height BUICK CENTURY 1996 Owners Manual

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.
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
(0.5
L). Don’t overfiill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label
is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON-I11 is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all
the way.
Superlift Shock Absc :rs (Option)
If you have this option, you can level your vehicle for
different loads. As you need to, add air to the rear shock
absorbers through the air valve, located next to the fuel
filler cap behind the fuel filler door. Always keep
a
minimum pressure of 10- 15 psi (70- 105 kPa).
After you load your vehicle, you can add pressure until
the rear gets back to its normal riding height, but don’t
go above 90 psi (620 kPa).
NOTICE:
Do not use superlifts to raise your vehicle above
its normal riding height.
You can damage your
superlifts or other parts if you drive that way for
long periods.
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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).
A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well.
That could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
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.
Fre’- -1ovement
of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
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, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
6-31
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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.
Wl 21 Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
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.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel
nuts for your
Buick model. Using
the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It
could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your
tires lose air and make you lose
control. You could have
a collision in which you or
others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer
or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~ ~
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for more
information.
6-44
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Engine Specifications
2.2L
VIN Engine Code .............................. 4
Type
....................................... L4
Displacement .............................. 2.2 Liters
Firing Order
............................... 1-3-4-2
Thermostat Temperature
................... 195°F (91 "C)
Vehicle Dimensions
Sedan
Wheelbase ....................... 104.9 in. (2664 mm)
Front Tread
........................ 58.7 in (1492 mm)
Rear Tread
........................ 56.7 in. ( 1442 mm)
Overall Length
.................... 189.1 in. (4803 mm)
Overall Width
...................... 69.4 in. (1762 mm)
Overall Height
..................... 54.2 in. ( 1377 mm)
3.1L V6
M
V6
3.1 Liters
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91OC)
Wagon
104.9 in (2664 mm)
58.7 in. (1492 mm)
56.7 in. (1442 mm)
190.9
in. (4851 mm)
69.4 in. (1762 rnm)
54.2 in. (1377 mm)
6-63
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