maintenance BUICK CENTURY 1993 User Guide

Radiator Pressure Cap
ur radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace
your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
mp ”-- How to Check Power
Steering Fluid:
I Unscrew the cap and wipe
the dipstick with a clean f rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the
dipstick. .1,. ,,
When me engine compartment is hot, the level should
When the engine compartment is cool, the level should
be at the “H” (Hot) mark.
be at the “C” (Cold) mark.
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
To make your tires last longer, have them inspected and
rotated at the mileages recommended
in the Maintenance
Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
Use this rotation pattern.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear
inflation pressure as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that -all wheel
nuts are
properly tightend. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” in the
Index.
1
I A CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which
It Is fastened, can make the’wheel nuts
become loose after a Qlme. 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
vehlcle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to us8
a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get
all the rust or dirt off. (See “Changing a
Flat Tlre” in the Index.)
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Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid
hand, dish or car washing (non-detergent) soaps. Don’t
use cleaning agents that contain acid or abrasives. All
cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not
allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry
the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton
towel to avoid surfhce scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your
vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Buick may
be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You
can get
GM approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials” in the Index.)
Your Buick has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat.
Aluminum Wheels (If SO Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective coating similar
to the painted surface of your car. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, chrome polish, or other abrasive cleaners on
them because you could damage this coating. After
rinsing thoroughly, a wax may be applied.
White Sidewall Tires
Your Buick dealer has a GM White Sidewall Tire
Cleaner. You can use a stiff brush with it.
Weatherstrips
These are places where glass or metal meets rubber.
Silicone grease there will make them last longer, seal
better, and not squeak. Apply silicone grease with a
clean cloth at least every six months.
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Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Foreign Material
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road
oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter can damage
your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces for
these stains.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches
can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in
your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these
are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,
floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed
in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody vehicle washing system can
do this for you.
Chemical paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fdlout. Airborne pollutants can
f$ll upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can
take
two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations,
and small irregular dark
spots etched into the paint
surhce.
Although no defect in the paint job causes
this, Buick
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces
of new
vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12
months or 12,OOO miles (20 OOO km) of purchase,
whichever comes first.
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Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
You can get these from your Buick dealer .
DESCRIPTION USAGE PAFlT NUMBER
Magic Mirror Creme Wax ............. Exterior cleaner and polish ......... 12345343
Spray-A-Squeak
..................... Weatherstrips ..................... 1052277
Silicone Grease
..................... Stops squeaks ..................... 1052863
Tar and Road
Oil Remover ............ Also removes old waxes, polishes .... 1050172
Chrome Cleaner and Polish
........... Removes rust and corrosion .......... 1050173
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
.......... Cleans white and black tires ......... 1050174
VinyULeather Cleaner
............... Spot and stain removal .............. 1050214
Fabric Cleaner
...................... Spot and stain removal .............. 1050244
Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
........ Cleans vinyl and cloth, also. tires ...... 1050429
and
mats
latches
Glass Cleaner
....................... Also spot cleans vinyls ............. 1050427
Lubriplate
(Wh~te Grease) ............ For hood. trunk, door hinges and ..... 1052349
Preservatone
.................. .... Vinyl Top Dressing ................ 1051055
Washer Solvent
..................... Windshield-washing system .......... 1051515
Spot Lifter
........................ For cloth ........................ 105l398*
Wash-Wax (concentrate)
.............. Exterior Wash ..................... 1052870
SIZE
16 oz . (0.473L)
12 oz . (0.354L)
1
oz . (0.02Skg)
16 oz . (0.473L)
16
oz . (0.473L)
16
oz . (0.473L)
32
oz . (0.946L)
16
oz . (0.473L)
23
oz . (0.680L)
6 lb
. (2.72kg)
12 oz . (0.340kg)
16
oz . (0.473L)
8 oz . (0.237L)
32
oz . (0.946L)
16
oz . (0.473L)
* Not recommended .for pigskin suede leather .
See your General Motors dealers for these products .
See your Maintenance Schedule for other products .
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Automatic Tkansaxle Capacity
3T40 (3-Speed) :
Pan Removal and Replacement. ....................................
After Complete Overhaul. ........................................
Pan Removal and Replacement. ....................................
After Complete Overhaul. ........................................
4T60 (4-Speed):
Power Steering
PumpOnly .....................................................
Complete System. ................................................
Maintenance Item part Numbers3
Air Cleaner
Oil Filter
. .
PCV Valve .
Spark Plug .
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
4 Quarts
7 Quarts
6 Quarts
8 Quarts
1 Pint
1.6 Pints
3.8 Liters
6.6 Liters
5.7 Liters
7.6 Liters
0.5 Liters
0.75 Liters
M4C PF47
CV899C
041-600, Gap
0.060 It (1.52 m)
Part numbers are AC type.
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Automatic Transaxle Capacity
3T40 (3-Speed): Pan Removal and Replacement.
.................................... 4 Quarts
After Complete Overhaul.
........................................ 7 Quarts
Power Steering
PumpOnly ..................................................... 1Pint
Complete System
................................................. 1.7 Pints 3.8 Liters
6.6 Liters
0.47 Liters
0.82 Liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers3
Aircleaner ..................................................... A905C
OilFilter
;...................................................... PF47
PCVValve
...................................................... CV9OOC .
Spark Plug ...................................................... *R44LTSMA, Gap 0.045 " (1.14 mm)
Part numbers are AC type.
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I
I
Part 7 Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
'LEVEL AND CHANGE
AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the maintenance
required for your Buick. Your vehicle
needs these services to retain
its safety,
dependability and emission control
performance.
Have you purchased the
GM Protection Plan?
The Plan supplements your
new vehicle warranties.
See your Buick dealer
for details.
part 7 includes:
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance ...................... .276
Your Vehicle and the Environment ................. ,276
How This Part is Organized ...................... .276
A.. Scheduled Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedules ................ .278
Selecting the Right Schedule ...................... ,279
Schedule1 ..................................... 280
Schedule I1 ................................... .282
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services .... -284
At Each Fuel Fill .............................. .287
B. Owner Checks and Services
At Least Once a Month ......................... .287
At Least Once a Year ........................... .288
C. Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ .290
D. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............ .292
E. Maintenance Record. .......................... .295
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Introduction
A Word,About Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly
how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances
only a few times a week. Or you may drive long
distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You
may use. your vehicle
in making deliveries. Or you may
drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you will
find
in the schedules in this part. So please read this part
and note how you drive.
If you have any questions on
how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
Buick dealer, the place many GM owners choose to have
their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be relied
upon to use proper parts and practices.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but
also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal
of important components can significantly affect
the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or
even the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of
emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to help keep your vehicle in
good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
How This Part is Organized
The remainder of this part is divided into five sections:
“Section
A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some
of these services
can
be complex, so unless you are technically qualified
and have the necessary equipment, you should let your
dealer’s service department or another qualified service
center do these
jobs.
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, Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous.
In trying to do some jobs, you
~ can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only
if you have the
~ required know-how and the proper tools and
~ equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, I
have a qualified technician do the work.
If you.are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information GM publishes.
You will find a list of
publications and how
to get them in this manual. See
“Service Publications” in the Index. “Section
D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
I equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
I ‘you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this section. This will help
YOU
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a
good idea to keep your maintenance .
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
“Section
B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It
also
explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle
in good condition.
“Section
C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
iniportant inspections that your Buick dealer’s service
department or another qualified service center should
perform.
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