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2000 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 250

2000 Buick Century Manual

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Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine. 6-8

Section	Page
2000 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?	39
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	49
Smaller Children and Babies	49
Child Restraints	51
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	60
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	62
Larger Children	66
Safety Belt Extender	69
Checking Your Restraint Systems	69
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	69
Section 2 Features and Controls	70
Keys	71
Door Locks	73
Power Door Locks	74
Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks	74
Rear-Door Child Security Locks	75
Lockout Protection Feature	76
Leaving Your Vehicle	76
Remote Keyless Entry	76
Operation	77
Instant Alarm	78
Security Feedback	78
Delayed Locking	79
Illumination on Remote Activation	81
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle	81
Battery Replacement	81
Resynchronization	82
Trunk	83
Trunk Lock	83
Remote Trunk Release	83
Theft	84
Key in the Ignition	84
Parking at Night	84
Parking Lots	84
PASS-Key II	85
New Vehicle Break-In	86
Ignition Positions	87
Starting Your Engine	88
Starting Your V6 Engine	88
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	89
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	90
Automatic Transaxle Operation	91
Parking Brake	95
Shifting Into PARK (P)	96
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	97
Torque Lock	98
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	98
Parking Over Things That Burn	99
Engine Exhaust	100
Running Your Engine While You're Parked	100
Windows	101
Power Windows	101
Horn	102
Tilt-Wheel Adjustable Steering Column	102
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	103
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator	103
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer	104
Flash-to-Pass Feature	104
Windshield Wipers	105
Windshield Washer	106
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	106
Setting Cruise Control	107
Resuming a Set Speed	108
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	108
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	108
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	108
Using Cruise Control on Hills	108
Ending Cruise Control	109
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory	109
Exterior Lamps	109
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control	110
Delayed Headlamp Illumination	110
Interior Lamps	111
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	111
Courtesy Lamps	111
Illuminated Entry	112
Delayed Entry Lighting	112
Delayed Exit Lighting	112
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps	113
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	113
Battery Rundown Protection	113
Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)	113
Mirrors	113
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	114
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	114
Power Outside Foldaway Mirrors	114
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	115
Convex Outside Mirror	115
Storage Compartments	116
Glove Box	116
Front Storage Armrest	116
Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)	116
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)	116
Ashtrays and Lighter	117
Sun Visors	117
Visor Vanity Mirrors	117
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)	118
OnStar System (If Equipped)	118
Sunroof (If Equipped)	119
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System	120
Instrument Panel Cluster	121
Speedometer and Odometer	122
Trip Odometer	122
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	122
Safety Belt Reminder Light	123
Air Bag Readiness Light	123
Charging System Light	124
Brake System Warning Light	125
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	126
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (3100 V6 Engine)	126
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	127
Low Traction Light	127
Engine Coolant Temperature Light	128
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	128
Low Coolant Warning Light	129
Low Tire Light	129
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)	130
If the Light Is Flashing	131
If the Light Is On Steady	131
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	132
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light	133
Low Oil Level Light	134
Change Oil Soon Light	134
Security Light	135
Cruise Light	135
Service Vehicle Soon Light	135
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light	136
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light	136
Fuel Gage	136
Low Fuel Light	137
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	138
Comfort Controls	139
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control	139
Fan Control Knob	139
Driver's Temperature Lever	139
Passenger's Temperature Lever	139
Mode Knob	139
Heating	140
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)	140
Air Conditioning	140
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control (If Equipped)	141
Automatic Control	141
Temperature Control	141
Passenger s Temperature Control	142
Manual Control	143
Defogging and Defrosting	144
Rear Window Defogger	145
Ventilation System	146
Ventilation Tips	146
Audio Systems	147
Setting the Clock	147
AM-FM Stereo	147
Playing the Radio	147
Finding a Station	148
Setting the Tone	149
Adjusting the Speakers	149
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	149
Playing the Radio	149
Finding a Station	150
Setting the Tone	151
Adjusting the Speakers	151
Playing a Cassette Tape	151
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	153
Playing the Radio	153
Finding a Station	153
Setting the Tone	154
Adjusting the Speakers	155
Playing a Cassette Tape	155
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	157
Playing the Radio	157
Finding a Station	157
Setting the Tone	158
Adjusting the Speakers	159
Playing a Cassette Tape	159
Playing a Compact Disc	161
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)	162
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature	163
Unlocking the Theft- Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	163
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	164
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	165
Understanding Radio Reception	166
AM	166
FM Stereo	166
Tips About Your Audio System	166
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	167
Care of Your Compact Discs	168
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	168
Fixed Mast Antenna	168
Backglass Antenna (If Equipped)	168
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped)	169
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	170
Defensive Driving	171
Drunken Driving	172
Control of a Vehicle	175
Braking	175
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	176
Using Anti- Lock	178
Braking in Emergencies	178
Enhanced Traction System	178
Steering	180
Power Steering	180
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	180
Steering Tips	180
Driving on Curves	180
Steering in Emergencies	181
Off-Road Recovery	182
Passing	182
Loss of Control	184
Skidding	184
Driving at Night	185
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	186
Hydroplaning	188
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	188
Driving Through Flowing Water	189
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	189
City Driving	189
Freeway Driving	190
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	192
Highway Hypnosis	192
Hill and Mountain Roads	193
Winter Driving	195
Driving on Snow or Ice	196
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	198
Recreational Vehicle Towing	199
Loading Your Vehicle	200
Towing a Trailer	202
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	202
Weight of the Trailer	203
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	203
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	204
Hitches	204
Safety Chains	205
Trailer Brakes	205
Driving with a Trailer	205
Following Distance	205
Passing	205
Backing Up	206
Making Turns	206
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	206
Driving On Grades	207
Parking on Hills	207
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	208
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	208
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	208
Section 5 Problems on the Road	209
Hazard Warning Flashers	210
Other Warning Devices	210
Jump Starting	211
Towing Your Vehicle	216
Engine Overheating	217
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	217
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	218
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	219
Cooling System	220
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	222
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator	225
If a Tire Goes Flat	228
Changing a Flat Tire	229
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	230
Wheel Center Caps	232
Wheel Covers	232
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	233
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	238
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	239
Compact Spare Tire	240
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	241
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	242
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	243
Service	244
Doing Your Own Service Work	244
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	245
Fuel	245
Fuels in Foreign Countries	247
Filling Your Tank	247
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	249
Checking Things Under the Hood	250
Hood Release	251
Engine Oil	253
Checking Engine Oil	253
When to Add Engine Oil	254
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	255
Engine Oil Additives	257
When to Change Engine Oil	257
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System	257
What to Do with Used Oil	257
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	258
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	259
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	260
When to Check and Change	260
How to Check	260
Checking the Fluid Level	261
How to Add Fluid	262
Engine Coolant	263
What to Use	264
Checking Coolant	265
Adding Coolant	265
Radiator Pressure Cap	266
Power Steering Fluid	266
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	267
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	267
What to Use	267
Windshield Washer Fluid	268
What to Use	268
Adding Washer Fluid	268
Brakes	269
Brake Fluid	269
What to Add	270
Brake Wear	271
Brake Pedal Travel	271
Brake Adjustment	271
Replacing Brake System Parts	272
Battery	272
Vehicle Storage	272
Bulb Replacement	273
Halogen Bulbs	273
Headlamps	273
Headlamp Aiming	274
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp	276
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	277
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp	278
Trunk Lid Applique	279
Back-Up Lamp	280
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	280
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	281
Tires	282
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	283
When to Check	283
How to Check	283
Tire Inflation Monitor System	284
Tire Inspection and Rotation	285
When It s Time for New Tires	286
Buying New Tires	287
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	288
Treadwear	288
Traction - AA, A, B, C	288
Temperature -- A, B, C	288
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	289
Wheel Replacement	289
Used Replacement Wheels	290
Tire Chains	290
Appearance Care	291
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	291
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	291
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	292
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	292
Cleaning Vinyl	293
Cleaning Leather	293
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	293
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	293
Care of Safety Belts	293
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	294
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	294
Weatherstrips	294
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	294
Washing Your Vehicle	294
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	295
Finish Care	295
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	296
Cleaning Tires	296
Sheet Metal Damage	296
Finish Damage	297
Underbody Maintenance	297
Chemical Paint Spotting	297
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	298
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	299
Engine Identification	299
Service Parts Identification Label	299
Electrical System	299
Add-On Electrical Equipment	299
Headlamp Wiring	300
Windshield Wipers	300
Power Windows and Other Power Options	300
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	300
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	300
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger's Side	303
Replacement Bulbs	305
Capacities and Specifications	305
Engine Specifications	306
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	306
Vehicle Dimensions	306
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	307
Introduction	308
Your Vehicle and the Environment	308
Maintenance Requirements	308
How This Section is Organized	309
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	310
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	310
Scheduled Maintenance	311
Footnotes	311
Scheduled Maintenance	312
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	312
Scheduled Maintenance	313
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	321
At Each Fuel Fill	321
Engine Oil Level Check	321
Engine Coolant Level Check	321
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	321
At Least Once a Month	321
Tire Inflation Check	321
Cassette Deck Service	321
At Least Twice a Year	322
Restraint System Check	322
Wiper Blade Check	322
Weatherstrip Lubrication	322
Automatic Transaxle Check	322
At Least Once a Year	322
Key Lock Cylinders Service	322
Body Lubrication Service	322
Starter Switch Check	323
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	323
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	324
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	324
Underbody Flushing Service	324
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	325
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	325
Exhaust System Inspection	325
Engine Cooling System Inspection	325
Throttle System Inspection	326
Brake System Inspection	326
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	327
Part E: Maintenance Record	328
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	333
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	334
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	336
Customer Assistance Offices	336
United States	336
Canada	337
All Overseas Locations	337
Caribbean Numbers	337
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	337
Roadside Assistance	338
Canadian Roadside Assistance	338
Courtesy Transportation	339
Plan Ahead When Possible	339
Transportation Options	339
Shuttle Service	339
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	339
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	340
Additional Program Information	340
Warranty Information	340
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS	342

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