I wlNDsHIELDw e TRUNK WINDOW @

HATCHBACK RELEASE

CONDITIONING AIR

DEFROSTER

VOLUME

REAR

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

=o FOG LAMPS # 0

OR =, BEAM

HIGH

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING FAN

HEADLAMP - WASHER zQ WIPER -

FUEL

PRESSURE

ENGINE OIL wb TEMP OIL & BRAKE (i)

ANTILOCK

SPEAKER b

Part 1 Seats and Safety Belts

Here you’ll fmd information about the seats in your Buick. your Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (“air bag”) system and how to use your safety belts properly . You can also learn about some things you should not do with safety belts . Part 1 includes:

SeatsandSeatControls ................................................................ 14 Folding Rear Seats (Wagon) ............................................................. 18 SafetyBelts ......................................................................... 23 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 DriverPosition ....................................................................... 30 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (Air Bag) .......................................... 35 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 RightFrontPassengerPosition .......................................................... 40 Center Passenger Position and Any Station Wagon Third Seat Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 RearSeatPassengers .................................................................. 43 Children ............................................................................ 45 SmallerChildrenandBabies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 ChildRestraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 LargerChildren ...................................................................... 58 SafetyBeltExtender .................................................................. 60 Replacing Safety Belts After a Crash ...................................................... 61

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats-how to adjust them-and also abut folding seats, reclining front seatbacks, and head restraints. Manual Front Seat I /\ CAUTION:

Move the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

if you try to

You can I.ose control of the vehicle 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. Adjust the driver's seat only when the vehicle moving.

is not

Reclining Front Seatback

1 Front seats have this

control. It’s located on the front of the seat. Reclining b n t Seatback Control: To recline the seatback hold the switch up. Hold the switch down

1 to raise the seatback.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

The power seat controls are located on the front of the seat. To adjust the power seat: Front Control (F): Raise the front of the seat by holding the switch up. Hold the switch down to lower the front of the seat. Center Control (C): Move the seat forward or back by holding the control to the right or left. Raise or lower the seat by holding the control up or down. Rear Control (R): Raise the rear of the seat by holding the switch up. Hold the switch down to lower the rear of the seat.

-

CAUTION (Cot .,.nued). The shoulder belt can't do its job because It won't be against your body. Instead, It will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other Injuries. The lap belt can't do ib job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvlc bones. This could cause aerious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is On motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

Slttlng 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 recllned like this.

16

CAUTION (Continued)

Head Restraints

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Front Seatback Latches (Two-Door Models) The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. Your seatback will move .back and forth freely, unless you come to a sudden stop. Then it will lock in place. There’s one time the seatback may not fold without some help from you. That’s if your vehicle is parked facing down a fairly steep hill.

To fold a front seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear as you lift this latch. Then the seatback will fold forward. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly.

17

Folding Second Seat

Folding Rear Sea& (Wagon) To add more cargo room, the seatbacks of your rear second and optional rear-facing third seats can be easily folded down. Be sure to check your seatback latches now and then by pushing the seatback back and forth. If they do not latch properly, have them checked by your dealer. Remember to keep safety belts clear of seat hinges and latches so they are not damaged when you raise and lower the seatbacks.

To Lower the Split Second Seatback: 1. Each seat has its own release button. Press the release

button and pull the seatback forward and down.

2. Push down on the filler panel and the seatback so they

lock into a level position.

To Raise the Split Second Seatback: 1. Push down on the front edge of the seatback and pull

up the filler panel tab.

2. Lift the seatback until it locks in the upright position. Push back and forth on the seatback to be sure it is locked in place.

Folding Third Seat (Option)

Press down on the seat release levers (one on each side

of the seat), and allow the seatback to pop up.

1.

To Raise the Rear-Facing Third Seatback: If your vehicle, is equipped with a roll-up cargo cover, it must be removed before raising the seatback. 1. Open the liftgate and lift the storage compartment lid. 2. Fold it forward against the seatback.

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. .

4. Push the seatback all the way up until it locks in the

upright position. Push back and forth on the seatback to be sure it is locked in place.

To Lower the Rear-Facing Third Seatback: 1. Open the liftgate and lift the seat release lever located at the lower corner of the storage compartment on the