climate control BUICK CENTURY 2004 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-5
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-6
Child Restraints
.......................................1-28
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-49
Restraint System Check
............................1-58
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-31
OnStar
®System
......................................2-33
Storage Areas
.........................................2-34
Sunroof
..................................................2-36
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-27
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-44Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-31
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-49
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-56
Tires
......................................................5-57
Appearance Care
.....................................5-88
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-96
Electrical System
......................................5-97
Capacities and Specications
...................5-103
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2004 Buick Century Owner ManualM

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle,
are shown along with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a specic component, control,
message, gage or indicator.
If you need help guring out a specic name of a
component, gage or indicator, reference the following
topics:
Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
Climate Controls in Section 3
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3
Audio System(s) in Section 3
Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-29.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk lid from the outside, insert the door
key into the trunk lock and turn it counterclockwise.
Or, with the vehicle in PARK (P), press the open trunk
symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the remote trunk
release button located
behind the glove box door
to release the trunk lid
from inside the vehicle.
The shift lever must be in PARK (P), but the key does
not have to be in the ignition for the remote trunk
lid release button to work.
2-13

Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-29.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-26.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-39.
2-30

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-18
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-21
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-28
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-30
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-34
Low Traction Light........................................3-34Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-42
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-42
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-44
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
Radio with CD..............................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-62
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-63
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-63
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-64
Care of Your CD Player................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-12.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-28.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-4.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-62.
F. Gear Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-22.
G. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-25.H. Side Window Defogger Outlet.
I. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
J. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-5.
K. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-5.
L. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-44.
M. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-17.
N. Climate Control. SeeDual Climate Control System
on page 3-18.
O. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-34.
P. Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-97.
3-3

Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
The vehicle may have this climate control system.
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with it.
Manual Operation
To change the current mode, select one of the following
settings on the right knob.
MAX (Maximum Air-Conditioning):This mode
recirculates much of the air inside the vehicle and
sends it through the instrument panel outlets. The
air-conditioning compressor will run automatically
in this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
VENT (Ventilation):This mode brings in outside air
and directs it through the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV (Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately
half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs most of the remaining air to the oor outlets.
Some air may be directed toward the windshield.
HTR (Heater):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets, with some air directed to the outboard
outlets, for the side windows, and some air directed to
the windshield.
3-18

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to form and condense on
the cool window glass. This can be minimized if
the climate control system is used properly. There are
two modes to clear fog or frost from the windshield
and side windows. Use the blend mode to clear
the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove frost or
fog from the windshield more quickly. For best results,
clear all snow and ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
0DEF (Defrost):This setting, located on the right
knob, directs most of the air through the defroster
and the side window outlets. Some of the air is directed
to the oor and side window outlets. The air-conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
To defrost the window quickly, turn the mode knob to
the defrost setting and turn the driver’s and passenger’s
temperature levers all the way to the red area.To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use BLEND.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
<
(Rear):Press the button to turn the defogger on or
off. The rear window defogger will initially run for
about 15 minutes. If it is turned on again, the rear
window defogger will only run for about seven and one
half minutes before turning off.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
3-20

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The vehicle may have this climate control system.
The heating, cooling and ventilation can be controlled
with it.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Press the AUTO button for
automatic control of the inside temperature, the air
delivery mode and the fan speed. There might be a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when the automatic operation is used in cold weather.
For the automatic system to function, the temperature
must be set between 61°F (16°C) and 89°F (31°C).
1. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting.
2. Press the AUTO button.
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool
any faster.
If the system is set at the warmest temperature
setting, 90°F (32°C), hot air will be directed to the
oor, the fan will increase to the highest speed, and
the system will remain in manual mode at that
temperature. The system will not return to automatic
until the temperature setting is lowered.
If the system is set at the coldest temperature
setting, 60°F (15°C), cold interior air will be
recirculated through the air panel outlets, and the
fan will increase to the highest speed. The
system will not return to automatic until the
temperature is raised.
3-21

In cold weather, the system will start at reduced fan
speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system will
start out blowing air at the oor but may change
modes automatically as the vehicle warms up
to maintain the chosen temperature setting. The
length of time needed for warm up will depend on
the outside temperature and the length of time
that has elapsed since the vehicle was last driven.
3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature, if
necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center
of the instrument panel, near the windshield. For
more information on the solar sensor, see
“Solar Sensor” later in this section.
Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
OFF:Pressing the OFF button cancels automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode.
Press the AUTO button to return to automatic operation.TEMP (Temperature):To manually adjust the
temperature inside the vehicle, press the up arrow on
the TEMP control to raise the temperature and press the
down arrow to lower the temperature. The display will
show the selection for a few seconds, and then the
outside temperature will be displayed.
When the DUAL light indicator is on, this means the
TEMP control has set the temperature for the driver.
When the DUAL light indicator light is not on, this means
the TEMP control has set the temperature for the
entire cabin.
9FAN:Press the up arrow on the FAN control to
increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode. Press
the AUTO button to return to automatic operation. If
the airow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting, the passenger compartment air lter, if
equipped, may need to be replaced. For more
information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on
page 3-26andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
AIR FLOW:This control has several settings to
control the direction of airow when the system is
not in AUTO.
To access the various modes available, continue to
press the AIR FLOW up or down arrows until the desired
mode, listed below, appears in the display.
3-22