service BUICK CENTURY 2002 User Guide

2-57
OnStar
System (If Equipped)
OnStar is a vehicle communications system that offers
a variety of services and provides a one
-touch hands-free
communication link between you and the OnStar Center.
To receive OnStar services, a service subscription
agreement is required and an additional fee may
be required. Services are available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. For more information,
call 1
-888-ONSTAR-7 (1-888-667-8277).
(OnStar Services Button): Press this button once
to contact an advisor who will be able to assist you with
these services. If you are not quickly connected, the
system will automatically reset and redial. This ensures
connection to the center; there is no additional action
required. Press the Communication button to cancel the
automatic redial.
(Emergency Button): In an emergency situation,
press the emergency service button. Upon receiving the
call, an advisor at the center will locate your vehicle and
assess the situation. If necessary, the advisor will alert
the nearest emergency service provider.
(Communication Button): Press this button
at the end of a call. Also press this button to answer
a call from the center, or cancel a call if one of the
other buttons is accidentally pressed. This button is
also used to access OnStar Personal Calling and Virtual
Advisor services. See the OnStar owner package for
more information.

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(Volume Control): You can control the volume
of the OnStar System using either the volume knob
on the radio or using the steering wheel volume control
(If equipped).
(Telltale Light): This light will indicate the status of
the system. A solid green light will come on when you
start the vehicle to let you know that the system is on
and is ready to make or receive calls.
If the light blinks green it means that an incoming or
outgoing call is in progress. Press the Communication
button if you notice the light blinking and you are not
on a call.
The light will be red in the event of an OnStar system
malfunction. If this occurs press the OnStar button to
attempt to contact an advisor. If the connection is made,
the advisor will assist you with steps to take to make
sure that the system is functioning properly. If you
cannot contact the advisor, take your vehicle to your
dealership as soon as possible for assistance.
Cellular Antenna
The cellular antenna on the outside of your vehicle is
critical to effective communications using the OnStar
system. Optimum cellular reception can be obtained
when the mast is straight up and down.
OnStar Services
The following services are available within OnStar
service plans. Your vehicle comes with a specific
one
-year service plan that allows use of some or all for
the following services.

Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment: If
an air bag deploys, a priority emergency signal is
automatically sent to the center. An advisor will
locate your vehicle's position, try to contact you
and assist you in the situation. If the center is unable
to contact you, an emergency service provider will
be contacted.

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Stolen Vehicle Tracking: Call the center at
1
-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) to report
your vehicle stolen. The system can then attempt to
locate and track your vehicle and the advisor will
assist the proper authorities.

Roadside Assistance with Location: For vehicle
breakdowns, press the OnStar button. An advisor
will contact the appropriate help.

Remote Diagnostics: If an instrument panel light
comes on, the center can perform a check of the
engine on
-board computer. An advisor can then
recommend what action needs to be taken.

OnStar MED
-NET: Med-Net can store your
personal medical history and provide it to emergency
personnel if necessary. (Requires activation and
additional fee.)

Accident Assist: An advisor can provide
step
-by-step guidance following an accident.
Remote Door Unlock: To contact the center,
call 1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to
provide your security information. An advisor will
send a command to your vehicle to unlock itself.
The advisor can delay unlocking your vehicle.
Remote Door Unlock is disabled 48 hours after the
vehicle is parked to maintain the battery charge.

Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center,
call 1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to
provide your security information. An advisor will
send a command to your vehicle to sound the horn
and/or flash the lamps.

Route Support: An advisor can provide directions
or guidance to anywhere you want to go. In addition,
they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas,
ATMs, hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more.

Ride Assist: An advisor can locate transportation in
the event that you are unable to drive.

Concierge Services: The concierge advisor can
obtain tickets, reservations, or help with vacation/trip
planning and other unique items and services.

2-60 OnStar System Limitations
Complete limitations can be found on the Subscriber
Services Agreement. In order to provide you with
excellent service, calls with the OnStar Center may
be monitored or recorded.
OnStar Service is:

available in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska,
Hawaii and Canada;

available when the vehicle is within the operating
range of a cellular provider;

subject to limitations caused by atmospheric
conditions, such as severe weather or topographical
conditions, such as mountainous terrain;

subject to cellular carrier equipment limitations.Global positioning locating capabilities will not be
available if satellite signals are obstructed.
OnStar will not function if the vehicle's battery is
discharged or disconnected. It may also be inoperative
if the vehicle is in an accident and the OnStar or vehicle
electrical system components are damaged.
OnStar is the communication link between you and
existing governmental emergency and roadside service
providers. OnStar will receive your call and use
reasonable effort to contact an appropriate provider.
OnStar cannot promise that the providers will respond
in a timely manner or at all.

2-67 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag modules, the wiring
and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more
information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº in
the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

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If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
United States Canada
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to
RUN. If the anti
-lock brake system warning light stays
on longer than normal after you've started your engine,
turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays
on when you're driving, stop as soon as possible and
turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you're driving, the anti
-lock brake system needs
service and you don't have anti
-lock brakes.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should
come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN.
If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-70 Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
The Enhanced
Traction System
warning light may
come on for the
following reasons:

If you turn the system off by shifting to SECOND (2)
or FIRST (1), the warning light will come on and stay
on. To turn the system back on, shift to THIRD (3) or
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
). See ªEnhanced
Traction Systemº in the Index.
If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The warning light will come on when you set your
parking brake with the engine running, and it will
stay on if your parking brake doesn't release fully.
If the transaxle shift lever is in any position other
than FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and the warning
light stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means there's a problem with the system.

If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off
and the warning light will come on.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

2-72 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
You have a gage that
shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage
pointer moves into the red
area, your engine is too hot!
That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Low Coolant Warning Light
If the LOW COOLANT light comes on, your system
is low on coolant and the engine may overheat. See
ªEngine Coolantº in the Index and have your vehicle
serviced as soon as you can.
The light will come on
briefly when your ignition
is turned on to show you
that it is working properly.

2-73 Low Tire Light
The low tire inflation
monitor system can
alert you to a large
change in the pressure
in one tire.
After the system has ªlearnedº tire pressures with
properly inflated tires, the LOW TIRE light will come
on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa)
lower than the other three tires. The low tire inflation
monitor system won't alert you if the pressure in more
than one tire is low, if the system is not yet calibrated, or
if the vehicle is moving faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
When the LOW TIRE light comes on, you should stop
as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage.
(If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in the Index.)
Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as
you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº in the Index.
The light will stay on (while the ignition is on) until you
reset (calibrate) the system. See ªLow Tire Inflation
Monitor Systemº in the Index.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that there
is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often
will be indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.

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NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transaxle,
exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or
the replacement of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON
light to come on. Modifications to these systems
could lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:

Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed.

Avoiding hard accelerations.

Avoiding steep uphill grades.

If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.