1993 Buick Century Owners Manual

If you are on a hill: See “Parking on Hills” in the Index. That section shows how to turn your front wheels. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill: See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

To release the parking brake: Hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the brake release lever.

80

Shifting Into “P” (Park)

/i\ CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehlcle if the shift lever is not fully in “P” (Park) with , the parking brake firmly set. b u r vehicle can -. roll. If you have left the engine runnin.g, the vehicle can move suddenly. ybu or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t inwe, when you’re on fairly level ground, Use the steps that follow. If you are parking on a hill, or if you’m pulling a trailer, also see. “Parking on Hills” or “Towing B Trailer” in the Index.

‘

Steering Column Shift Lever

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set

the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the “P” (Park) position like

this:

Pull the lever toward you.

81

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in “P” (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. Ybu or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in “P” (Park) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into the “P” (Park) position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from “P” (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t hlly locked into “ P ’ (Park).

LA-

Move the lever up as far as it will go.

3. Move the ignition key to “Lock:’ 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can walk

away from your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in “P” (Park).

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 Over Parking Things

That Burn

Engine

Exhaust

a CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

A CAUTION:’ ‘ I smell. It can cause unconsciousness and

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or death. You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

I Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. Your vehicle was damaged when driving over I high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren’t done correctly. Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and Have it fixed immediately.

I CAUTION (C __ ____ Jued) . . be sureyour vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to “P”, (Park). Follow the proper steps to be &re your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into ‘P’ (Park)”.in the Index. If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking On Hills” or “Towing a Thiler” in the Index.

Windows On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window crank to open and close each window.

Running Your Engine While You’re Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

a CAUTION:

I Idling the engine with the air system “control

off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier CAUTION under “Engine Exhaust”). Also, idling In a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch is at the hlghest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust-. with C0-n come garage wlth the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. I (See “Blizzard” In.the Index.) It can be dpngeroua to get out of your vehicle If the shift lever is not fully On “P” (Park) wlth the parking brake firmly set. b u r vehicle can the engine roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when Os runnhg unless you. have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. N u or others could be injured. To

in easily.’ NEVER park in a

CAUTION (Continued)

84

Power Windows (Option) *.”

Flip-Open Rear Vent Windows (Option, Wagon)

._

With power windows, switches on the driver’s armrest control each of the windows when the ignition is on. In addition, each passenger door has a control switch for its own window.

To open, pull the latch forward, then push on the center of the latch to swing the window out into the open position. To close the window, pull the center of the latch and then press the latch into the closed position.

85

Horn You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbol on your steering wheel. Tilt Steering Wheel (Option)

The I’urn SignaUHeadlight Beam Lever

-.

A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.

86

The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlight High-Low Beam Windshield Wipers Windshield Washer Cruise Control (Option)

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

A green arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change. To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the green arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it.

The turn signal has two upward (for Right) and two downward (for Left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses 8z Circuit Breakers” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs. Turn Signal Reminder If your turn signal is left on for more than % of a mile, a chime will sound. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever to the off position.

all when you

Headlight Highhw Beam

Windshield Wipers

To change the headlights from low beam to high, or high to low, pull the turn signal lever all the way toward you. Then release it. When the high beams are on, .this blue light on the instrument panel also will be on.

You control the windshield wipers by turging the band marked “WIPERI’ For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to “MIST? Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the band on “MIST” longer. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from YOU to the “LO” position. For high speed wiping, turn the band further, to “HI? To stop the wipers, move the band to “OFF?

.I

88

Low Speed Delay Wipers (Option) You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes. ‘ms can be very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The closer .I - to “LO:’ the shorter the delay. A CAUTION:

times.

more

four

Damaged wiper blades may prevent you’irom seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.

damaged, gefnew blades or blade inserts.

become do

blades

If your

If you push the paddle less than one second, washer fluid will spray three to four times while the wiper blades cycle. If you push the paddle longer than one second, washer fluid will spray as long as the paddle is held. When you release the paddle, the wiper blades will cycle three to

If you have the standard wipers, the wipers will keep going in “LO” until you turn the wiper control to - “OFF.” If you have the optional low speed delay wipers, the wipers will clear the window and then either stop or return to your preset speed.

Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker in the motor will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload. Windshield Washer At the top of the turn signal/headlight beam lever there’s a paddle with the word “PUSH” on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle.

a Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous. A bad mud splash can block your vislon. ybu could hit another vehicle or go off the mad. Check your washer fluid level often. * In freezing weather, don’t use your washer untll the windshield is warmed. Otherwim the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking p u t vision.

Rear Window Washedwiper (Option)

I The rear window

WASH

rt-r

REAR WIPER

washedwiper switch is at the center of the instrument panel. Press the top of the switch labeled “WASH” and the rear wiper will run at a coastant speed. Press the switch further and hold to spray washer fluid while the wiper continues to run. The wiper will continue to run until you press the switch to ‘‘OFF? The rear window washer fluid reservoir is the smaller reservoir next to the coolant reservoir.

OFF

90

Cruise Control (option)

. .

~ "IWC.

. .. -

With Cruise Control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 W h ) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise Control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 W h ) . off. When you apply your brakes, the Cruise Control shuts

A CAUTION:

Cruise Control can be dangerous where you can't drive safely at a steady speed. So, don't use your Cruise Control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise Control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don't use Cruise Control on slippery roads.

To Set Cruise Control

1. Move the Cruise Control

switch to "ON?

91

A CAUTION:

rn

If you leave your Cruise Control switch “ON” when you’re not using Cruise, you might hit a button and go into Cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the Cruise Control switch “OFF” until you want to use it.

2. Get up to the speed you want.

3. Push in the “SET”

button at the end of the lever and release it.

4. Take your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

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1 To Resume a Set Speed

Suppose you set your Cruise Control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the Cruise Control. But you don’t need to.reset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 h / h ) or more, you can move the Cruise Control switch. from “ON” to “WA” (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second. You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there.

If you hold the switch at “WA” longer than half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until you release the switch or apply the brake. You could be startled and even lose control. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the switch at “R/AI’

To Increase Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed. Here’s the first: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to -the higher speed.

2. To increase your speed in very small amounts, move

the switch to “R/A” for less than half a second and then release it. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.

To Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using Cruise Control:

..

Here’s the second way to go to a higher speed: 1. Move the Cruise switch from “ON” to ‘WAY Hold it there until you get up to ‘the speed you want, and then release the switch.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow down to the Cruise Control speed you set earlier. Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your Cruise Control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load, and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake takes you out of Cruise Control. Many drivers fmd this to be too much trouble and don’t use Cruise Control on steep hills.

To Get Out of Cruise Control

-.

There are two ways to turn off the Cruise Control:

Step lightly on the brake pedal; OR

Move the Cruise switch to “OFF?

To Erase Cruise Speed Memory When you turn off the Cruise Control or the ignition, your Cruise Control set speed memory is erased.

94

Lights Interior Lights/Instrument Panel Intensity Control

You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by rotating the control up or down. To turn on the interior courtesy lights, rotate the control all the way up to “HI:’

Headlights

* P

I PF

Press the switch marked “P” to turn on: Parking Lights Side Marker Lights Taillights License Plate Lights Instrument Panel Lights

-‘(J- , switch to turn on the headlights,

Press the together with:

Parking Lights Side Marker Lights Taillights License Plate Lights Instrument Panel Lights

Press “OFF” to turn off the lights. Operation of Lights Although your vehicle’s lighting system (headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, side marker lamps’and tail lamps) meets all applicable federal lighting requirements, certain States and Provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you operate these lamps. For example, some jurisdictions may require that you operate your lower beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, or that headlamps be turned on whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with parking lamps, especially at dawn or dusk. It is recommended that you check with your own State Or Provincial highway authority for applicable lighting regulations.

95

Of course, you may still turn on the headlights any time you need to. To idle your vehicle with DRL off, set the parking brake while the ignition is in the “Off’ or “Lock” position. Then start the vehicle. The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake.

Map Light & Press the switch to turn the

map light on and off.

MAP

ON

OFF

Headlight “On” Warning If you open the door while leaving the lights on, you will hear a warning chime. Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) The Canadian Federal Government has decided that “Daytime Running Lights” (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DIU can make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and other drivers during daylight hours. DRL are required on new vehicles sold in Canada. Your DRL work with a light sensor on top of the instrument panel. Don’t cover it up. The low beam headlights will come on at reduced brightness when:

in daylight

The ignition is on The headlight switch is off, and The parking brake is released.

At dusk, the exterior. lights will come and the low beams will change to full brightness. At dawn, the exterior lights will go out and the low beams will change to the reduced brightness of DRL (if the headlight switch is off).

bn &.nomatically

96

Front Seat Reading Lights (Option)

Rear Reading Light (Wagon)

Press the switch to turn on the front seat reading lights. To avoid drair.ing your vehicle battery's power, be sure to turn off all front and rear reading lights when leaving your vehicle.

This light will go on when you open the liftgate. To turn on the light when the liftgate is closed, press the switch. Interior Lights Delay When you pull on the driver's outside door handle, the dome and courtesy lights will go on and stay on for about 40 seconds, or until you turn the ignition on. If you pull on the driver's inside door handle within 30 seconds of switching off the ignition, the interior lights will go on and stay on for about 5 seconds, to allow you to unlock your door(s).

97

Courtesy Lights When any door is opened, several lights go on. These lights are under the instrument panel. Optional lights are on the rear doors. They make it easy for you to enter and leave the vehicle. You also can turn these lights on by rotating the interior lights switch to ‘‘HI:’ Mirrors Inside Mirror

Inside Rearview Mirror with Reading Lights (Option)

--

To reduce glare from lights behind you, pull the lever toward you to the night position. To turn on the reading lights, press the switches on the front of the mirror.

- _

To reduce glare from lights behind you, pull the lever toward you to the night position.

98

Outside Mirrors Manual Adjust Mirrors Both the driver and passenger side outside mirrors should be adjusted so that you just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.

Use the remote control knob on the driver’s door to adjust the driver’s outside mirror. Adjust the passenger’s outside mirror by hand.

Power Remote Control Mirrors (Option) Both the driver’s and optional passenger side outside mirrors can be adjusted with the control lever on the driver’s door.

Turn the knob left or right to select the driver’s or passenger’s mirror. Rotate the knob to adjust the mirror. Adjust each mirror so that you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.

Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.

A CAUTION:

If you aren’t used to a convex mirror, you can hit another vehicle. A convex mirror can make thlngs (like other vehlcles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your Inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

99

Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. Visor Vanity Mirrors

Luggage Carrier (Option) If you have the optional luggage carrier, you can load things on top of a wagon, or on the deck lid of your vehicle. The luggage cairier has slats attached to the deck lid, a rear rail, and tiedowns. The wagon has slats attached to the roof, side rails, and adjustable crossrails. The crossrails can be adjusted by loosening the screws. After moving the crossrails, be sure to tighten the screws securely.

Standard Mirror: Open the cover to expose the vanity mirror. Lighted Mirrors: If your vehicle has the optional lighted vanity mirrors, the lights come on when you open the cover. These can even be used for reading. Close the cover to turn out the lights.

100

Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your Buick. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.

To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving, check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier and cargo are still securely hstened. Convenience Net (Option, coupe and Sedan)

Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it just inside the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can help keep them fkom falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and stops.

The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the trunk as fhr forward as you can. You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when you’re not using it. You can also purchase a convenience net from your dealer. Cargo Security Cover (Option, Wagon) This cover is designed to help conceal articles in the rear storage area. It pulls out and retracts like a window shade. If you have the optional rear-facing third seat, make sure it is folded down.

A CAUTION:

An improperly stored cargo cover could be -brown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured. If you remove the cover, remove it from the vehicle. When you put it back, always be sure that it is securely reattached.

. '.

-. . .!

To Use the Cover: Grasp the handle and pull the c o w over the rear storage area. Insert the ends of the support rod into the slots in the trim panel near the liftgate. When the cover isn't in use, roll it back onto the roller. Hold the handle and lift the support rod out of the slots. Tug the cover ,lightly, then let it roll back automatically. Don't release the handle until the cover has rolled back completely.

To Remove the Cover: You can remove the cover and roller assembly for extra cargo room. Slide back the end sleeve and lift the assembly out of the notch in the trim panel. To replace the assembly, reverse the procedure.

102

Rear Locking Storage Compartment (Option, Wagon)

$9.

The front armrest opens into a storage area. To open it, press the lever at the front edge. Inside is a coin holder, slots to hold cassettes or CDs and a dual cup holder. To use the cup holder, flip it forward and close the armrest cover. The cup holder can be removed for cleaning. Flip the cup holder into the armrest storage area. Squeeze the arms inward to release the retainer pins. Remove the cup holder. The armrest can be raised so that a passenger can sit in the center position.

Use your door key to unlock the storage bin on the driver's side near the liftgate. You can also store items under the foot well cover in the load floor.

103

Ashtrays

- I

Reach under the front edge of the ashtray compartment to open it. To clean the ashtray, reach under the ashtray and push up from behind it.

To clean the rear ashtrays, fully open the ashtray. Press down on the snuffer as you pull the ashtray down and out.

on’t put papers and other things that burh to your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or ther smoking materials could set them on re, causing damage.

104

Cigarette Lighter To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.

The Instrument Panel: Your Information System

Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.

105

Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (ludh). Your odometer shows how fkr your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada). Your Buick has a “tamper-resistant odometer? If you can see silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to turn it back. The numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if a vehicle has to have a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, but a label on the driver’s door must show the old reading and when the new one was installed. Trip Odometer

The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. To set the trip odometer to zero, press the reset knob to the right of the trip odometer.

may

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This section describes the warning lights and gages that be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you turn the ignition key just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly-and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.

Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears “E” (Empty), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with your fuel gage and are normal operating characteristics:

At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads “F” (Full). It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated

the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank‘s capacity to fill the tank. The gage moves a little when you turn a corner, speed up or brake. The gage doesn’t go back to “E” when you turn off the ignition.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that oil is not going through your engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed right away.

The oil light could also come on in three other situations: When the ignition is on but the engine is not funning, the light will come on as a test to show working, but the light will go out when you turn the ignition to “Start? If it doesn’t come on with the

you it is

107

Battery Light

ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

1 A CAUTIONS

Don't keep driving if the oil pmssure is low. If you do, your engine can become QO hot that It catches flm. "ybu or others could be burned. Check wur oil as soon as possible end have your t

rlcle senrlced.

108

The battery warning light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is wcrking. Then it should go out. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose drive or another electrical

generator belt

. . ,

problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Volts Gage (Option)

Brake System Warning Light

When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on (in the “Run” position), the gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. When the engine is running, the gage shows the condition of the charging system. Readings between the red warning zones indicate the normal operating range. Readings in either red

warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

Your Buick‘s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light goes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. This light should come on

as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. This light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem. If the light comes on while 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 floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Buick” in the Index.)

109

A CAUTION:

Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake warning light is on. Driving with the brake warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

---I

This light tells you that your engine coolant has overheated or your radiator cooling fan is not working. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the engine off as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY!

In “Problems on the Road:’ this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

110

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage (Option) ‘1 If you have the Gage

Cluster, you have a gage that shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! That reading means the same thing as the warning light. It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your- vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Also, the temperature symbol on the gage will come on when your engine is too hot. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In “Problems on the Road:’ this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

.- -

Liftgate Ajar Warning Light (Wagon)

The "TAILGATE AJAR" light on your instrument panel will come on if your liftgate is not completely

1 closed.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)

X"'

r - l

A computer monitors I operation of your fuel, ignition and. emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or it comes on while you are driving, the computer is

TAI! GAY E

ALAR

indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

P, 'I;

. . .. .

Part 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

In this part you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems Ad audio systems offered with your Buick. Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle. Part 3 includes:

Comfort Control System ............................................................... .114 Airconditioner.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . w ventilation ....................................................................... Heater and Defroster ................................................................ Rear Wi.ndow Defogger ................................................................ w ufj Audio systems ......................................................................... RadiocOntrOlS.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 8 Tape Player Contrds. .............................................................. CDPlayerControls... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ 3 Care of Cassette Tape Player & Tapes ................................................. Care of Compact Discs .............................................................. Power Armma Mast Care ...........................................................

. ~ 9 .no -131

.QO

Your Buick Comfort Control Syst m -

Air Conditioning The upper lever has three air conditioner settings. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the amount of work your air conditioner's compressor will have to do, which should help fuel economy. MAX: Provides maximum cooling with the least amount of work. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so it maximizes your air conditioner's performance and fuel economy. NORM (Normal): Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it through the instrument panel outlets. BI-LEV (Bi-Level): Use this on cool, but sunny days. This setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The cool air i s directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, but warmed air is directed through the heater ducts and defroster vents. At times this temperature difference may be more apparent than others.

The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. Lever Controls: The upper lever changes the functions of your system. The lower lever changes the temperature of the air coming through the system.

3f : Selects the force of air you want.

To turn the 5x1 off, move the upper lever to the OF'F position.

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The air conditioner compressor operates in all AIR COND positions, and in DEF (Defrost) when the outside temperature is above about 40°F (4.5" C). Ventilation For mild outside temperatures, when little heating or cooling is needed, slide the upper lever to VENT. Air flow is through the instrument panel outlets. Rotate the control next to the outlets to turn on, adjust or turn off the air flow. Adjust the lower lever on the control panel to the temperature desired. Heating When outside temperatures are cold, sliding the upper lever to HEATER and the lower lever to HOT will send heated air through the heater ducts, and some through the defroster vents. VENT and HEAmR are labeled ECONOMY positions because the air conditioner compressor doesn't run in these two settings. This reduces engine load, resulting in improved he1 economy. If either setting fails to keep you comfortable, or causes your windows to fog up, slide the upper lever to one of the AIR COND positions, or to DEF (Defrost). Defrosting The DEF setting directs most of the air through the defroster vents, and some through the heater ducts.

Defogging Windows with Four Season Climate Control To quickly defog the windshield, set the upper lever to DEF and move the hn switch to HI. Slide the lower lever to HOT. In damp, cool weather (temperatures about 45"-65"F, 7"- 18" C), you can use BI-LEV to defog the side windows. Set the upper lever to BI-LEV and the fan switch to HI. Aim the side vents toward the side windows. For increased air flow to the side vents, close the center vents. Rear Window Defogger (Option)

--

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. In winter, it can also keep ice from forming on the rear window. Press the ON portion of the switch. The indicator light will glow. The rear window defogger will turn off automatically after about 10 minutes of use. You can also turn it off by turning

off the ignition or pressing the OFF portion of the switch.

Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

Flow-Through Ventilation System Your Buick's flow-through .ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or the air conditioning fan is running. Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the blower fan to HI for a few moments before driving off. This helps ,clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle. Audio Systems The following pages describe the audio systems available for your Buick, and how to get the best performance frorr * h m m Please read about the system in your vehicle.

A CAUTION:

Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too'late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to -3ur hearing. Take precautions by adjusting ..re volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage: 1. Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. -. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

F'M Stereo FM Stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to inkfiere with each other. AM can also pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. To lower this noise, try reducing the treble level. AM Stereo Your Delco@ system may be able to receive C-Quam@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-Quam* to produce stereo, though some do not. C-Quam@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc. If your Delco@ system can get C-Quam@ signals, your stereo indicator light will come on when you are receiving it.

BAL @dance): The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lewright speaker balance. Lower Knob (TUNE): This knob does two things:

Rotate it to tune in radio stations. Press it to change between the AM and FM bands. FADE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the front/rear speaker balance. TREBLE: Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble. BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it.

AM/F" Stereo Radio

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press to turn the radio on and off when the ignition is on. Upper Knob (VOL): This knob'does two things:

Rotate it to control the volume. When the ignition is off, press the knob to display the time.

WAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds until you press SCAN again to stop on a particular station. SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station on the AM or FM radio band. To Set the Clock: 1. With the radio on or off, press SET. The SET

indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. You must begin to set the clock to the correct hour and

minute during those five seconds. Press and hold SCAN until the correct hour appears on the display. 3. Press and hold SEEK until the correct minute appears

on the display.

To Preset Radio Stations: 1. Use the lower knob (TUNE) to tune in the station you

want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the

digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed, press one of the

four pushbuttons.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of four AM and four FM

stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two

adjacent pushbuttons at the same time.

3. The station can be tuned in when the same two

pushbuttons are pressed at the same time.

BAL (Balance): The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the 1eWright speaker balance. hwer Knob (TUNE): This knob does two things: Rotate it to tune-in radio stations. Press it to change between the AM and FM bands. FmE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance. TREBLE: Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble. BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it. SCAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds until you press SCAN again to stop on a particular station. SEEK Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station on the AM or FM radio band.

AM/F" Stereo Radio with Cassette Player

L,

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press to turn the unit on and off when the ignition is on. Upper Knob (VOL): This knob does three things:

Rotate it to control the volume. When the ignition is off, press the knob to display the time. When a tape is playing, press the knob to hear the other side of the tape.

120

To Set the Clock: 1. With the radio on or off, press SET. The SET

indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. You must begin to set the clock to the correct hour and

minute during those five seconds. Press and hold SCAN until the correct hour appears on the display. 3. Press and hold SEEK until the correct minute appears

on the display.

To Preset Radio Stations: 1. Use the lower knob (TUNE) to tune in the station you

want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the

digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed, press one of the

five pushbuttons.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of five AM and five FM

stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two

adjacent pushbuttons at the same time.

two 3. The station can be tuned in when the same

pushbuttons are pressed at the same time.

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D N R B (Dynamic Noise Reduction): Press this button to select the Dynamic Noise Reduction system that reduces background hiss on AM and EM radio broadcasts, as well as on cassette tapes. It’s recommended to keep the DNR@ button depressed fix all listening situations. To Play a Cassette npe: With the power switch on, insert a tape into the cassette door. Using tapes that are longer than 90 minutes (45 minutes on each side) is not recommended. When the right indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the left arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. To change sides of the tape, press the upper control knob (VOL) while the cassette is playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape.

b (Fast Forward): To rapidly advance the tape, press the button with the arrow pointing in the same direction the tape is playing. To stop %st forward, lightly press the STOP-EJECT button. 4 (Reverse): To rapidly reverse the tape, press the button with the arrow pointing in the opposite direction the tape is playing. To stop reverse, lightly press the STOP-EJECT button. STOP-EJECT To stop playing a tape, fully press this button. The cassette will be partially ejected, and the radio will begin playing.

n2

AM/F” Stereo with Compact Disc Player

Balance: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lefthight speaker balance. Lower Knob (TUNE): This knob does two things: in radio

Rotate it slightly to the left or right to tune stations. If you hold it to the left or right, it will tune rapidly. Press to change between the AM and FM bands. The band you select will appear on the digital display.

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Turns the unit on and off when the ignition is on. Upper Knob (VOL): This knob does two things:

Fade: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance. 4SEEKb: Press to seek and stop on the next station higher or lower on the radio band. SCAN: Press this button to listen to stations for a few seconds. Press it again to stop scanning.

Rotate it slightly to the left or right to control the volume. Press it to mute the radio or tape player. Press again to listen.

RCL (Recall): Press to alternate the display between the time and station frequency. When the ignition is off, press to display the time. BASS: Press this button up or down to increase or decrease the bass level. Press the center of the button for the hctory preset level. TREB (Treble): Press this button up or down to increase or decrease the treble level. Press the center of the button for the factory preset level. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble.

To Set the Clock: 1. With the radio on or off, press SET. The SET

indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. Within those five seconds, press and hold SCAN until

the correct hour appears on the display.

3. Before another five seconds pass, press and hold

4SEEK or SEEK, until the correct minute appears on the display.

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To Preset Radio Stations: The five pushbuttons at the lower right can be used to preset up to ten radio stations (five AM and five FM). The buttons have other uses when you are playing a compact disc. 1. Tune the digital display to the station you want. 2. Press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the

digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed, press one of the

five pushbuttons.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of five AM and five FM

stations.

To Play a Compact Disc: Many of the controls for the radio also have functions for the compact disc player, as explained here. Don’t use mini-discs that are called singles. They won’t eject. Use only full-size compact discs. 1. Press PWR to turn the radio on. 2. Insert a disc part-way into the slot, with the label side

up. The player will pull it in. In a few seconds, the disc should play.

If the disc comes back out and/or Err appears on the display:

The disc may be upside down.

0 The disc may be dirty, scratched or wet.

There may be too much moisture in the air (wait about one hour and try again). The player may be too hot, or the road may be too rough for the disc to play. As soon as things get back to normal, the disc should play.

While a disc is playing, the CD indicator is displayed on the digital screen, as is the clock.

RCL (Recall): Press once to see which track is playing. Press again within five seconds to see how long your selection has been playing. The track number also will be displayed when the volume is changed or a new track starts to play. COMP (Compression): Depressing this button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. Press again to resume normal play. RDM (Random): Press to play tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. Press the button again to play tracks sequentially.

REV (Reverse): Press and hold to rapidly back up to a favorite passage. Release to resume playing. FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold to rapidly advance the disc. Release to resume playing. PREV (Previous): Press to play a track again. If you hold or keep pressing the PREV button, the disc will keep backing up to previous tracks. NEX'E Press when you want to hear the next track. If you hold or keep pressing the NEXT button, the disc will keep advancing to other tracks. SCAN: Press this button to sample each track for approximately ten seconds. SCAN will continue until SCAN is pressed again or another button is pressed.

When Finished with the Compact Disc Player: If you press PWR or turn off the ignition, the disc will stay in the player and start again when you turn on the ignition or power switch. The disc will begin playing at the point where it had been stopped. ST/PL (Stop/Play): Press to stop the disc player; the radio will play. Press again to play the disc (the player will start playing the disc where it was stopped earlier). EJCT (Eject): Press to eject the disc; the radio will play. You can also eject the disc with the radio or ignition off.

CD Player Anti-Theft Feature Delco LOC 11 is a security feature for the compact disc player. It can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If it is used, your player won’t be usable if it is ever stolen, because it will go to LOC mode any time battery power is removed. Until an unLOC code is entered, it will not turn on. The instructions below tell you how to enter a secret code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must unlock the system with the secret code before the radio will turn on. 1. Write down any six-digit number and keep it in a safe

place.

2. Turn the ignition to the “Accessory” or “Run” position. 3. Press the PWR button to turn the radio off. 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down until “- - -” shows on the display. You are ready to enter your secret code.

To Unlock the System After a Power Loss: When battery power is reapplied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will appear on the display. Enter your secret code as hllows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps. 1. Turn the ignition on. (Radio off.) 2. Press the SET button. The display will show 0o0. 3. Enter the six digits of the code following steps 6-9

above. The display will show the numbers as entered. 4. Press the lower (BAND) knob and SEC appears, then the time, indicating that the disabling sequence was successful.

, NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds between steps,

7.

you may have to start the procedure over at step 4. Press SET and O00 will appear on the display. 5. Press the SEEK, button to make the first number 6. appear. Rotate the TUNE knob right or left to make the last two numbers agree with your code. Press the lower (BAND) knob and 0o0 will appear again. Now you are ready to enter the last three digits of your code. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the last three digits of your code. Press the lower (BAND) knob and rEP will appear for five seconds and then OOO will appear.

10.

9.

11. Repeat steps 6 through 10. This time SEC will

amear. indicating that the radio is secure.

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Disabling the Anti-Theft System: 1. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together for five seconds

with ignition on and radio power off. The display will show SEC, indicating the unit is in the secure mode.

2. Press the SET button. The display will show 0o0. 3. Enter the first three digits of the code following step 6 of the preceding paragraphs. The display will show the numbers as entered.

4. Press the lower (BAND) knob. The radio will display

OOO.

5. Enter the second three digits of the code. The display

will show the numbers as entered.

6. Press the lower (BAND) knob. If the display shows ‘‘- - - ,” the disabling sequence was successful (the numbers matched the user-selected code or the factory back-up code) and the unit is in the UNSECURED mode. If the display shows SEC, the disabling sequence was unsuccessful and the numbers did not match either. of the codes and the unit will remain in the SECURED mode.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player

A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

1 /.Y

Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non- abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have the tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.

Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

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Power Antenna Mast Care (Option)

r could damage i

Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time.

To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna to full mast extension. 2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe the cloth over the mast sections, removing any

dirt.

4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth before retracting. 5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the radio

or ignition on and off.

6. Then repeat if necessary.

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132

Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving . Part 4 includes:

~~~~

~~

~~

Roadsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 DefensiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 DrunkenDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Control of a Vehicle Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 SteeringTips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~0 Steering in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E1 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 LossofControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E4 DrivingatNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E5 DrivingintheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~8 Driving in Fog, Mist and Haze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 CityDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 FreewayDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 DrivingaLongDistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1~ HillandMountainRoads 166 ParkingonHills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 WinterDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 TowingaTrailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

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

Road Signs The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even behre you have a chance to read it. Color of Road Signs

ETOF 1

B o NOT‘

WRONG

WAY

WRONG

NOT

DO

STOP

ENTER

WAY

RED means STOP. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed. Examples are DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY.

RR ADVANCE CROSSING

NARROW BRIDGE

NO PASSING

ZONE

YELLOW indicates a general warning. Slow down and be careful when you see a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no passing zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means “Don’t Cross:’

A

LOW

SHOULDER

WORKERS AHEAD

FLAGGER AHEAD

ORANGE indicates road construction or maintenance. You'll want to slow down when you see an orange sign, as part of the road may be closed off or torn up. And there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around, too.

GREEN is used to guide the driver. Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

H

II

HOSPITAL

INFORMATION

CANOEING

SWIMMING

BLUE signs with white. letters show motorists’ services.

BROWN signs point out recreation areas or points of historic or cultural interest.

Shape of Road Signs The shape of the sign will tell you something, too.

An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means STOP. It is always red with white letters.

A DIAMOND-SHAPED sign is a warning of something ahead-for example, a curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge.

I

A TRIANGLE, pointed downward, indicates YIELD. It assigns the right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on two-lane roads to indicate a NO PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on the left side of the roadway.

Symbols on Road Signs

KEEP RIGHT

LEFT OR THROUGH

RIGHT TURN

ONLY

RECTANGULAR (square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions, and such information as distances to cities.

There are many international road signs in use today.

139

Traffic Lights

NO U ’ TURN

NO

PARKTNG

NO

BICYCLES

The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows what not to do.

We’re all familiar with traffic rights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes can move or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “go no matter what? You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red must stop before turning on red.

arrows to signify that you

x

Pavement Markings

REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTILANE ROADWAY

Many city roads and expressways, and even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic control during rush hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving in that lane at that time. A green arrow means you may drive in that lane. Look for the signs posted to warn drivers what hours and days these systems are in effect.

NO PASSING ZONE

Pavement markings add to traffic signs and signals. They give information to drivers without taking attention from the roadway. A solid yellow line on your side of the road or lane means “Don’t Cross:’ Your Own Signals Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer to let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places the law requires driver signals. Turn and lane change signals. Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes.

141

If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about-to-stop, and up for a right turn. Slowing down. If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled. Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a hazard. See “Hazard Warning Flashers’’ in the Index. Traffic Officer The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next section discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter. Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything:’ On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected:’

sakty device in your Buick:

Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for movement in parked cars-someone may be about to open a door. Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready. If you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are well-marked lanes, directional mows, and designated parking areas, expect some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot. Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following 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. Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving in the U.S. is very

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early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, Ml on the same day. That day is Sunday. The most dangerous time is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about 134 times more dangerous! That leads to the next section. Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

is too much if a person plans

to drive? Just how much alcohol Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But less if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things: How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

Police records show that half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol-a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured.

RESULT IN A BAC OF .05%

DRINKING THAT WILL IN THE TIME SHOWN

NUMBER OF DRINKS (as in picture) 4

I F g l T

I HOURS

According to the American Medical Association, a 18O-pound’(82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1% ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or.vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would

100 120 140 160

1ao 200 220 240

BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS

be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level. The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent., and in some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

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that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

/i\ CAUTION:

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment will be affected by even a small amou-nt of alcohol. You could have a serious-or even fatal- accident if you drive after drinking. Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if I you’re with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

in mind that the ability to drive

But it’s very important to keep is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the.driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking-driver or passenger-is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 34 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in % of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 ludh) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surf$ce of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork the braking system with poor driving habits. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts-heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking-rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.

You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

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“Riding” your brakes can cause them to overheat to the pointthat they won’t work well. M u might not be able to stop your vehicle In tlme to avoid an accident. If you 6crlde” your brakes, they will get 80 hot they will require a lot of pedal force to slow you down. Avold “ridlng” the hralaas.

Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the brake pedal while driving.

faster. vou would need cos replacement much sooner also reduces fuel economy.

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