check engine BUICK CENTURY 1993 User Guide

/i 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.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it
firmly.
Engine Oil
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It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The
3300 V6 engine oil dipstick is located near the front and
center
of the engine compartment.
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The 2.2L LA engine oil dipstick is located in the fill cap
near the front and center of the engine compartment.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and dean it
with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in
all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.
When to Add Oil: If the oil is at or below the “ADD”
line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But you must use
the right kind. This section explains what kind of
oil to
use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
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Air Cleaner
.-
If you have the 3300 V6 engine, your air cleaner is on the
driver’s side
of the engine compartment. To check or
replace the filter, release the latches and pull the air
cleaner open. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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Remove and replace the filter, then close the cover and
latches.
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If you have the 2.2L L4 engine, your air cleaner is on the
driver's side
of the engine compartment. To check or
replace the filter, use a screwdriver to loosen the hose
clamp, then lift the rubber duct. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. Remove the wing nut and pull
off the cover.
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Automatic ‘mansaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level
is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your
fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have
this done at a Buick dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Wait at least
30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic-especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200” F (82” C to
93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it’s colder than 50” F (lO°C), you may have to
drive longer.
To check the fluid level:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 Place the shift lever in “P” (Park) with the parking
brake applied.
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the. shift lever
through each gear range, pausing for about three
seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in
“P” (Park).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
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Adding Coolant
..
The coolant recovery tank is located on the passenger’s
side
of the engine compartment.
To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at “ADD:’
or a little higher.
When your engine
is warm, the level should be up to
“FULL HOT:’ or a little higher.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the
proper
mix at the coolant recovery tank.
/i CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have
to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap-even
a little-when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol, and
it will burn if the engine parts are
hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot
engine.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
ur radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace
your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
mp ”-- How to Check Power
Steering Fluid:
I Unscrew the cap and wipe
the dipstick with a clean f rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the
dipstick. .1,. ,,
When me engine compartment is hot, the level should
When the engine compartment is cool, the level should
be at the “H” (Hot) mark.
be at the “C” (Cold) mark.
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
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Part 7 Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
'LEVEL AND CHANGE
AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the maintenance
required for your Buick. Your vehicle
needs these services to retain
its safety,
dependability and emission control
performance.
Have you purchased the
GM Protection Plan?
The Plan supplements your
new vehicle warranties.
See your Buick dealer
for details.
part 7 includes:
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance ...................... .276
Your Vehicle and the Environment ................. ,276
How This Part is Organized ...................... .276
A.. Scheduled Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedules ................ .278
Selecting the Right Schedule ...................... ,279
Schedule1 ..................................... 280
Schedule I1 ................................... .282
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services .... -284
At Each Fuel Fill .............................. .287
B. Owner Checks and Services
At Least Once a Month ......................... .287
At Least Once a Year ........................... .288
C. Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ .290
D. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............ .292
E. Maintenance Record. .......................... .295
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule II.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section
D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 Engine Oil and Filter Change-Always use
SG Energy Conserving 11 oils of proper viscosity.
The “SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as ‘‘SG/CC:’
“SG/CD” or “SF, SG, CC:’ etc.
To determine the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
5W-30 or SAE
10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
2 Chassis Lubrication-Lubricate the transaxle
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage. If your
vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the suspension and steering linkage. these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
3 Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque (3300 V6
Code N Engine Only)*-Check the,torque of
the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
4 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection-For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your
tires following the instructions
in this manual.
See “Tires, Inspection & Rotation” in the Index.
Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If
you see irregular or premature wear, check the
wheel alignment. Check for damaged wheels also.’
*An Emission Control Service.
~2 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the.emission warranty
or limit recall liability prior
to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”
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ITEM
NO. SERVICE
9 Spark Plug Wire Inspection**-Inspect for
bums, cracks or other damage. Check the boot
fit at the distributor and at the spark plugs.
Replace wires as needed.
10 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
Inspection (2.2L Code 4 engine only)**-
Conduct the EGR system service as described in
the service manual.
To purchase a service
manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
12
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*-Replace
every
30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or more often
under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the
proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
Fuel %nk, Cap
and Lines Inspection* A-
Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines (including fuel
rails and injection assembly, if equipped) for
damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for an
even filler neck imprint or any damage. Replace
parts as needed. Periodic replacement of the fuel
filter is not required.
*An Emission Control Service.
*The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty
or limit
recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”
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