1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 221

A CAUTION: To check or replacethe air filter I Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and theengine backfires, you could be burned. Don't drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off. NOTICE: If the air cleaner is off,a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And,dirt can easily get into your engine, which willdamage it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you're driving. I 1. Use a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp, then lift the rubber duct. 6-15