coolant BUICK CENTURY 2004 Owner's Guide

10. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located at the back
of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
5-35

Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
Add washer uid until the windshield washer reservoir
is full.Notice:When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-37

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-62

Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-57.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transaxle uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter 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.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-22for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-57for further
details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-44for further details.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
6-9

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-22.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
6-12

B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-9
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-55
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-53
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-49
Headlamps.................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-69
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-13, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-63
Your CD Player...........................................3-64
Your CDs ...................................................3-64
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-59
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-59
CD Messages........................................3-52, 3-61
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-73
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-58
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-94
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-93Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-92
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-88
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-90
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-90
Cleaning Leather............................................5-90
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-90
Cleaning Tires................................................5-93
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-90
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-92
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Dual..........................................................3-18
Dual Automatic............................................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-87
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-35
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-42
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-97
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-97
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-39
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-41
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-41
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-25
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Warning Light.............................................3-34
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-27
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-49, 3-56
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-53
Finish Care....................................................5-92
Finish Damage...............................................5-93
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-64
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-74
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-75
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM ...............................................................3-63
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-5
Following Distance..........................................4-43
5