parking brake BUICK CENTURY 1994 User Guide

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight-ahead position, with a clamping device
designed
for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s
steering column lock
for this. The transaxle should be in
Neutral and the parking brake released.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C
to
93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it’s colder than 50°F ( 10°C), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
0 Park your vehicle on a level place and keep the
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
engine
running.
in “P’ (Park).
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P” (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine. follow these
steps:
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should
be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH or SG’ designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD’ or
“SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant
at the proper mixture as specified.
See “Coolant” in the
Index.
This provides proper freeze protection and boil
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and maintain
proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test
of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
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At Least Once a Month
WHAT TO DO
Check tire inflation. Make sure they are
inflated
to the pressures specified on the
Tire-Loading Information label located
on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See
“Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Clean
cassette deck. Cleaning should
be done every
15 hours of tape play. See
“Audio Systems”
in the Index for
further details.
At Least Once a Year
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Key Lock
Cylinders
L
Body Lubrication
WHAT TO DO
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with
the lubricant specified in Section D.
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also
lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware.
Section
D tells you what to use.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Starter Switch
WHAT TO DO
CAUTION: When you are doing this
check, the
vehicle could move
suddenly. If it does, you or others
could
be injured. Follow the steps
below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have
enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake
(see “Parking Brake”
in the index if
necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: 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 “P”
(Park) or
“N” (Neutral). If the starter
works
in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
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WHAT TO DO
Steering Column brake set,
try to turn the key to “LOCK”
Lock While parked,
and with the parking
in each shift lever position.
0 The key should turn to “LOCK”
only when the shift lever is
in “P’
(Park).
The key should come out only in
“LOCK.”
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Parking Brake and
Automatic
Transaxle
“P’
(Park) Mechanism
Check
WHAT TO DO
CAUTION: When you are doing this
check, your vehicle could begin to
move. You or others could be injure&
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front of
your vehide in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake
at once should the vehicle begin to
move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on
the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
0 To check the parking brake: With the
engine running and transaxle
in “N”
(Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
0 To check the “P’ (Park) mechanism’s
holding ability:
Shift to “P” (Park).
Then release all brakes.
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CHECK OR SERVICE
Steering, Suspension and
Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot
and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
WHAT TO DO
Inspect the front and rear suspension and
steering system
for damaged, loose or
missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of
lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hookup,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and
then inspect the drive axle
boot seals
for damage, tears or leakage.
Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system.
Inspect the body near the exhaust
system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as
well
as open seams, holes, loose connections,
or other conditions which could cause a
heat build-up
in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
“Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for
interference
or binding, and for
damaged
or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT TO DO
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum bmke linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment.
You
may need to have your brakes inspected
more often if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
NOTE: A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need
to be serviced, Also, if the
brake system warning
light stays on or
comes on, something may be wrong
with the brake system. See “Brake
System Warning Light”
in the Index. If
your anti-lock brake system warning
light stays on, comes on
or flashes,
something may be wrong with
the
anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
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Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number
or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of the proper
viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG’
designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as
“SH/CD,” “SG/CD’ or “SH,SG,CD,”
etc.
To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze (GM Part
No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming to
GM Specifications 1825M or approved
recycled coolant conforming to GM
Specification 1825M.
Delco Supreme 11
Q Brake Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052535 or equivalent)
DOT-3 brake fluid.
USAGE
Parking Brake
Guides
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Automatic
Transaxle Shift
Linkage
Chassis
Lubrication
Windshield
Washer Solvent
~ ~~~ - -_ - -~
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part No.
1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI Grade
2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052884 or equivalent).
DEXRONQ- III or DEXRONB- IIE
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12345120),
synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or
silicone lubricant (GM Part
No.
1052276 or 1052277).
Engine oil.
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No.
1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI Grade
2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Optikleena Washer Solvent (GM
Part No. 1051515) or equivalent.
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Part 9 Index
I-
.
Brake Fluid .................................. 228
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 254
Engine Coolant
........................ 187.189. 223
Engineoil
................................... 213
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 226
Sound Equipment
............................. 126
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 220
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 227
Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System)
.............. 37
Air Bag Readiness Light
........................... 38
Aircleaner
..................................... 218
Airconditioner
................................. 122
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
........................ 259
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
................ 140
Alcohol
in Gasoline .............................. 209
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
....................... 250
Antenna Care
............................... 136. 137
Antifreeze
...................................... 223
Anti-lock Brake System
........................... 145
Active Light
................................. 115
Warning Light
................................ 114
Appearance Care
............................... -245
Ashtrays and Lighter
............................. 108
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials .......... 252 Assistance.
Roadside
............................. 285
Audio Systems
.................................. 125
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 68
Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt
30
Automatic Overdrive .............................. 81
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 79
Fluid
....................................... 220
Shifting
...................................... 79
Battery
....................................... 231
Jump Starting
................................ 174
Warning Light
................................ 118
Blizzard
....................................... 163
Blowout. Tire
................................... 193
Brake ......................................... 228
Adjustment
.................................. 230
Anti-lock
.................................... 145
Fluid
....................................... 228
Block
Heater (Engine Coolant Heater)
............ 78. 218
Master Cylinder
.............................. 228
Parking
...................................... 82
PedalTravel
................................. 230
Replacement
................................. 231
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Methanol in Gasoline ............................. 209
Mirrors
........................................ 102
Mountain Driving ................................ 160
Net. Convenience ............................... 105
Neutral Gear Position
.............................. 80
New Vehicle Break-In
............................. 74
NightDriving
................................... 152
Octane Requirements
........................... 209
Odometer
...................................... 110
Off-Road Recovery
.............................. 149
Oil. Engine
..................................... 213
Change
................................. 217. 261
Quality
..................................... 215
Warning Light
................................ 11 7
Overdrive. Automatic
............................. 8 1
Overheated Engine ............................... 184
Paint Spotting
.................................. 251
Park
........................................... 77
Park. Shifting Into
................................ 83
Parking Brake
........................................ 82
Over Things That Burn
.......................... 85
With a Trailer
................................ 165
With the Engine Running
........................ 86
Passing
........................................ 150 Polishing
and Waxing
............................ 249
Power
Antenna
..................................... 137
DoorLocks
................................... 68
Mirrors
..................................... 102
Seats
........................................ 15
Steering
..................................... 147
Steering Fluid
................................ 226
Windows
..................................... 87
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
...................... 42
Problems on the Road ............................ 171
Publications. Service
............................. 286
Radiator Overheating
............................ 184
Radiator Pressure Cap
............................ 226
Radio 125
Reading Lights
.................................. 100
Rear Seats. Folding ............................... 17
Rear Storage Security Cover
....................... 105
Rear Window Defogger
........................... 123
Rearview Mirror
................................. 102
Reclining Seatbacks
............................... 15
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
................ 277
Remote Keyless Entry System
....................... 68
Remote Trunkbiftgate Release ...................... 71
Replacing
BrakeSystemParts
............................ 231
Safety Belts
................................... 64
Tires
....................................... 241
Wheels
..................................... 243
Light Bulbs
.................................. 232
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