1996 Buick Century Owners Manual

0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”

in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for fieedom of movement. Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for proper caliper service procedures. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED

BY:

I Long; TripMighway Maintenance Schedule 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every

12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Inspect engine accessory drive belt.

0 Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service.

0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage

or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service.

0 Inspect Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

system (2.2L Code 4 engine only). An Emission Control Service.

7-31

67,500 Miles (112 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every

12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody contact pints and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).

0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation’’

in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for fieedom of movement. Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for DroDer caber service mocedures. ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED B,X I DATE

t A

7-32

75,000 Miles (125 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every

12 months, whichever occurs first).

’ An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody c,ontact points and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).

DATE ACTUAL

MILEAGE

3ERVICED BY:

Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule 82,500 Miles (137 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).

0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”

in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for freedom of movement. Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for proper caliper service procedures. I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED

BY: I

I DATE

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).

0 Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service.

(Continued)

7-33

50 000 km) (Continued)

0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage

or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service.

0 Inspect Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

system (2.2L Code 4 engine only). An Emission Control Service.

I DATE

I ACTUAL MILEAGE

I SERVICED B Y I

7-34

97,500 Miles (162 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice.

0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).

0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”

in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for fieedom of movement. Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for proper caliper service procedures. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED

B Y

I - mg Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (1 66 000 ’ 2) 0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service. 3- Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service.

An Erni,wion Control Service.

0 Replace spark plugs. 0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic where the outside

temperature regularly reaches 90 O F (32°C) or higher.

- In hilly or mountainous terrain. - When doing frequent trailer towing. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or

delivery service.

IJ‘yocr do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.

DATE

ACTUAL MILEAGE

SERVICED B Y

Part 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. 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 Part D. At Each Fuel Fill It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill. Engine Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details.

Engine Cc --ant - - el Chc -’L Check the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for further details.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. At Least Once a Month Tire Inflation Check Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See “Tires” in the Index for further details.

Cassette Deck Service Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Index for further details.

7-36

At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt warning light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Automatic Transaxle Check Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.

At Least Once a Year Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D.

Body Lubrication Service Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, glove box door, and any folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

7-37

- --Aer

:h - eck

A CAUTION:

Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check

A CAUTION:

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.

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 the regular brake. 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 PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough

room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”

in the Index if necessary). NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.

3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN

position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.

7-38

Steering Column Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). The key should come out only in LOCK.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check

A C

UTION:

When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You 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 regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Park on a fairly 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 NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing Service 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.

7-39

Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure an.y necessary repairs are completed at once. Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a Buick Service Manual. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index. Steering, Suspension and Front- Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection 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 hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary. Exhaust System Inspection Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or 7-40

out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Throttle Linkage Inspection Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables. Brake System Inspection Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, 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.

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

USAGE

Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

~~

FLUIDLUBRICANT Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index. 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL TM or Havoline@ DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) antifreeze conforming to GM Specification 6277M. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index.

USAGE

FLUIDLUBRICANT

Coolant Supplement Sealer Hydraulic Brake System

Parking Brake Cable Guides

Power Steering System

Automatic Transaxle Key Lock Cylinders

Brake Fluid

GM Part No. 3634621 or equivalent with a complete flush and refill. Delco Supreme 11 (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid). Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part NO. 1052884 - 1 Pt., 1050017 - 1 qt., or equivalent). DEXRON@-111 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Multi-Pu ose Lubricant, Superlube % (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent).

7-41

USAGE

FLUIDLUBRICANT

FLUIDLUBRICANT

Chassis Lubrication

Windshield Washer Solvent

Hood Latch Assembly Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl

Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. GM Optikleen’ Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 105 15 15) or equivalent. Lubriplate lubricant aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB.

Hood and Door Multi-pu ose lubricant, Hinges

Superlube % (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

Weatherstrip Conditioning

See “Replacement Parts” in the Index for recommended replacement filters and spark plugs.

Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and

Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.

Maintenance Record

DATE

ODOMETER READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

7-43

Maintenance Record

DATE

ODOMETER READING SERVICED

BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

I DATE

MAINTENANCE DATE

PERFORMED

READING SERVICED

BY

I READING

ODOMETER ODOMETER

I SERVICED

BY

Maintenance Record

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

Maintenance Record

MAINTENANCE

PERFORMED

I ODOMETER I

READING DATE

SERVICED

BY

7-46

Section 8 Customer Assistance Information

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

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

The Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users Roadside Assistance

0 Courtesy Transportation

BBB Auto Line - Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Reporting Safety Defects Service and Owner Publications

8-1

For help outside of the United States and Canada, call the following numbers as appropriate: 0 In Mexico: (525) 625-3256

In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) In the U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-75 1-4135 (English) or 1-800-75 1-41 36 (Spanish) In the Bahamas: 1-800-389-0009 In Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands: 1-800-534-0122 In all other Caribbean countries: 1-809-763- 1315

0 In other overseas locations, call GM North American

Export Sales in Canada at 1-905-644-41 12

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and Buick. Normally, any concern you may have with your vehicle can be handled by your selling or servicing dealer. Your dealer has the facility, trained technicians, special tools and up-to-date information to promptly address any issue which may arise. Buick has empowered its dealers to make decisions and repair vehicles, and they are eager to resolve your concern to your complete satisfaction. If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, take the following steps: STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of dealer management. Normally, concerns can 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 concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Buick Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).

8-2

For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative:

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

We encourage you to call us so we can give your inquiry prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Buick, write to:

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

Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for addresses of Canadian and GM Overseas offices.

When contacting Buick, please remember that your concern will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the dealer’s facilities, equipment and personnel. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a concern. Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Buick has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Buick by dialing: 1-800-83-BUICK. (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

8-3

Roadside Assista- --

Our commitment to Buick owners has always included superior service through our network of 3,000 Buick dealers. Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an extra measure of convenience and security. Buick Premium Roadside Assistance: - Provides owners with access to minor repairs or

towing for disabled vehicles.

- Takes the anxiety out of uncertain situations by

providing easy access to service professionals trained to work with Buick owners, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.

Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 36 month/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car warranty (whichever occurs first).

For details on Buick Premium Roadside Assistance, please consult your Buick Premium Roadside Assistance owner booklet included with your owner’s manual. For needed assistance, call the Buick Premium Roadside Assistance toll-free hotline: 1-800-252- 11 12. Canac Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.

e As! tance

Road

Courtesy Transportation To Buick Motor Division, Quality Means Service -- and service means “keeping you on the road.” Included with your 1996 Buick new car warranty (36 month/36,000 miles (60 000 km), whichever occurs first), is Courtesy Transportation, a program which will provide Buick retail customers with:

Reimbursement toward a loaner vehicle, courtesy of Buick Motor Division, for up to five days for vehicles requiring overnight warranty repairs. Also, reimbursement up to $30 a day (five days maximum) may be available for the cost of a rental car, bus or even a cab. A free one-way shuttle ride up to 10 miles from the dealership is available for customers whose vehicles require same-day warranty repairs.

Courtesy Transportation is Buick’s way of extending the Premium Service you’ve come to expect from Buick and its 3,000 dealers. Please review the Courtesy Transportation glove box card contained in your vehicle, or consult your Buick dealer for details. Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age. If you are under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Buick will reimburse you up to $30/day, for any documented transportation you receive. Please consult your dealer for details. For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, interim transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. The Courtesy Transportation program is available only in the United States and Canada.

8-5

GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE - Alternative Dispute Resolution Program* *This program may not be available in all states, depending on state law. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Buick and your Buick dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a situation arises where you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. There may be instances where an impartial third party can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these disagreements, Buick voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO LINE.

8-6

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle disputes between customers and automobile manufacturers. This program is available free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a GM vehicle. If you are not satisfied after following the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the following address:

BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a statement of the nature of your complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors.

We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary between you and Buick. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The arbitrator will make a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Buick Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-7300.

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.

8-7

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT 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 Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352

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, MI 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

8-8

1996 BUCK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out

the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing

it in with your check, money order,

or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1996 BUCK

SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1996 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00

SERVICE BULLETINS Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.

OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owner’s and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $10.00

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

NOTES

8-11

NOTES

8-12

Section 9 Index

A i r Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I -2 1 How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-23 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Location .................................... 1-22 Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21? 2-49 Servicing ................................... 1-25 What Makes it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 When Should it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Aircleaner .................................... 6-14 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-2 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-64 Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-43 Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-5 I Antenna. Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53. 4.8 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 1. 4.6 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Appearancecare ............................... 6-46 Appearance Care Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Arbitration Program .............................. 8-6 Armrest. Storage ............................... 2-39 Ashtrays ...................................... 2-42

Audio Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Audio Systems .................................. 3-4 Automatic Door Locks ............................ 2-4 Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-17 Automatic Transaxle Check ....................... 7-38 Automatic Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Automatic Transaxle Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Automatic Transaxle Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . 7-40

Battery ...................................... 6.3 2 Jump Starting ................................. 5-2 Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 ............................... 2-50 Warning Light Warnings ................................ 5.2. 5.4 BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-6 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Brake Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 PedalTravel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-32 System Warning Light ......................... 2-50 9-1

Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Transaxle Shift Interlock ....................... 2-23 Transaxle Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39 Wear ....................................... 6-31 Brakes. Anti-Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Braking in Emergencies ........................... 4-8 .......................... 2- 10 Break.In. New Vehicle BTSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 BTSICheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Bulb Replacement

8-4 6-6 1

2.24.4.27. 4.33

Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... Capacities and Specifications ...................... Carbon Monoxide .................... Cargo Security Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Cassette Deck Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37 ............................. 3-6 Cassette Tape Player Cassette Tape Player Care ......................... 3-9 Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-27 Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Chains. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 6-45 Chains. Tire Changing a Flat Tire . . t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-53 Child Restraints ................................ 1-33 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 Securing in the Center Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-38 TopStrap ................................... 1-33 WheretoPut ................................ 1-33

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

Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Circuit Breakers and Fuses Cleaner. Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Cleaning ...................................... 6-46 Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Inside of Your Buick .......................... 6-46 ............................. 6-49 Instrument Panel Leather ..................................... 6-49 Outside of Your Buick ......................... 6-50 Special Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Windshield and Wiper Blades Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Clock. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Coinholder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-1 Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-37 Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-38 Coolant ....................................... 6-22 Bleedvalves ................................. 5-21 Heater. Engine ............................... 2-14 RecoveryTank ............................... 5-16 ................................ 5-15 Cooling System Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-5 ........................... 2-40 Cover. Cargo Security

9-2

Cruise Control .................................. 2-30 Cupholders .................................... 2-39 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8- 1

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-52 Damage. Sheet Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Daytime Running Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 ................................... 5-2 Dead Battery Defects. Reporting Safety ......................... 8-7 Defensive Driving ............................... 4- 1 Defogger. Rear Window .......................... 3-3 Defogging ..................................... 3-2 Defrosting ..................................... 3-2 Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ 6-63 Door Locks ....................................... 2-3 Drive Position. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 18 Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 13 Driving City ....................................... 4-19 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Drunken ..................................... 4-2 Freeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20 In a Blizzard ................................. 4-26 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 IntheRain .................................. 4-16 Night ...................................... 4-14 OnCurves ................................... 4-9 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 On Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

OnSnowandIce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25 Through Deep Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 Wet Roads .................................. 4-16 Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 DrunkenDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Electrical Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9. 6-56 Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Engine 6-8. 6-9 Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Coolant Heater ............................... 2-14 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-37 Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2-54 Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Exhaust ..................................... 2-24 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 OilLevelCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37 Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13 Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63 Starting Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12. 2-13 6-10 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Whentochange .............................. 6-14 Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Exhaust. Engine ................................ 2-24

Engineoil ....................................

9-3

Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-47 FillingYourTank ................................ 6-4 Filter, Air ..................................... 6-14 Filter, Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 14 Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 1 Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 First Gear, Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 19 Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1 Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Foreign Countries, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Language Manual 11 Front Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 FrontTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Front Turn and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 6-34 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-4 Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 GAWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 GloveBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Gross Axle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guide en Franpis 11 GVWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28

9-4

Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-33 Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1 Head Restraints ................................. 1-4 Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-28 Onwarning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 High-Beam Headlamps Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-22 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-22 Hitches, Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Hood Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Prop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-17

Ignition Positions .............................. 2. 1 0 Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-39 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Brakesystem ................................ 7-41 Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-41 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Throttle Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34

Jack. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-38 2-1

Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-28 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Interior Lamp Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Onwarning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Underhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Leaving Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-22 Liftgate Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 LiftgateLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Lights

Air Bag Readiness ....................... Anti-Lock Brake System Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53. 4.8

1-2 1 . 2-49

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 1. 4-6 Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Liftgate Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Safety Belt Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Safety Belt Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Service Engine Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Loading Your Vehicle Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38 Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Key Lock Cylinder Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38 Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 PowerDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40 Steering Column Lock Check Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 Lubricants and Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Lubrication Service. Body ........................ 7-38 Luggage Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6. 7-27 Long Trip/Highway Definition Long Trip/Highway Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6. 7-27 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-37 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 9-5

Short TripKity Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5, 7.7 Short Trip/City Intervals ....................

7.5. 7.7 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-53 Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-54 Manual Front Seat ............................... 1 - 1 Manual Remote Control Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 MapLamp .................................... 2-36 Methanol ...................................... 6-3 Mirrors ....................................... 2-37 Convex Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-37 Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-37 Power Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Visor Vanity ................................. 2-43 MountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-27

N e t . Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Neutral. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 10 New Vehicle "Break-In" Nightvision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Odometer .................................... 2-48 Odometer. Trip ................................. 2-48 Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 1 1 Oil. Engine .................................... 6-10 Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 17 Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 13 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-37 Owner Publications. Ordering ...................... 8-9

9-6

6-53

Parking

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park ..........................

2-16 Automatic Transaxle Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 AtNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 Brake Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 ........................ 2-23 Over Things That Burn With a Trailer ................................ 4-36 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 ................................ 6-56 Option Fuses ........................ Remote Control Mirror 2-38 Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Seatback Recliner .............................. 1-2 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 Windows ................................... 2-25 Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-25 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications, Service and Owner .................... 8-9

Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-25 Radio Reception ................................. 3-8 Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Rain. Driving In ................................ 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35. 2.36 Reading Lamps

Rear

Replacement

Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-28 Seat Passengers .............................. 1-28 Storage Compartment ......................... 2-39 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Inside Daymight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Reclining Front Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5- 16 Refrigerants. Air Conditioning .................... 6-64 Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Restraints Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Systemcheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38 Reverse, Automatic Transaxle .................... 2- 17 Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4 Roadside Assistance. Canadian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 ........................... 5-39 Rocking Your Vehicle Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Adults ...................................... 1-13 Automatic Ldp-Shoulder ....................... 1-14 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-27 Children .................................... 1-31 Driver Position ............................... 1-13 Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-13 Incorrect Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 17, 1-44, 1-45 LapBelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 Lap-Shoulder ................................ 1-29 .............................. 1-43 Larger Children Questions and Answers ........................ 1-12 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-28 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-46 Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Smaller Children and Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31 Station Wagon Third Seat Passenger Position . . . . . . . 1-27 Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Warning Light ........................... 1-8, 2-49 WhyTheyWork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Safety Defects, Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Safety Warnings and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Seatback 1-2 1-2

Power Recliner ................................ Reclining Front ...............................

9-7

Seats

Folding Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Folding Second Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Folding Third Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ManualFront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seat Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-4 1-4 1-5 1-1 1-2 I - 1 1 . 1 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 18 Second Gear, Automatic Transaxle Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 8-9 2-54 8-9 6-55 8-9 6- 1 Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Buick 6-52 Sheet Metal Damage ShiftLever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Shifting

Bulletins. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EngineSoonLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manuals. Ordering Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publications. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work. Doing Your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

2- 16 Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IntoPark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 OutofPark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 ....................... 6-2 1 Shock Absorbers. Superlift SignalingTurns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Sound Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Spare Tire. Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37 Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 1

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

Specifications. Engine 6-63 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48 SRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 Stains. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39 Starter Switch Check Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12. 2- 13 Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40 Column Lock Check In Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Wheel. Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Storage Compartment. Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Storage. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38 Sunvisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 .................... 1-21 Supplemental Restraint System Symbols. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Controls. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Taillamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36 TapePlayerCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25 Third Gear Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Tilt Steering Wheel Time. Setting the 3-4 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28

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

9-8

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38 ........................ 6-43 Alignment and Balance BuyingNew ................................. 6-41 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 45 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-24 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37 Inflation .................................... 6-39 Inflation Check ............................... 7-37 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-40 Loading .................................... 4-28 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 1 Wear Indicators Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-44 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-41 TopStrap ..................................... 1-33 TorqueLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Torque. Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33 Torque. Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-30 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-7 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43

Trailer

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

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Driving on Grades 4-35 Drivingwith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-36 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-36 Safety Chains ................................ 4-33 Tongueweight ............................... 4-32 Total Weight on Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Turnsignals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 Automatic ................................... 6-17 Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5 Transportation, Courtesy Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48 Trunk Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 Release, Remote ............................... 2-7 TTYUsers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-28 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35

9-9

Wheel

Windshield Washer

Alignment .................................. 6-43 Nut Torque ............................. 5.33. 6.62 Replacement ................................. 6-44 Windows ..................................... 2-25 Power ...................................... 2-25 Wagon Rear Vent .............................. 2-26 ............................. 2-29 Fluid .................................. 2-29. 6.27 Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-37 Rearwindow ................................ 2-30 .............................. 2-28 ........................... 6-37 Blade Replacement Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Winter Driving ................................. 4-24 Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-56 WreckerTowing ................................. 5-7

Windshield Wiper

Underbody Flushing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40 6-53 Underbody Maintenance

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

Vehicle

Control ...................................... 4-5 Damage Warnings .............................. ix Dimensions ................................. 6-63 1 - 13 First Sold in Canada ........................... ......................... 6-55 Identification Number Loading .................................... 4-28 Storage ..................................... 6-32 Ventilation System ............................... 3-3 ............................ 2-43 Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors. Sun .................................... 2-43

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48 ........................ 6-27 Washer Fluid. Windshield Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-50 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-50

9-10

I

a

BUICK

The 1996 Buick Century Owner’s Manual

1-1

2- 1

This section explains how to start and operate your Buick.

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains “SRS” system.

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. Service and Appearance Care ............................................................ 6-1 Maintenanceschedule....... ........................................................... 7-1 Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8-1 Index ................................................................................

This section 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 8-7.

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

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

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

4-1

3- 1

5-1

9-1

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

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name CENTURY are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. 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.

We support voluntary technician certification.

p+

C E R T I F I E D

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriktaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franGais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1 C7

Litho in U S A . Part No. 2563 1999 B First Edition

0 Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

“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 1,000 Buicks before the company had built 40. On Buick’s success, Durant created a holding company, September 16, 19081. He 1 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 Marr, 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 innovator. Buick engineers developed the

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 famous. During World War I, Buick built Liberty aircraft engines as well as Red Cross ambulances so successfully 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.

1911 Model 21 Touring Cur on Buick’s Test Hill

First Buick Factory

In World War 11, 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 Skylurk

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

1949 Roadmuter

vi

I962 Buick Special

Built inside the walls of the old buildings in Buick’s former Flint complex, which forrned 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 Managel; 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.

vii

How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features 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 for what you need is the Index in the 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. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

I A CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the 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.

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

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

I NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

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. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would

ix

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

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

SIGNALS e e3

TURN

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

POWER WINDOW

,111,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

DAYTIME -

RUNNING * '

LAMPS '

# 0

VENTILATING FAN

FOG LAMPS

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

(a)

LIGHTER

HORN

SPEAKER

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1

BATTERY

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

FUSE

p3

FUEL

ENGINE OIL w, ANTI-LOCK (@)

PRESSURE

BRAKES

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Buick and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, head restraints and folding seats. Manual Front Seat /c\ CAUTION:

if you try to