check engine BUICK CENTURY 1996 Owner's Manual

A CAUTION:
I
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner
not only cleans the
air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires,
you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner
off.
I
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
To check or replace the air filter
1. Use a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp, then lift
the rubber duct.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90” F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do
not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Buick dealership’s
Service Department.
If you do
it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
~~
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting
a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if
you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90 OF (32 O C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
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
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 (lO"C), you may
have
to drive longer.
to 93°C).
Checking the Fluid Level
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK
(P).
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 PARK (P).
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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What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets
GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
lain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the
passenger’s side
of the engine compartment.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
3.1L V6 Engine
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Electrical System
Add-on Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Buick
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Buick, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Buick” in the Index.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in
the lamp switch. An electrical overload will cause the
lamps to
go on and off or, in some cases, to remain off.
If this happens, have your headlamp system checked
right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse.
If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.
Engine A/C, EGR, Relays, SIR Crank and
Safety Belt Fuses
These fuses are located behind the glove box. The fuse
holders are taped together with gray tape.
Other - uses
The Safety Belt/Chime (ICAM) Module fuse and the
Remote Keyless Entry fuse are located behind the fuse
block, above the hush panel.
The Fuel Pump, A/C CONT and the ECM fuses are
located under the hood.
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Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
6,000 Miles (10 000 km) 1 9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
c] Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage.
If
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension
and steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information. During
tire rotation,
check brake calipers for
fieedom of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
-
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedu
18,000 Miles’ (30 OOO’km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate’the parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage.
If
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension
and steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
c] Rotate tires. ‘See “Tire Inspection ad Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
During tire rotation,
check brake calipers,for fieedom of movement.
Refer
to the appropriate GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
El Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BY:!’
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 1
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage. If
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension and steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
Replace air cleaner filter.
0 Inspect Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
An Emission Control Service.
system (2.2L Code 4 engine only).
An Emission Control Service. 3-
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for
any damage. Replace parts as needed.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
An Emission Control Service.
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer
to the
appropriate GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 1
39,000 Miles (65 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service,
I DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs fxst).
An Emission Control Sewice.
Lubricate the parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage.
If
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension and steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation,
check brake calipers for freedom
of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
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