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2001 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 101

2001 Buick Century Manual

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Shifting Into PARK (P) CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake with your left foot. 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the lever toward you. Then move the lever up as far as it will go. 2-31

Section	Page
2001 Buick Century Owner's Manual	1
	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	24
Adults	24
Driver Position	24
Lap-Shoulder Belt	24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	31
Right Front Passenger Position	32
Air Bag Systems	33
How the Air Bag Systems Work	36
Where are the air bags?	36
When should an air bag inflate?	38
What makes an air bag inflate?	38
How does an air bag restrain?	38
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	39
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	41
Center Passenger Position	41
Lap Belt	41
Rear Seat Passengers	43
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	43
Lap-Shoulder Belt	43
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	46
Children	48
Infants and Young Children	48
Restraint Systems for Children	52
Where to Put the Restraint	55
Top Strap	56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	63
Older Children	67
Safety Belt Extender	70
Checking Your Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	70
Section 2 Features and Controls	71
Windows	72
Power Windows	73
Express- Down Window	73
Keys	74
Door Locks	76
Power Door Locks	77
Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks	77
Programmable Modes	77
Rear-Door Child Security Locks	79
Lockout Protection Feature	79
Leaving Your Vehicle	79
Remote Keyless Entry	80
Operation	81
Instant Alarm	81
Security Feedback	81
Delayed Locking	83
Illumination on Remote Activation	85
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	85
Battery Replacement	85
Trunk	87
Trunk Lock	87
Remote Trunk Release	87
Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)	88
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	89
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	89
Theft	90
Key in the Ignition	90
Parking at Night	90
Parking Lots	90
PASS-Key II	91
New Vehicle Break-In	92
Ignition Positions	92
Starting Your Engine	94
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	95
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	95
Automatic Transaxle Operation	96
Parking Brake	100
Shifting Into PARK (P)	101
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	102
Torque Lock	103
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	103
Parking Over Things That Burn	104
Engine Exhaust	104
Running Your Engine While You re Parked	105
Horn	106
Tilt Wheel	106
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	106
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator	107
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	107
Flash-to-Pass Feature	108
Windshield Wipers	108
Windshield Washer	108
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	109
Setting Cruise Control	110
Resuming a Set Speed	110
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	110
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	111
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	111
Using Cruise Control on Hills	111
Ending Cruise Control	111
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory	111
Exterior Lamps	112
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control	112
Delayed Headlamp Illumination	113
Interior Lamps	114
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	114
Courtesy Lamps	114
Illuminated Entry	114
Delayed Entry Lighting	115
Delayed Exit Lighting	115
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps	115
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	115
Battery Rundown Protection	116
Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)	116
Mirrors	116
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	116
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)	116
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	117
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)	118
Power Outside Foldaway Mirrors	119
Convex Outside Mirror	119
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	120
Storage Compartments	120
Glove Box	120
Front Storage Armrest	120
Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)	121
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)	121
Ashtrays and Lighter	121
Sun Visors	122
Visor Vanity Mirrors	122
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)	122
OnStar System (If Equipped)	123
Safety and Security Services	124
Premium Services (Includes Safety and Security Services)	125
OnStar System Limitations	126
Sunroof (If Equipped)	127
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System	128
Instrument Panel Cluster	130
Speedometer and Odometer	131
Trip Odometer	131
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	131
Safety Belt Reminder Light	132
Air Bag Readiness Light	133
Charging System Light	134
Brake System Warning Light	134
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	135
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (3100 V6 Engine)	136
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	136
Low Traction Light	137
Engine Coolant Temperature Light	137
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	138
Low Coolant Warning Light	138
Low Tire Light	139
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)	139
If the Light Is Flashing	140
If the Light Is On Steady	141
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	142
Oil Pressure Light	142
Low Oil Level Light	143
Change Oil Soon Light	144
Security Light	144
Cruise Light	144
Service Vehicle Soon Light	145
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light	145
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light	145
Fuel Gage	145
Low Fuel Light	146
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	147
Comfort Controls	148
Dual ComforTemp-Climate Control	148
Fan Control Knob	148
Driver s Temperature Lever	148
Passenger s Temperature Lever	148
Mode Knob	148
Heating	149
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)	149
Air Conditioning	149
Dual Automatic ComforTemp-Climate Control (If Equipped)	150
Automatic Control	150
Temperature Control	150
Passenger s Temperature Control	151
Manual Control	152
Defogging and Defrosting	153
Rear Window Defogger	154
Ventilation System	155
Ventilation Tips	155
Audio Systems	156
Setting the Clock	156
AM-FM Stereo	156
Playing the Radio	156
Finding a Station	157
Setting the Tone	158
Adjusting the Speakers	158
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	158
Playing the Radio	158
Finding a Station	159
Setting the Tone	160
Adjusting the Speakers	160
Playing a Cassette Tape	160
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	162
Playing the Radio	162
Finding a Station	162
Setting the Tone	163
Adjusting the Speakers	164
Playing a Cassette Tape	164
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	166
Playing the Radio	166
Finding a Station	166
Setting the Tone	167
Adjusting the Speakers	168
Playing a Cassette Tape	168
Playing a Compact Disc	170
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)	171
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature	172
Unlocking the Theft- Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	172
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	173
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	174
Understanding Radio Reception	175
AM	175
FM Stereo	175
Tips About Your Audio System	175
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	176
Care of Your Compact Discs	177
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	177
Fixed Mast Antenna	177
Backglass Antenna (If Equipped)	177
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped)	178
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	179
Defensive Driving	180
Drunken Driving	181
Control of a Vehicle	184
Braking	184
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	185
Using Anti- Lock	187
Braking in Emergencies	187
Enhanced Traction System	187
Steering	189
Power Steering	189
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	189
Steering Tips	189
Driving on Curves	189
Steering in Emergencies	190
Off-Road Recovery	191
Passing	191
Loss of Control	193
Skidding	193
Driving at Night	194
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	195
Hydroplaning	197
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	197
Driving Through Flowing Water	198
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	198
City Driving	198
Freeway Driving	199
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	201
Highway Hypnosis	201
Hill and Mountain Roads	202
Winter Driving	204
Driving on Snow or Ice	205
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	206
Recreational Vehicle Towing	208
Loading Your Vehicle	208
Towing a Trailer	210
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	211
Weight of the Trailer	212
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	212
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	213
Hitches	213
Safety Chains	214
Trailer Brakes	214
Driving with a Trailer	214
Following Distance	214
Passing	214
Backing Up	215
Making Turns	215
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	215
Driving On Grades	216
Parking on Hills	216
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	217
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	217
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	217
Section 5 Problems on the Road	218
Hazard Warning Flashers	219
Other Warning Devices	219
Jump Starting	220
Towing Your Vehicle	225
Engine Overheating	226
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	226
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	227
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	228
Cooling System	229
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	231
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator	234
If a Tire Goes Flat	237
Changing a Flat Tire	238
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	239
Wheel Center Caps	241
Wheel Covers	241
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	242
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	247
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	248
Compact Spare Tire	249
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	250
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	250
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	251
Service	252
Doing Your Own Service Work	252
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	253
Fuel	253
Fuels in Foreign Countries	255
Filling Your Tank	255
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	258
Checking Things Under the Hood	258
Hood Release	259
Engine Compartment Overview	260
Engine Oil	261
Checking Engine Oil	261
When to Add Engine Oil	262
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	263
Engine Oil Additives	264
When to Change Engine Oil	264
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System	265
What to Do with Used Oil	265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	266
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	267
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	268
When to Check and Change	268
How to Check	268
Checking the Fluid Level	269
How to Add Fluid	270
Engine Coolant	271
What to Use	272
Checking Coolant	273
Adding Coolant	273
Radiator Pressure Cap	274
Power Steering Fluid	274
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	275
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	275
What to Use	275
Windshield Washer Fluid	276
What to Use	276
Adding Washer Fluid	276
Brakes	277
Brake Fluid	277
What to Add	278
Brake Wear	279
Brake Pedal Travel	280
Brake Adjustment	280
Replacing Brake System Parts	280
Battery	280
Vehicle Storage	281
Bulb Replacement	281
Halogen Bulbs	281
Headlamps	282
Headlamp Aiming	283
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps	285
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	286
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps	287
Trunk Lid Applique	288
Back-Up Lamps	289
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	289
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	290
Tires	291
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	292
When to Check	292
How to Check	292
Tire Inflation Monitor System	293
Tire Inspection and Rotation	294
When It s Time for New Tires	295
Buying New Tires	296
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	297
Treadwear	297
Traction -- AA, A, B, C	297
Temperature -- A, B, C	297
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	298
Wheel Replacement	298
Used Replacement Wheels	299
Tire Chains	299
Appearance Care	300
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	300
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	300
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	301
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	301
Cleaning Vinyl	302
Cleaning Leather	302
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	302
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	302
Care of Safety Belts	302
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	303
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	303
Weatherstrips	303
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	303
Washing Your Vehicle	304
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	304
Finish Care	304
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	305
Cleaning Tires	305
Sheet Metal Damage	305
Finish Damage	306
Underbody Maintenance	306
Chemical Paint Spotting	306
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	307
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	308
Engine Identification	308
Service Parts Identification Label	308
Electrical System	308
Add-On Electrical Equipment	308
Headlamp Wiring	309
Windshield Wipers	309
Power Windows and Other Power Options	309
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	309
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	309
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger Side	312
Replacement Bulbs	314
Capacities and Specifications	314
Engine Specifications	315
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	315
Vehicle Dimensions	315
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	316
Introduction	317
Your Vehicle and the Environment	317
Maintenance Requirements	317
How This Section is Organized	318
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	319
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	319
Scheduled Maintenance	320
Footnotes	320
Scheduled Maintenance	321
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	321
Scheduled Maintenance	322
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	330
At Each Fuel Fill	330
Engine Oil Level Check	330
Engine Coolant Level Check	330
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	330
At Least Once a Month	330
Tire Inflation Check	330
Cassette Deck Service	330
At Least Twice a Year	331
Restraint System Check	331
Wiper Blade Check	331
Weatherstrip Lubrication	331
Automatic Transaxle Check	331
At Least Once a Year	331
Key Lock Cylinders Service	331
Body Lubrication Service	331
Starter Switch Check	332
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	332
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	333
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	333
Underbody Flushing Service	333
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	334
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	334
Exhaust System Inspection	334
Engine Cooling System Inspection	335
Throttle System Inspection	335
Brake System Inspection	335
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	336
Part E: Maintenance Record	337
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	340
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	341
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	342
Customer Assistance Offices	343
United States	343
Canada	343
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	343
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	344
Roadside Assistance	344
Canadian Roadside Assistance	346
Courtesy Transportation	346
Plan Ahead When Possible	346
Transportation Options	346
Shuttle Service	347
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	347
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	347
Additional Program Information	347
Warranty Information	348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	349

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