reset BUICK CENTURY 2005 User Guide

Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-16

How to Reset the CHANGE OIL
SOON Light
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use.
Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE OIL SOON light being turned on, reset
the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within ve seconds.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light ashes, the system
is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF, then start the vehicle. The oil
life will change to 100 percent.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on
when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
5-17

If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An overheated engine warning can indicate a
serious problem.
If there is an overheated engine warning and you do not
see or hear any steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If an overheated engine warning appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Adjust the heater to the highest temperature and fan
speed settings and open the window as necessary.
If the overheated engine warnings no longer exist,
you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warnings do not come back on,
you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If the warning still
exists,turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicleuntil it cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode allows
the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine condition exists, this
protection mode alternates ring groups of cylinders to
help prevent engine damage. In this mode, there will be
a signicant loss in power and engine performance.
The engine coolant temperature gage indicator will move
to the red area, and the engine coolant temperature
warning light will come on, showing that an overheated
engine condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheated engine protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
5-26

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inated even when they’re underinated. Check
the tire’s ination pressure when the tires are cold.
Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage rmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire ination pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the ination pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
If your vehicle has the tire ination monitor system,
it detects differences in tire rotation speeds that
are caused by changes in tire pressure. The system
can alert you if a tire is low – but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTires on page 5-53.
When the LOW TIRE light comes on the instrument
panel, stop as soon as you can and check all the tires
for damage. If a tire is at, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-69. Also, check the tire pressure in all four
tires as soon as possible. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-60.
In order for the tire ination system to function properly,
the vehicle must be driven between 45 and 90 minutes
before the system determines the tire pressure in
each tire. The driving time may be longer depending on
an individual’s driving habits. The data does not have
to be accumulated during a single trip. Once determined,
the system will store the tire pressures until the system
is reset.
5-61

The system normally takes 15 to 20 minutes of driving
time in each of three speed ranges to determine
tire pressures. The speed ranges are 15 to 40 mph
(25 to 65 km/h), 40 to 65 mph (65 to 105 km/h)
and above 65 mph (105 km/h). When the storage of the
tire ination information is complete, the LOW TIRE
light will come on the instrument panel after two to
eight minutes if one tire is inated 12 psi (83 kPa) less
than the other three tires. Detection thresholds may
be higher and detection times may be longer on rough
roads, curves and at high speeds. The system is
not capable of ination differences at speeds greater
than 70 mph (110 km/h).
The tire ination monitor system will not alert you if the
pressure in more than one tire is low, if the system
is not properly calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving
faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
The LOW TIRE light will stay on while the ignition is on,
until the system is reset.Do not reset the tire ination monitor system without
rst correcting the cause of the problem and checking
and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If the
system is reset when the tire pressures are incorrect,
it will not function properly and may not alert you when a
tire is low.
Any time a tire’s pressure is adjusted, the tires are
rotated, or one or more tires is repaired or replaced,
the tire ination monitor system will need to be
reset. The system also needs to be reset when new
tires are purchased and if the vehicle’s battery has
been disconnected.
To reset the system, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Remove the passenger’s side instrument panel
cover to access the fuse block.
3. Press and hold the RESET button in the fuse block
for about ve seconds.
The LOW TIRE light will come on and ash three
times. Then it will go off. If the light does not go off,
see your dealer for service.
5-62

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-64andWheel Replacement
on page 5-67for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for scheduled rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Reset the Tire Ination Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-61.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-96.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if you need to,
to get all the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-70.
5-63

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
If you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling
one way or the other, the alignment may need to
be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to
be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-70for
more information.
5-67

Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inated when
the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the ination pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, check
to make sure it is correctly inated. The compact
spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
However, It is best to replace the compact spare with
a full-size tire as soon as possible. The spare will
last longer and be in good shape in case it is needed
again. The tire ination monitor system must be
reset after installing or removing the compact spare.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-61.Notice:When the compact spare is installed,
do not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can
get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire
and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other
wheels or tires. They will not t. Keep the spare tire and
its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
5-81

Circuit
BreakersUsage
TIRE RESET Tire Ination Monitor Reset Button
PWR/WNDW
PWR S/ROOFPower Windows, Power Sunroof
R/DEFOG Rear Window Defogger
PWR/ SEAT Power Seat
Blank Not Used
Fuses Usage
PRK/LCK Ignition Key Solenoid
Blank Not Used
Blank Not Used
PCM, BCM,
U/HIgnition Signal: Hot in Run and Start,
Powertrain Control Module, Body
Control Module, Underhood Relay
RADIO PREM.
SOUNDNot Used
PWR MIR Power Mirrors
Blank Not Used
INT/ILLUM Panel Dimming
Blank Not Used
IGN 0: CLSTR,
PCM & BCMIgnition Signal: Hot in Run,
Unlock and Start; Cluster,
Powertrain Control Module,
Body Control Module
Blank Not Used
Blank Not Used
Blank Not Used
ACCY PWR
BUSInterior Lamps
DR/ LCK Door Locks
5-92

Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil
and lter must be changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be reset. Your GM
Goodwrench dealer has GM-trained service technicians
who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the CHANGE OIL SOON light appears, certain
services, checks and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceIIand that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the light comes
on within ten months since vehicle was purchased or
MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on ten months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
6-4