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2002 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 234

2002 Buick Century Manual

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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. NOTICE: Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged. 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 5-16

Section	Page
2002 Buick Century Owner's Manual	1
Copyright General Motors Corp 2001	2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:	3
How to Use this Manual	4
Safety Warnings and Symbols	4
Vehicle Damage Warnings	5
Vehicle Symbols	5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems	7
Seats and Seat Controls	8
Two-Way Manual Front Seats	8
Six-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)	9
Reclining Front Seatbacks	9
Head Restraints	11
Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)	11
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone	12
Why Safety Belts Work	13
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers	16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	17
Adults	17
Driver Position	18
Lap-Shoulder Belt	18
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	25
Right Front Passenger Position	26
Air Bag Systems	26
How the Air Bag Systems Work	29
Where are the air bags?	29
When should an air bag inflate?	31
What makes an air bag inflate?	31
How does an air bag restrain?	32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	34
Center Passenger Position	34
Lap Belt	34
Rear Seat Passengers	36
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	36
Lap-Shoulder Belt	36
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	39
Children	41
Infants and Young Children	41
Restraint Systems for Children	45
Where to Put the Restraint	48
Top Strap	49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	51
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	53
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	58
Older Children	61
Safety Belt Extender	64
Checking Your Restraint Systems	64
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	64
Section 2 Features and Controls	65
Windows	66
Power Windows	67
Express-Down Window	67
Keys	68
Door Locks	70
Power Door Locks	71
Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks	71
Programmable Modes	71
Rear-Door Child Security Locks	73
Lockout Protection Feature	73
Leaving Your Vehicle	73
Remote Keyless Entry	74
Operation	75
Panic Alarm	75
Security Feedback	75
Delayed Locking	78
Illumination on Remote Activation	79
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	79
Battery Replacement	80
Trunk	81
Trunk Lock	81
Remote Trunk Release	81
Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)	82
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	83
Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlert_ System (If Equipped)	84
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor	85
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor	85
Theft	86
Key in the Ignition	86
Parking at Night	86
Parking Lots	86
PASS-Key II	87
New Vehicle "Break-In"	88
Ignition Positions	88
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) (If Equipped)	89
Starting Your Engine	90
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	91
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	91
Automatic Transaxle Operation	92
Parking Brake	96
Shifting Into PARK (P)	97
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	98
Torque Lock	98
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	99
Parking Over Things That Burn	99
Engine Exhaust	100
Running Your Engine While You're Parked	100
Horn	101
Tilt Wheel	101
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	102
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	102
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	103
Flash-to-Pass Feature	103
Windshield Wipers	103
Windshield Washer	104
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	105
Setting Cruise Control	105
Resuming a Set Speed	106
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	106
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	106
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	106
Using Cruise Control on Hills	106
Ending Cruise Control	107
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory	107
Exterior Lamps	107
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control	108
Delayed Headlamp Illumination	109
Interior Lamps	110
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	110
Courtesy Lamps	110
Illuminated Entry	110
Delayed Entry Lighting	110
Delayed Exit Lighting	111
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps	111
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	111
Battery Rundown Protection	111
Mirrors	112
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	112
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)	112
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	113
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)	113
Power Outside Foldaway Rearview Mirrors	114
Convex Outside Mirror	115
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	115
Storage Compartments	116
Glove Box	116
Front Storage Armrest	116
Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)	116
Center Console (Option)	116
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	117
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	117
Sun Visors	118
Visor Vanity Mirrors	118
Lighted Vanity Mirrors (Option)	118
Auxiliary Power Outlet (If Equipped)	118
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)	120
OnStar System (If Equipped)	121
Cellular Antenna	122
OnStar Services	122
OnStar System Limitations	124
Sunroof (Option)	125
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System	126
Instrument Panel Cluster	128
Speedometer and Odometer	129
Trip Odometer	129
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	130
Safety Belt Reminder Light	130
Air Bag Readiness Light	131
Charging System Light	132
Brake System Warning Light	132
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	133
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	134
Low Traction Light	135
Engine Coolant Temperature Light	135
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	136
Low Coolant Warning Light	136
Low Tire Light	137
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)	137
If the Light Is Flashing	138
If the Light Is On Steady	139
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	140
Oil Pressure Light	140
Low Oil Level Light	141
Change Oil Soon Light	142
Security Light	142
Cruise Light	143
Service Vehicle Soon Light	143
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light	143
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light	143
Fuel Gage	144
Low Fuel Light	144
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	145
Comfort Controls	146
Dual ComforTemp_ Climate Control	146
FAN:	146
DRIVER (Driver's Side Temperature):	146
PASSENGER (Passenger's Side Temperature):	146
Mode Knob	147
Dual Automatic ComforTemp_ Climate Control (If Equipped)	148
Manual Control	148
Heating	150
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)	151
Air Conditioning	151
Defogging and Defrosting	151
Rear Window Defogger	152
Ventilation System	153
Ventilation Tips	153
Audio Systems	154
Setting the Clock	154
AM-FM Stereo	154
Playing the Radio	154
Finding a Station	155
Setting Preset Stations	155
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	156
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	156
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	156
Playing the Radio	156
Finding a Station	157
Setting Preset Stations	157
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	158
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	158
Playing a Cassette Tape	158
Cassette Tape Messages	160
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	160
Playing the Radio	161
Finding a Station	161
Setting Preset Stations	162
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	162
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	163
Playing a Cassette Tape	163
Cassette Tape Messages	164
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	165
Playing the Radio	165
Finding a Station	165
Setting Preset Stations	166
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	167
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	167
Playing a Cassette Tape	167
Cassette Tape Messages	169
Playing a Compact Disc	169
Compact Disc Messages	170
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)	171
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature	171
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	172
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature	172
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	173
Understanding Radio Reception	174
AM	174
FM Stereo	174
Tips About Your Audio System	174
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	175
Care of Your Compact Discs	176
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	176
Fixed Mast Antenna	176
Backglass Antenna (If Equipped)	176
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped)	177
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	178
Defensive Driving	179
Drunken Driving	180
Control of a Vehicle	183
Braking	183
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	184
Using Anti-Lock	186
Braking in Emergencies	186
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	186
Steering	188
Power Steering	188
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	188
Steering Tips	188
Driving on Curves	188
Steering in Emergencies	189
Off-Road Recovery	190
Passing	190
Loss of Control	192
Skidding	192
Driving at Night	193
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	194
Hydroplaning	196
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	196
Driving Through Flowing Water	197
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	197
City Driving	197
Freeway Driving	198
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	199
Highway Hypnosis	200
Hill and Mountain Roads	201
Winter Driving	203
Driving on Snow or Ice	204
If You're Caught in a Blizzard	205
Recreational Vehicle Towing	207
Dinghy Towing	207
Dolly Towing	208
Loading Your Vehicle	208
Towing a Trailer	210
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	211
Weight of a Trailer	212
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	213
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires	213
Hitches	214
Safety Chains	214
Trailer Brakes	214
Driving with a Trailer	215
Following Distance	215
Passing	215
Backing Up	215
Making Turns	216
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	216
Driving On Grades	217
Parking on Hills	217
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	218
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	218
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	218
Section 5 Problems on the Road	219
Hazard Warning Flashers	220
Other Warning Devices	220
Jump Starting	221
Towing Your Vehicle	227
Engine Overheating	227
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	227
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	228
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	229
Cooling System	230
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	232
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
Removing the Wheel Center Caps	241
Removing the Wheel Covers (If Equipped)	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
Gasoline Octane	253
Gasoline Specifications	254
California Fuel	254
Additives	254
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 (GM Oil Life System)	264
How to Reset the CHANGE OIL SOON Light	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	269
Checking the Fluid Level	270
How to Add Fluid	271
Engine Coolant	272
What to Use	273
Checking Coolant	274
Adding Coolant	274
Radiator Pressure Cap	275
Power Steering Fluid	275
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	276
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	276
What to Use	276
Windshield Washer Fluid	277
What to Use	277
Adding Washer Fluid	277
Brakes	278
Brake Fluid	278
What to Add	279
Brake Wear	280
Brake Pedal Travel	280
Brake Adjustment	281
Replacing Brake System Parts	281
Battery	281
Vehicle Storage	282
Bulb Replacement	282
Halogen Bulbs	282
Headlamps	283
Headlamp Aiming	284
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps	286
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	287
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps	288
Back-Up Lamps	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	298
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	298
Wheel Replacement	298
Used Replacement Wheels	299
Tire Chains	300
Appearance Care	300
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	301
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	301
Using Cleaner on Fabric	301
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	302
Cleaning Vinyl	302
Cleaning Leather	302
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	303
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	303
Care of Safety Belts	303
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	303
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	304
Weatherstrips	304
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	304
Washing Your Vehicle	304
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	305
Finish Care	305
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	306
Cleaning Tires	306
Sheet Metal Damage	306
Finish Damage	307
Underbody Maintenance	307
Chemical Paint Spotting	307
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	308
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	309
Engine Identification	309
Service Parts Identification Label	309
Electrical System	310
Add-On Electrical Equipment	310
Headlamp Wiring	310
Windshield Wipers	310
Power Windows and Other Power Options	310
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	311
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	311
Underhood Fuse Block	314
Replacement Bulbs	316
Capacities and Specifications	316
Engine Specifications	316
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity	317
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	317
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	318
Introduction	319
Your Vehicle and the Environment	319
Maintenance Requirements	319
How This Section is Organized	320
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	321
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	321
Scheduled Maintenance	322
Footnotes	322
Scheduled Maintenance	323
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	323
Scheduled Maintenance	324
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	332
At Each Fuel Fill	332
Engine Oil Level Check	332
Engine Coolant Level Check	332
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	332
At Least Once a Month	332
Tire Inflation Check	332
Cassette Deck Service	332
At Least Twice a Year	333
Restraint System Check	333
Wiper Blade Check	333
Weatherstrip Lubrication	333
Automatic Transaxle Check	333
At Least Once a Year	333
Key Lock Cylinders Service	333
Body Lubrication Service	333
Starter Switch Check	334
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	334
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	335
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	335
Underbody Flushing Service	335
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	336
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	336
Exhaust System Inspection	336
Fuel System Inspection	337
Engine Cooling System Inspection	337
Throttle System Inspection	337
Brake System Inspection	337
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	338
Part E: Maintenance Record	340
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	346
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	347
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	349
Customer Assistance Offices	349
United States	349
Canada	350
All Overseas Locations	350
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	350
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	350
Roadside Assistance	351
Canadian Roadside Assistance	352
Courtesy Transportation	353
Plan Ahead When Possible	353
Transportation Options	353

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