warning BUICK CENTURY 1994 Owner's Guide

Engine Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in
the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for
your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t 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 throw
away 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 real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure
to drain all free-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever 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.
Air Cleaner
Your air cleaner is on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment.
To check or replace the filter, use a
screwdriver to loosen
the hose clamp, then lift the
rubber duct.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid
to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull
out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL).
Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made especially for
your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other
than DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE is
not covered
by your new vehicle warranty. dipstick
hole
to bring it to the proper level.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. The following explains
your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if
you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 “F ( 128 “C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add
anything else.
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should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well,
or
won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When
your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can damage
your vehicle. Don’t use
it.
a Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example,
just a few drops of
mineral-based
oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to
be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful
not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle. If
,you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index.
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Brake Wear
Your Buick has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with
your brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected,
too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes moderately, with or
without the vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
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Treadwear
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only
to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B,
and C. They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
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Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
These grades are molded
on the sidewalls of passenger
car tires.
While the tires available as standard or optional
equipment
on General Motors vehicles may vary with
respect to these grades, all such tires meet General
Motors performance standards and have been approved
for use
on General Motors vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric) tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
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.
In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, 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.
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 Buick 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.
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Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst
into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if
you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When
you use anything from a container to clean your
Buick, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
0 Benzene
Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
0 Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than others --
and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
I NOTICE:
Don’t use any of these unless this manual says
you can. In many uses, these
will damage your
vehicle:
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Buick
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with
a clean, damp cloth.
Your Buick dealer has two
GM cleaners, a solvent-type
spot lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will
clean normal spots and stains very well.
Do not use
them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
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r Fuse Usage
I
Fuse Amp Circuitry
1 15 ECM, MAF Sensor (3 100 Engine only)
2 20 ECM Injectors/Coil
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
I 16
5
15
10
20
20
10
20 20
30"
5
10
30"
25
20
Automatic Door LockAJnlock
Turn Signal Flasher, Back-up Lights, Trunkbiftgate Release
Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag)
Tail, Park, Side Marker, License Plate, Stop/Turn Signal Heater/Air Conditioner
Gages, Warning Indicators, Torque Convert Clutch, Audible Warning\
System, Computer Command
Control, Trunk Release, Brake Warning Indicator, Rear Defog Swit\
ch, Speedometer
Stop Lights, Hazard Flashers
Interior, Underhood, Courtesy,
I/P, Trunk Lights, Door Locks, Horn Relay, Passive Restraint System, \
Deck
Lid Release, Power Antenna
Liftgate Release, Power Windows
Illumination for:
I/P, Radio, Pod Lights, Ashtray, Console Light, Heater-A/C Control, D\
efog Switch,
Headlight Switch
Radio, Cruise Control
Seats, Door Locks, Rear Defog
Windshield WipefWash
Cigarette Lighter
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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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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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