power steering BUICK CENTURY 1994 Owners Manual

Ignition Key Positions
C
9.5 B
A i E
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions:
(A) Accessory: An “on” position in which you can
operate your electrical power accessories. Press
in the
ignition switch as you turn the top
of it toward you.
(B) Lock: The only position in which you can remove
the key. This locks
your steering wheel, ignition and
transaxle.
(C) Off: Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition, and
transaxle, but does not send electrical power
to any
accessories. Use this position
if your vehicle must be
pushed or towed, but never
try to push-start your
vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if you open the
driver’s door when the ignition is off and the
key is in
the ignition.
(D) Run: An ‘‘on’’ position to which the switch returns
after you start your engine and release
the switch. The
switch stays
in the “Run” position when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is
not running, you
can use
“Run” to operate your electrical power
accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
(E) Start: Starts the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch will return
to “Run”
for normal driving.
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Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too
close
to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time
to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or
stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
To Use Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
and let anti-lock
work for you. You may feel the system
working, or
you may notice some noise, but this is
normal. When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake
pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the
“LOW
TRACTION” light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Active Light”
in the Index.
Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to.
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help
you more
than even
the very best braking.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going
in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer
a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction
you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which
the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can
control.
147
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.
@) Part 6 Service and Appearance Care
~ ~~~~~
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick . This part begins with service and fuel information.
and then
it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels . There is also technical information about your
vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Part 6 includes:
Service ........................................................................\
..
Fuel ........................................................................\
.....
HoodRelease .....................................................................
EngineOil ....................................................................... \
Aircleaner ....................................................................... \
TransaxleFluid ....................................................................
Enginecoolant ....................................................................
Powersteering ....................................................................
Windshield Washer Fluid ............................................................
Brakes ........................................................................\
...
Battery ........................................................................\
..
BulbReplacement .................................................................
LoadingYourVehicle ...............................................................
Tires ........................................................................\
....
Appearancecare ..................................................................
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..................................................
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...........................................................
ReplacementBulbs .................................................................
Capacities and Specifications .........................................................
208
209
212
213 218
220
223
226
227
228
231
232
236 238
245
253
254 258
259
207
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Radiator Pressure Cap
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
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
The power steering fluid
reservoir
is located on the
passenger’s side
of the
engine compartment.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
0 When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the
“H” (Hot) mark.
0 When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the “C” (Cold) mark.
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What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add
- a
The windshield washer reservoir is located on the
passenger’s side
of the engine compartment.
The wagon rear washer fluid comes from the windshield
washer reservoir.
227
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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.
277
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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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System. Anti-lock Warning Light ................. 114
System Warning Light
......................... 113
Wear
....................................... 230
Brakes. Trailer
.................................. 168
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 147
Break-In. New Vehicle ............................ 74
Bulb Chart
...................................... 258
Bulb Replacement ....................... .232.233. 234
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 232
Braking
........................................ 144
Canadian Roadside Assistance
................... -286
Capacities and Specifications Chart
.............. 259. 260
Carbon Monoxide
................................ 86
Cargo Security Cover
............................. 105
Carrier. Luggage
................................ 106
Cassette Tape Player
............................. 125
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 136
Cautions. Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio. Adding
............................... 126
Cellular Telephone. Adding
........................ 126
Chains. Tire
.................................... 244
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 194
Checking Brake Fluid
.................................. 228
Engine Coolant
............................... 223
Engineoil
................................... 213
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 226
Restraint Systems
.............................. 63
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 220 Underhood
.................................. 212
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 227
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 251
Child Restraints
.................................. 50
Children and Safety Belts ......................... -48
Circuit Breakers and Fuses ........................ 254
City Driving
.................................... 156
Cleaner. Air .................................... 218
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
............................ 250
Antenna
..................................... 137
Cassette Player
............................... 136
Fabric
...................................... 245
Glass ....................................... 248
Inside Your Buick
............................. 245
Leather
..................................... 248
Outside Your Buick
........................... 249
Power Antenna
............................... 137
Safety Belts
.................................. 248
Instrumentpanel
.............................. 248
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 251
vinyl
....................................... 247
White Sidewall Tires
........................... 250
Windshield and Wiper Blades
.................... 249
Clock Setting
............................ 127.129. 132
Comfort Controls
................................ 121
Compact Disc Care
.............................. 136
Compact Spare Tire
.............................. 205
Compartment. Rear Locking Storage
................. 108
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 144
Controls. Features and
............................. 65
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 109
292
..... _- ...
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Fabric Cleaning ................................ 246
Features and Controls ............................. 65
Filling
the Fuel Tank ............................. 21 1
Filter. Oil ............................... 2 13.259. 260
Finish Care
..................................... 249
Finish Damage
.................................. 25 1
First Gear
....................................... 82
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 172
Flat Tire
....................................... 193
FloodedEngine
.................................. 76
Fluid Brake
....................................... 228
Capacities
............................... 259. 260
Power Steering ............................... 226
Transaxle
.................................... 220
Windshield Washer
............................ 227
Fluids and Lubricants. Recommended
................ 277
Folding Rear Seats
................................ 17
Foreign Operation
............................... 2 10
Francais. Guide En ................................. 2
Freeway Driving
................................ 157
French Language Manual ........................... 2
Fuel
.......................................... 209
Capacity
................................ 259. 260
FillingYourTank
............................. 211
Gage
....................................... 112
In Foreign Countries
........................... 210
Fuse Usage Chart ................................ 255
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................ 254
Gage
Battery (Voltage Indicator)
...................... 119
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 116
Fuel ........................................ 112
Gasoline
....................................... 209
Gasoline Tank. Filling Your
........................ 211
Gear Positions
................................... 79
Glass Cleaning
.................................. 248
GloveBox
...................................... 73
Halogen Bulbs
................................. 232
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 172
Headlamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 232
High-Low Beam Changer
....................... 91
“On” Warning ................................. 99
Head Restraints
.................................. 17
Hearing Impaired Assistance
....................... 283
Heater
......................................... 123
Highway Hypnosis
............................... 159
Hill and Mountain Roads
.......................... 160
Hitches. Trailer .................................. 167
Hood Release
................................... 212
Hot Coolant Warning Light/Gage
............... 11 5. 116
Hot Engine Safety Warnings
....................... 184
Headlights
...................................... 98
Heater. Engine Block (Engine Coolant Heater)
.. ., ... 78, 218
Horn
........................................... 88
Hydroplaning ................................... 155
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