1998 Buick Century Owners Manual

Roadside Assistance Canadian Roadside Assistance Courtesy Transportation GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

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8-9

8-9 8-9

Warranty Information Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada

Buick dealers have the facilities, trained technicians and up-to-date information to promptly address any concerns you may have. However, if a concern has not been resolved to your complete satisfaction, take the following steps: STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of dealership 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.

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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 Relations Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). For help outside of the United States and Canada, call the following numbers as appropriate: 0 In Mexico: (525) 625-3256 0 In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or

1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)

0 In the U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 0 In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-75 1-41 35

(English) or 1-800-75 1-4 136 (Spanish)

0 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: { 809) 763- 13 15

0 In other overseas locations, call GM Overseas

Distribution Corporation in Canada at: (905) 644-4 1 12.

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Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for addresses of 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.)

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, address your inquiry to:

Buick Motor Division Customer Relations Center 902 E. Hamilton Avenue Flint, MI 48550 In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

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Roadside Assistance

Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car warranty (whichever occurs first).

Our commitment to Buick owners has always included superior service through our network of over 2,800 Buick dealers. Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an extra measure of convenience and security. BUICK PREMIUM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: 0 Provides owners with access to minor repairs or towing for disabled vehicles. Although Roadside Assistance is not a repair facility, it is a means of assisting customers in an emergency situation. 0 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.

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. Canadian Roadside Assistance 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.

Courtesy Transportation To Buick Motor Division, Quality Means Service -- and service means “keeping you on the road.” Included with your Buick new car warranty (3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), whichever occurs first), is Courtesy Transportation, a program which will provide Buick retail and lease customers with:

Reimbursement toward a loaner vehicle, courtesy of Buick Motor Division, up to $30 a day (five days maximum) 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 or vehicle pick-up from a location up to 10 miles (16 km) from the dealership is available for those whose vehicle only requires same day warranty repairs.

NOTE: All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by your Buick dealer service management. Courtesy Transportation is Buick’s way of extending the Premium Service you’ve come to expect from Buick and its over 2,800 dealers. Please review the Courtesy Transportation glove box card contained in your vehicle or consult your Buick dealer for details.

Because of uncertain availability, it is frequently not possible to provide customers with the same model loaner vehicle (including optional equipment) as the vehicle the customer owns or leases and has brought in for warranty repair. If a loaner vehicle is required, please consult your dealership for complete program details and loaner car availability in your area. 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. In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for information on Courtesy Transportation. Buick reserves the right to make any changes or discontinue the Courtesy Transportation program at any time without notification.

GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). 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.

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle automotive disputes. 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, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203- 1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5 100

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.

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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. 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 1-800-521 -7300. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.

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.

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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 KlG 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 Relations 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 Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

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1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 Owners 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.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:

Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356

Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA4asterCarcCDiscover)

ORDER TOLL FREE

(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-31 3-865-5927

1-800-782-4356

Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow ade service. If further information is needed, write to the address 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied against the original order.

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner’s Manual In Portfolio

Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio

VEHICLE MODEL

NAME

TOTAL PRICE

QTY’

1 YEAR 1998

1998

1998

1998

PRICE EACH* $90.00 $40.00

$1 5.00

$1 0.00

PUBLICATION FORM

NUMBER

: I I ~9 i 8 ‘ G MI

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. Mail completed order form to:

HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

Order payable

to (USA funds

Helm, Inc. only - do not send cash.)

TOTAL MATERIAL

Michigan Purchasers add 6% sales tax

U.S. Order Processing

(CUSTOMER’S NAME)

(ATTENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)

(CITY)

DAYTIME

TELEPHONE

NO.

(STATE)

(ZIP CODE)

AREA CODE

[I ml

Check here if your billing address is different from your shipping address shown.

GM-BUI-ORDW

*(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U S . funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the US. order processing.

- 1

Mastercard

c] VISA n

U Discover

Number: Expiration Date mo/yr:

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE

,@% NOTES

8-12

.

Section 9 Index

. . . . 6-3

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . Air Bag .......................... 1-23 How Does it Restrain How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 1 1-21 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20. 2-54 Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-23 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 When Should it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 6-15

Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Conditioning Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alarm. Instant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... AM-FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic ToneControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Automatic ToneControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36 FixedMast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

6-62 2- 12 6-42 6-49 3- 12

3.3.3.6. 3.9

Antifreeze . . . Anti-Lock

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 4-9

Brake System Active Light Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.56. 4.7 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Anti.Theft. Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46 Appearance Care Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Arbitration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Armrest. Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Armrest. Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48 Astroroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 . . . . . . . 3-32 Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control Audio Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Audio Systems. Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33 Auto-Down Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Automatic Headlamp Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Overdrive (0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 Transaxlecheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Transaxle Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Transaxle Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Auxiliary Power Connection ...................... 2-49 9-1

Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 13 Rundown Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3. 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 BBB Auto Line Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Brake Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 PedalTravel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-29 System Warning Light ......................... 2-55 Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.23. 2-29 Transaxle Shift Interlock Transaxle Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 15 Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28 Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... 4-7 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break-In. New Vehicle 2-17 BTSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.23. 2-29 BTSICheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15 Built-in Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Built-in Child Restraint. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46 Built-in Child Restraint Harness. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30

9-2

Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... 8-5 Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-61 Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 14.2.30.4.27. 4.34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13 Cassette Deck Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16.3.19. 3.27 Cassette Tape Player ........................ 3-34 Cassette Tape Player Care Cassette Tape Player Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16. 3.20. 3.27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Cellular Phone Provisions Center High-Mounted Stoplanlp Bulb Replacement . . . . 6-34 ........................ 1-26 Center Passenger Position Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Chains. Safety Chains. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Change Oil Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Charging System Light Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-68 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-53 Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-52 Built-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-58 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-60 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-62 TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-56 Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cigarette Lighter 2-48 ....................... 6-54 Circuit Breakers and Fuses Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.64.6.14. 7.5

How to Reset

~~

Cleaning

Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-52 Built-in Child Restraint ........................ 6-49 Built-in Child Restraint Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Glass Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Inside of Your Vehicle Instrument Panel ............................. 6-49 Interior Plastic Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Outside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Special Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Tires ....................................... 6-52 Vinyl ....................................... 6-48 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Cleaning Exterior Lampskenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 1 Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 12 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-2 Compact Disc Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35 Compact Disc Player ....................... 3-23, 3-29 Compact Disc Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35 Compact Disc Player Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24, 3-29 Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-37 Control, Lossof ................................ 4-13 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convex Outside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Coolant Bleedvalves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23 RecoveryTank ............................... 5-19

Coolant Heater. Engine ..................... . . . 2-20 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18 Courtesy Lamps ................................ 2-43 Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Cruise Control ................................. 2-37 CruiseLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-65 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

6-50 6-50 2-41 5-3 8-8 4-2 3-11

Damage. Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Damage. Sheet Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daytime Running Lamps ......................... Dead Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defects. Reporting Safety ......................... Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defogger. Rear Wlndow ......................... Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defrosting ............................. Delayed Entry Lighting .......................... 2-43 Delayed Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 ............................ Dimensions. Vehicle 6-60 Dolby@ B Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.17.3.21. 3.28 Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement .................... 6-37 DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-65 DriverPosition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

3.4.3.6. 3.9 3.4.3.6. 3.9

9-3

Driving

City ........................................ 4-19 Defensive .................................... 4-2 Drunken ..................................... 4-3 Freeway .................................... 4-20 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-26 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5 IntheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Night ...................................... 4-14 OnCurves ................................... 4-9 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-22 On Snow or Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25 Through Deep Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 16 Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 With a Trailer ................................ 4-35 Drunken Driving ................................ 4-3 Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Dual ComforTemp Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

n blectrical Equipment. Adding . . . . . 2.20.2.49. 3.34. 6-55 Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Engine ........................................ 6-9 Coolant ..................................... 6-20 Coolant Heater ............................... 2-20 Coolant Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 13 Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2-59 Coolant Temperature Light ..................... 2-58 Exhaust ..................................... 2-30 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55

OilLevelCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13 Overheating ................................. 5-15 Running While Parked ......................... 2-31 Specifications ................................ 6-59 Starting Your ................................ 2-19 EngineOil .................................... 6-10 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Checking ................................... 6-11 Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 What Kind to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Whentochange .............................. 6-14 Ethanol ........................................ 6-4 Exhaust, Engine ................................ 2-30 Exterior Lamps ................................. 2-40

Fabric Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 FillingYourTank ................................ 6-5 Filter. Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Filter. Engine Oil ............................... 6-14 Filter. Passenger Compartment Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 Finishcare .................................... 6-51 Finish Damage ................................. 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 First Gear. Automatic Transaxle Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2 Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-26 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5 .. FrenchLanguageManual 11 Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-34 Front Storage Armrest ........................... 2-47 FrontTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

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

9-4

Fuel .......................................... Canadian ................................ FillingYourTank .............................. Gage ....................................... In Foreign Countries ........................... .......................

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

6.3. 6.5

6-3

6-6 2-66 6-5 6-56

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-59 Fuel ....................................... 2-66 GAWR ....................................... 4-29 Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle ................ 2-22 GloveBox .................................... 2-47 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-29 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .......... : ........... 4-29 .. Guide en Fransais 11 GVWR ....................................... 4-29

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

Halogen Bulbs ................................ Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... HeadRestraints ................................. Headlamps Aiming ..................................... Bulb Replacement ............................ Flash-to-Pass ................................ ...................... High/Low Beam Changer @Reminder ................................ Wiring .....................................

6-30 5-2 1-5 6-31 6-3 1 2-35 2-34 2-40 6-56 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Heated Foldaway Outside Mirrors .................. 2-47 Heating ................................ High-BeamHeadlamps .......................... 2-34

3.4.3.6. 3.9

Highway Hypnosis .............................. Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... Hitches. Trailer ................................. Hood Checking Things Under ......................... Release ...................................... Horn ......................................... Hydroplaning ..................................

4-22 4-22 4-34

6-7 6-8 2-32 4-18

Ignition Positions .............................. 2-17 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check .................... 7-16 Illuminated Entry ............................... 2-43 Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-39 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror ................. 2-45 Inspections Brakesystem ................................ 7-17 ............................. 7-17 Exhaust Systems Front Drive Axle Boot ......................... 7-17 FrontDriveAxleSeal ......................... 7-17 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-17 Steering .................................... 7-17 Suspension .................................. 7-17 ThrottleSystem .............................. 7-17 InstrurnentPanel ............................... 2-51 Cleaning .................................... 6-46 Cluster ..................................... 2-52 Fuse Block .................................. 6-56 Instrument Panel Brightness Control ................ 2-43 InteriorLamps ................................. 2-43

Jack. Tire Jump Starting ...................................

.. ........ 5.26.5.28.5.30.5.31.5-32.

5.33 5-3 9-5

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... Key Reminder Warning .......................... Keys ..........................................

7-14 2- 15 2-2

Labels

Lamps

Certification ................................. 4-29 Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-53 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-28 Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-53 Courtesy .................................... 2-43 Dome ...................................... 2-45 Interior ..................................... 2-43 Reading. Rearview Mirror ...................... 2-44 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-9 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-28 Lighter ....................................... 2-48 Liihts

Air Bag Readiness ............. Anti-Lock Brake System Active . . Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . Brake System Warning .......... Change Oil Soon .............. Charging System .............. Cruise ....................... Door/Trunk Ajar Warning ....... Engine Coolant Temperature Light Interior ...................... Low Coolant Warning .......... .................... Low Fuel

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

. 1.20. 2.54 . . 2.57. 4.9 . . 2.56. 4.7 ...... 2-55 ...... 2-64 ...... 2-55 ...... 2-65 ...... 2-65 ...... 2-58 ...... 2-43 . 2.59. 6.22 . . . . . . 2-66

Loading Your Vehicle Locks

Low Oil Level .......................... 2.63. 6. 10 Low Traction ................................ 2-58 Low Washer Fluid Warning ................ 2.36. 2.65 Oil Warning ................................. 2-62 Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1.6. 2.54 Security .................................... 2-64 ServiceEngineSoon .......................... 2-59 Service Vehicle Soon .......................... 2-65 ........................... 4-28 Cylinders ................................... 7-14 Delayed Locking .............................. 2-8 Door ........................................ 2-4 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check .................. 7-16 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-14 Lockout Protection Feature ...................... 2-5 ManualDoor ................................. 2-4 PowerDoor .................................. 2-5 Programmable Automatic Power Door ............. 2-7 Rear-Door Child Security ....................... 2-6 T r ~ n k ...................................... 2-15 Window .................................... 2-32 Loss of Control ................................ 4-13 ................. 2-59. 6-22 Low Coolant Warning Light LowFuelLight ................................ 2-66 ....................... 2-63. 6-10 Low Oil Level Light ............................. Low Traction Light 2-58 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ............. 2-36. 2-65 Low-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-34 Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-18 Lubrication Service. Body ........................ 7-14

9-6

Magnetic Variable Effort Steering TM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 19 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How it’s Organized 7-3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 13 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 17 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Your Vehicle and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Maintenance Schedule. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 18 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-53 Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 Manual DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FrontSeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-4 1-2 Manual Single Zone Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Convex Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Electrochromic Daymight Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Heated Foldaway Outside ...................... 2-47 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-45 Power Outside Foldaway ....................... 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visor Vanity 2-49 MMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 MountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22 Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

N e t . Trunk Convenience ........................ Neutral. Automatic Transaxle ..................... ......................... New Vehicle “Break-In’’ Nightvision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-48 2-23 2-17 4-15

Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Odometer. Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Off-Road Recovery Oil, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Oil Life Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14. 7-5 Oil Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62 OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Overdrive. (a) Automatic ........................ 2-50 2-24 Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . 5-15 Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-13 Owner Publications. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

6-53

Parking

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park Automatic Transaxle .......................... 2-22 Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 AtNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-16 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-30 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

9-7

I1 .................................

Passenger Compartment Air Filter .................. 6- 16 Passing . . g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 PASS-Key 2-16 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17 Power Auxiliary Connection .......................... 2-49 DoorLocks ................................... 2-5 Option Fuses ................................ 6-56 Retained Accessory ........................... 2-45 Seat (Six-Way) ................................ 1-3 Steering ..................................... 4-9 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-24 Windows ................................... 2-32 Outside Mirrors .............................. 2-46 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-18 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8- 10 Publications. Service and Owner. Ordering in Canada . . . 8-9

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

. . . . . .

*--.- . . . . f l

Radiator. Adding Coolant 5-22 Radiator Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23 Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33 Radios ....................................... 3-12 Rain. Driving In ................................ 4- 16 Rainy Weather Tips ............................. 4- 18 Reading Lamps. Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Rear Door Child Security Locks ...................... 2-6 Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-28 Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 1-3 1 Seatpassengers ...,..,,...................... l-27

Towing ..................................... Window Defogger ............................

5- 13 3-11 Rear Storage Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Rearview Mirror ...................... 2-44.2-45. 2-46 Electrochromic Daymight ...................... 2-46 Inside Daymight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 .............................. 2-44 Reading Lamps Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-4 Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Refrigerants. Air Conditioning Remote Activation Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 KeylessEntry ................................. 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 Keyless Entry Operation Keyless Entry Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 Replacement. Bulbs ............................. 6-61 Replacement. Parts .............................. 6-60 Replacement. Wheel ............................ 6-42 Reporting Safety Defects .......................... 8-8 Restraints Checking ................................... 1-68 Head ........................................ 1-5 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-68 Systemcheck ................................ 7-14 Restraints. Child ................................ 1-52 Reverse. Automatic Transaxle .................... 2-23 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-19 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-5 ........................... Rocking Your Vehicle 5-38 Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-38

9-8

Safety Belts ................................... 1-5 Adults ...................................... 1- 11 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-26 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 1 - 11 Driver Position ............................... Extender .................................... 1-68 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1 - 11 Incorrect Usage ......................... 1-14, 1-66 LapBelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 1 - 11, 1-28. 1-65 Lap-Shoulder ...................... Larger Children .............................. 1-65 Questions and Answers ........................ 1-10 Rear Comfort Guides .......................... 1-3 1 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-27 Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6. 2-54 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-68 Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 19 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 13 Smaller Children and Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18 WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-7 Safety Belts. Care ............................... 6-49 Safety Chains .................................. 4-34 Safety Defects. Reporting ......................... 8-8 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4 Seatback Reclining Front ............................... 1-4 ManualFront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Restraint Systems .............................. 1 - 1 Seatcontrols ................................. 1-2

Seats

Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.40. 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Six-Way Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Two-WayManual Second Gear. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 Security Feedback .............................. 2-11 SecurityLight .................................. 2-64 Security System ................................ 2-16 Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins. Ordering ............................ 8-10 Engine Soon Light ............................ 2-59 Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8-10 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-55 Publications. Ordering ......................... 8-10 Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service Vehicle Soon Light ....................... 2-65 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-53 ShiftLever .................................... 2-22 Shifting Automatic Transaxle .......................... Intopark .................................... OutofPark ..................................

2-22 2-27 2-29 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Six-Way Power Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Sound Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Spare Tire. Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37 Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59 Specifications. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer ................................... 2-53 Stains. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 9-9

Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 15 Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 16 Steering in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 10 ...................... 4-9 Magnetic Variable Effort Power ....................................... 4-9 TILT-WHEELTM .............................. 2-33 Tips ......................................... 4-9 Steering Wheel Touch Controls. Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-30 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38 SunVisors .................................... 2-49 Symbols. Vehicle .................................. Synchronization. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 14

Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 6-35 Tape Player Care ............................... 3-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2.3.5.3.7. 3.8 Temperature Control Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Theft-Deterrent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 THEFTLOCK" ................................ 3-30 Thermostat .................................... 6-23 Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 TILT-WHEELTM Adjustable Steering Column . . . . . . . . 2-33 Time. Setting the ............................... 3- 12 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Tires ......................................... 6-38 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-44 BuyingNew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 46

9-10

Changing a Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Compact Spare ............................... 5-37 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Inflation Check ............................... 7-13 Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Storing the Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35 Storing the Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Treadwear ................................... 6-43 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-43 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-41 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-44 When It's Time for New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39 TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-57 TorqueLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-30 Towing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Trailer Backingup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Driving on Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Driving with ................................. 4-35 Engine Cooling When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Following Distance ........................... 4-35 Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 If You Decide to Pull A ........................ 4-31 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-38 MakingTurns ................................ 4-36 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-37

5.34. 6.38

Passing ..................................... 4-35 Safety Chains ................................ 4-34 Tongueweight ............................... 4-33 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-33 Towing ..................................... 4-30 Turnsignals ................................. 4-36 Weight ..................................... 4-32 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 4-37 Transaxle Fluid ................................. 6-17 Transmitters. Remote Keyless Entry ............ 2-9. 2-12 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long .................... 4-21 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-53 Trunk ........................................ 2-14 Lock ....................................... 2-15 Trunk Convenience Net .......................... 2-48 Trunk Lid Applique Bulb Replacement .............. 6-36 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ................... 2-33 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 TwilightSentinel ............................... 2-42 Two-way Manualseat ........................... 1-2 Underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-16 ......................... 6-53 Underbody Maintenance Underhood Electrical Center (Passenger’s Side) ....... 6-59

Vehicle

Control ...................................... Damagewarnings ..............................

4-6 iv

Dimensions ................................. Identification Number ......................... Loading .................................... Storage ..................................... Symbols ....................................... Ventilation System .............................. Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ Visors. Sun ....................................

6-60 6-55 4-28 6-30 3-10 2-49 2-49

6-42

5.34. 6.38

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-53 Warranty Information ............................. 8-8 Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-48 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-50 Wheel Alignment .................................. NutTorque ............................. Replacement ................................. 6-42 Used Replacement ............................ 6-43 WindowLock .................................. 2-32 Windows ..................................... 2-32 Auto-Down ................................. 2-32 Power ...................................... 2-32 ............................. 2-36 Fluid .................................. Fluid Level Check ............................ Windshield Wipers .............................. ........................... Blade Replacement Fuses ...................................... Winter Driving ................................. Wiper Blade Check ............................. Wiring. Headlamp .............................. WreckerTowing .................................

Windshield Washer

2.36. 6.25

7-13 2-35 6-38 6-56 4-24 7-14 6-54 5-8 9-11

Service Station Checkpoints

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

REMOTE POSITIVE BATERY TERMINAL

P5-5

TI RES

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

P6-11

SECONDARY

HOOD RELEASE

P6-8

ENGINE COO~ANT RECOVERY TANK P5- 1 9 AND P6-22

HOOD

RELEASE

P6-8

FUEL DOOR P6-6

For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see tl 9-12

Index in the back of the owner’s manual.

f

The 1998 Buick Century Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4- 1

5- 1

6- 1

7-1

8- 1

9- 1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8. Index 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, 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 vehicle, 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.

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

Foi- Lanadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propribtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fraqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10415722 B Second Edition ii

0 Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved

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 back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’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.

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.”

iii

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

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

I NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

iv

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

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

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

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

WINDSHIELD WIPER

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

"E 4

BELTS

POWER WINDOW

,\I/,

SIGNALS e

TURN

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

FLASHER

FOG LAMPS

WINDOW DEFOGGER

3 0

VENTILATING

FAN I

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1 (a)

BAllERY

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

LIGHTER n HORN b SPEAKER b e3

FUEL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE W

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

f i NOTES

vi

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.

1-2 1-5 1-10

1-11 1-11 1-18 1-19 1-19 1-26 1-28

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Air Bag System Center Passenger Position Rear Seat Passengers

1-3 1

1-34 1-37 1-52 1-65 1-68 1-68 1-68

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Built-in Child Restraint (Option) Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you how to adjust the seats and explains the reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat

2-Way Manual Seat

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Lift the bar under the front of the seat using an upward motion. This will unlock the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked into place.

1-2

6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)

This switch is designed to imitate the movements of your seat cushion. The driver’s switch is located on the left side of the driver’s seat cushion. The passenger’s switch is located on the right side of the passenger’s seat cushion. To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch forward or rearward. To raise or lower the entire seat, push the switch up or down. To raise or lower the front portion of your seat, push the front of the switch up or down. To raise or lower the rear portion of your seat, push the rear of the switch up or down.

You may have a six-way power driver’s seat and a six-way power passenger’s seat (if equipped).

1-3

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Lift the lever to release the seatback, then move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback into place. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will move forward.

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

1-4

I A

C, A UTION:

’

if you buckle

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

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

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

1-5

CAU-ION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likeIy to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

1-6

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

1-8

or the instrument panel . . .

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

@ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an

accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

@ If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

1-10

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

1-11

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the

safety belt quickly if you ever had to. -

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely