windshield wipers BUICK CENTURY 2004 Owner's Manual

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to ve different positions:
A (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate when the engine is off.
To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
counterclockwise. The steering wheel will stay locked.B (LOCK):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It is a
theft-deterrent feature.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
can not turn it, be sure you are using the correct
key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a
tool to force it could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle
needs service.
C (OFF):In this position the engine is off but the
steering wheel is not locked and can still be turned.
Use the OFF position if the vehicle must be pushed
or towed.
D (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of
the warning and indicator lights.
E. (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened if the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.
2-19

Horn
Press the horn symbols on the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel enables the position of the steering wheel to
be adjusted.
The lever that lets the steering wheel tilt is located on
the outboard side of the steering column.
To tilt the steering wheel,
hold it and pull the lever.
Move the steering wheel to
a comfortable driving
position and release the
lever to lock it into place.
Tilt the steering wheel to the highest position to give
more room when exiting and entering the vehicle.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever located on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Flash-to-Pass
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
Cruise Control
3-5

Windshield Wipers
To operate the windshield wipers turn the band located
on the multifunction lever upward or downward.
WIPER:Turn this band to control the windshield wipers.
OFF:Turn the band to OFF to turn off the
windshield wipers.
LO (Low Speed):Turn the band away from you to
LO and past the delay settings for steady wiping at
low speed.
HI (High Speed):Turn the band away from you, to HI,
and past the delay settings for steady wiping at a
high speed.
(Delayed Wiping):Turn the band away from you, just
past OFF, to one of the ve delayed settings, to
choose the length of intervals between each wipingcycle. The further the band is turned upward, toward
LO, the shorter the delay will be. Select one of
these settings for light rain or snow.
MIST:Turn the band to MIST for a single wiping cycle.
Hold it until the windshield wipers start. Then let it
go. The windshield wipers will stop after one wipe. If
more wipes are needed, hold the band on MIST longer.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the windshield
wiper blades before using them. If they are frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If the
blades do become worn or damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts. SeeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-56.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
3-7

Windshield Washer
J
(Windshield Washer):At the top of the
multifunction lever, there is a paddle with the word
PUSH on it. To spray washer uid on the windshield,
push on the paddle. The wipers will run for several
sweeps and then either stop or return to the preset
speed. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-36.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
The LOW WASH light on
the instrument panel
cluster will come on when
the uid level is low.
Cruise Control
If the vehicle has cruise control, a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help
on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you can not drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
needless wheel spinning, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
3-8

Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
If the vehicle has a passenger compartment air lter
and the airow seems low when the fan is at the
highest setting it may need to be replaced. For more
information, seePassenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 3-26.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located in
the engine compartment below the air inlet grille, near
the passenger’s side windshield wiper arm.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like the engine’s air cleaner
lter, it may need to be changed periodically. For
information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air lter, seeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Put the ignition in ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Remove the hood weather-strip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle and peel it back
halfway to the center of the hood.
6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
3-26

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking each time maintenance is performed.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
1. Turn on the wipers to LO.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades
are more accessible for removal or replacement
while in this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm 3 to 4 inches
(7.5 to 10 cm) away from the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the windshield
wiper arm connecting point and slide the blade
assembly down toward the glass to remove it from
the wiper arm.
5. Slide the new wiper blade securely on the wiper
arm until you hear the release clip click into
place. SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-13for the type of windshield wiper
blades to use.
5-56

Fuses Usage
HAZRD Hazard Warning Flashers
LH HTD SEAT Not Used
Blank Not Used
BCM ACCYIgnition Signal: Hot in ACCESSORY
and RUN, Body Control Module
Blank Not Used
LOW BLWER Low Blower
ABS Anti-Lock Brakes
TRN SIG Turn Signals, Cornering Lamps
RADIO,
HVAC, RFA,
CLSTR ALDLRadio, Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning Head; Remote Keyless
Entry, Cluster
HI BLWR High Blower
RH HTD SEAT Not Used
STR/WHL
CNTRLAudio Steering Wheel Controls
WPR Windshield WipersUnderhood Fuse Block
Some fuses and relays are located in the underhood
fuse block on the passenger’s side of the vehicle in the
engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on location.
5-100

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-27
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-42
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-91
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-40
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-41
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
What to Use..........................................5-22, 5-36
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-71
Replacement...............................................5-72
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-16When to Check..............................................5-65
When to Check and Change............................5-19
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-36
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill.....................................................4-45
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-37
Why Safety Belts Work..................................... 1-7
Window Lock-Out............................................2-16
Windows.......................................................2-15
Power........................................................2-16
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-8
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-56
Fuses........................................................5-97
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving................................................4-26
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14