air condition BUICK CENTURY 1997 Owner's Manual

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive
very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may
use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to
do errands or in
many other ways.
Because
of all the different ways people use their
GM vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even
need more frequent checks and replacements than you’ll
find in the schedules in this section.
So please read this
section and note
how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition,
see your Buick dealer.
This part tells
you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go
to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine
GM parts. The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed
in Part D.
Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All
parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done
before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
0 carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits
on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle”
in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
0 use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule
to follow:
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Maintenance Schedule
Short TripKity Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0
a
0
a
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 vehicle.
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 sooney.
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): Tire Rotation.
Every 12,000 Miles (20 000 Jan): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement.
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.
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): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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Maintenance Schedule
1 Long Tripmighway Definition
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true. Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short TripKity schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slowel:
I Long Tripmighway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): 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
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Drive Belt Inspection.
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to,follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the.following pages.
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
12,000 Miles (20 000 kmj
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I7 Replace passenger compartment air filter.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
15,000 Miles (25 000 kmj
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary.
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote?.)
I I I
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
An Emission Control Service.
I I I I
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE r
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or e J :veq
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary.
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnoteJf.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace passenger compartment air filter.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O 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.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
72,000 Miles (120 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace passenger compartment air filter.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern, And additional information.
(See footnote +.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote?.)
DATE SERVICED BY. ACTUAL MILEAGE
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and fall). You should let your
GM dealer’s service
department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures
to perform these services may be
found in a
GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
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 hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
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.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace
as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do
not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake 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.
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Section 9 Index
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ..... 6-3
AirBag
....................................... 1-19
How Does
it Restrain .......................... 1-23
How
it Works ................................ 1-21
Location
.................................... 1-21
Readiness Light
......................... 1.20. 2.56
Servicing
................................... 1-24
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 1-22
What Will You See After
it Inflates ............... 1-23
When Should
it Inflate ......................... 1-22
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-1s
Air Conditioning
........................ 3-3,3-6, 3-9
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-63
Alarm, Instant
................................. 2- 12
Alignment and Balance, Tire
...................... 6-43
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...................... 6-5 1
AM-FM Stereo ................................ 3- 13
AM-FM Stereo
with Cassette Tape Player ........... 3- 15
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control
........................ 3- 18
AM-FM Stereo
with Compact Disc Player and
Automatic Tone Control
........................ 3-22
AM-FM Stereo
with Cassette Tape and Compact
Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control
.......... 3-26
Antenna Backglass
.................................... 3-37
FixedMast
.................................. 3-36 Antifreeze
..................................... 6-20
Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light
................. 2.59. 4.9
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.58. 4.7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Using ....................................... 4-9
Anti.Theft. Radio .............................. 3-31
Appearance Care
............................... 6-45
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-54
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Armrest. Storage
............................... 2-49
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-33
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-35
Audio Systems
................................. 3-12
Audio Systems. Tips
............................ 3-34
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-32
Automatic Headlamp Control
............................ 2-42
Overdrive
(0) .......................... 2-24.2-25
Power Door Locks
............................. 2-7
Transaxle Check
.............................. 7-38
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-17
Transaxle Operation
........................... 2-22
Transaxle Park Mechanism Check ................ 7-40
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-50
Auxiliary Power Connection
...................... 2-51
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Radiator. Adding Coolant ....................... 5-21
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-23
Radio Reception
................................ 3-34
Radios
....................................... 3-13
Rain. Driving In
................................ 4-16
Rainy Weather Tips
............................. 4- I8
Reading Lamps. Rearview Mirror .................. 2-45
Rear Door Security Locks
........................... 2-6
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-26
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
..................... 1-29
Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-26
Towing
..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger
............................ 3- 1 1
Rearview Mirror ...................... 2-45.2-46. 2-47
Electrochromic Day/Night
...................... 2-47
Inside Daymight
............................. 2-46
Reading Lamps
.............................. 2-45
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-3
Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5- I9
Refrigerants. Air Conditioning
.................... 6-63
Remote Activation Verification. Illumination
............. 2- 12
Keyless Entry Operation
....................... 2- I0
Activation Verification (RAV)
................... 2- 1 1
Keyless Entry ................................. 2-9
Keyless Entry Synchronization
.................. 2- I4
Replacement. Bulbs
............................. 6-62
Replacement. Parts
.............................. 6-63
Replacement. Wheel
............................ 6-43
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 8-8
Restraints
Checking
................................... 1-60
Head ........................................ 1-5
Replacing Parts After a Crash ................... 1-61
Systemcheck
................................ 7-38
Restraints. Child
...................... 1.32. 1.33. 1-49
Retained Accessory Power
........................ 2-46
Reverse. Automatic Transaxle
.................... 2-23
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1 . 19
Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5
Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-5
Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-38
Rotation. Tires
................................. 6-39
Safety Belts
................................... 1-5
Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-25
Children .................................... 1-32
Driver Position
............................... 1-10
Extender
.................................... 1-60
How
to Wear Properly ......................... 1 . 10
Incorrect Usage
......................... 1 - 14. 1-58
Lap Belt .................................... 1-25
Lap-Shoulder ...................... 1-1 I. 1-26. 1-57
Larger Children
.............................. 1-57
Questions and Answers ......................... 1-9
Rear Comfort Guides
.......................... 1-29
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............ 1-26
Rear Seat Passengers
.......................... 1-26
Reminder Light
.......................... 1-5. 2-56
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-61
Right Front Passenger Position
.................. 1-19
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
................... 1-13
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-32
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-18
WhyThey Work ............................... 1-6
Adults ...................................... 1-10
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