engine coolant BUICK CENTURY 1998 Owner's Guide

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6-23 Checking Coolant
The engine coolant recovery tank is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.
If this light comes on and
stays on, it means you're
low on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
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.

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6-24
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.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
The power steering fluid reservoir is located below the
generator and behind the accessory drive belt.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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6-25
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

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6-68 Supercharged Engine Accessory Belt (L67)
The Supercharged 3800 V6 engine uses two accessory
drive belts. One belt drives the generator, power steering
pump, coolant pump and air conditioning compressor.
The second belt drives the supercharger. Each belt has
its own tensioner and idler pulley.
1. Front Belt
2. Back Belt
A. Generator
B. Power Steering
C. Crank
D. Supercharger
E. Coolant Pump
F. Air Conditioning

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-21
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
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7-30
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90
F
(32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-31
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.

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7-36
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by
name, part number or specification may be obtained
from your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer
Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).

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9-3
Stains 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Panels 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Zone 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Zone 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc
Care 3
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player 3-10, 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cruise Light 2
-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance
For Text Telephone Users 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Entry Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Exit Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Ajar Light 2
-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ajar Reminder 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Unlocking System 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks, Delayed Locking 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-4
Driving
City 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-19, 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Temperature Gage 2
-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-32, 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercharged 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting, Delayed 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Button, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass Feature 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .