oil change BUICK CENTURY 1996 Owners Manual

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If
so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
“Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you
put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause
the light
to turn on.
If
you experience this condition, change the fuel brand
you
use. It will require at least one full tank of the
proper fuel
to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper
test equipment and
diagnostic tools to
fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
If you have a problem with
your oil, this oil pressure
warning light may stay
on
after you start your engine,
or come
on when you are
driving. Stop your vehicle
and shut
off the engine if
this light stays on.
This indicates that oil is
not going through your
engine quickly enough
to keep it lubricated.
The engine could be low on oil, or could have
some other oil problem. Have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
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I
When to Add Oil What Kind of Oil to ‘Use
1
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll
need to add some oil. But you must use the right kind.
This
part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase
I capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in
+he Index. Oils recommended
for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol.
This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched.area that shows the proper
’,
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
If you change your
own
oil, be sure
you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol
on the front
of the
oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be
sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
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When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
e
e
e
e
a
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow
a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your car.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then
you need to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them
is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with
a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
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.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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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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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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Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
I
LE
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
,VEL AND CHANGE
RECOMMENDED
AS
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Buick. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
Protectiob.
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your Buick
dealer
for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle
in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
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Maintenance Scl aule
1 Short Trip/City Definition 1
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
a
a
a
a
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty
areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your car. (With some models, you should never tow a
trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One
of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooneE
Short Trip/City Intervals -
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection
(2.2L Code 4 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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Maintenance Schedule
LOI- - Tripmighway Definition Long Tripmighway Intervals
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down
slowel:
gvery -1,500 Miles (12 5UV km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles
(25 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Exhaust Gas
Recirculation
(EGR) System Inspection (2.2L Code 4
engine only). Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Tlzese interwls
ordv summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to~follow the complete maintenance schedule on.
the-following pages.
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I f d
I 1 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 1 ’
I
- I
.. .I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
. California Air Resources Board has determined that the
’ failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that
all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
. be recorded.
3,000 Miles ,(5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first),
An Emission Control Service.
,I_
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I I I
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
A
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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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