brakes BUICK CENTURY 1997 Owner's Guide

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.
7-41
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1997 BUCK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing \
of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information
to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 BUICK
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
PO. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended
to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
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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
9-1
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Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement ................. 6-35
Battery
....................................... 6-29
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry
.............. 2- 13
Rundown Protection ........................... 2-46
Warnings
................................ 5.3. 5.5
RBB Auto Line ................................. 8-7
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-7
Brake
Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Fluid
....................................... 6-26
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-26
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-29
System Warning Light
......................... 2-57
Parking
..................................... 2-26
PedalTravel
................................. 6-29
Trailer
...................................... 4-34
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-29
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-39
Wear
....................................... 6-28
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking
in Emergencies ........................... 4-9
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2- I7
BTSICheck ................................... 7-39
Built-in Child Restraint .......................... 1-34
Built-in Child Restraint. Cleaning
.................. 6-48
Built-in Child Restraint Harness. Cleaning
........... 6-49
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-30
BTSI
......................................... 2-29 Canadian
Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-5
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2.14.2.30.4.27. 4.33
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-37
Cassette Tape Player
.................. 3- 16.3.20. 3.28
Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-35
Cellular Phone Provisions
........................ 2-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
Bulb Replacement .... 6-32
Certification
Label .............................. 4-29
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-34
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-44
Change Oil Soon Light
.......................... 2-66
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-25
Charging System Light
.......................... 2-57
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-60
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-53
Child Restraints
...................... 1.32. 1.33. 1-49
Built-in
..................................... 1-34
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-51
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-53
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-54
TopStrap ................................... 1-50
Wheretoput
................................ 1-49
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-50
Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... 6-57
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-15
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-51
Built-in Child Restraint
........................ 6-48
Built-in Child Restraint Harness
................. 6-49
Fabric
...................................... 6-46
Glass ....................................... 6-49
Cassette
Tape Player Errors
............. 3- 17.3.21. 3.28
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-25
Cleaning
...................................... 6-45
9-2
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tiuide en Franpis 11
GVWR ....................................... 4-29
Halogen Bulbs
................................ 6-30
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-41
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-3 1
Flash-to-Pass ................................ 2-35
High/LowBeam
.............................. 2-35
On Reminder
................................ 2-41
Wiring
..................................... 6-56
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance .............. 8-4
Heated Foldaway Outside Mirrors
.................. 2-48
Heating
............................... 3-4.3-6. 3- 10
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-33
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-33
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-18
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-40
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-44
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-38
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
................. 2-46
Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-41
.. ................................. Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-41
Front Drive Axle Boot
......................... 7-41
Front Drive Axle Seal
......................... 7-41
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-41
Steering
.................................... 7-41
Suspension
.................................. 7-41
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-41
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-53
Cleaning
.................................... 6-48
Cluster
..................................... 2-54
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-57
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
................ 2-44
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-44
Jack. Tire
...... 5.25.5.27.5.28.5.29.5.30.5.31. 5.33
Jump Starting ................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-38
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-15
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-29
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-55
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-28
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-55
Lamps
........................................ 2-41
Courtesy
.................................... 2-44
Dome
...................................... 2-45
Exterior
.................................... 2-41
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Reading. Rearview Mirror
...................... 2-45
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Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-33
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-35
Temperature Control
............. 3-2, 3-4, 3-5, 3-7, 3-8
Theft ......................................... 2-15
Theft-Deterrent Feature .......................... 3-3 I
Theft-Deterrent System .......................... 2- I6
THEFTLOCK TM ................................ 3-3 I
Thermostat .................................... 6-23
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-24
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-33
Time, Setting the
............................... 3-12
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-28
Buylng New
................................. 6-40
Changing
a Flat .............................. 5-25
Cleaning
.................................... 6-52
Compact Spare
............................... 5-37
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-39
Storing the Flat
............................... 5-35
Storing the Spare
............................. 5-36
Temperature
................................. 6-42
Traction
.................................... 6-42
Treadwear
................................... 6-42
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-41
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-40
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-43
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-40
Tires
........................................... -37
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-43
Chains
..................................... 6-44
Inflation
.................................... 6-38
Inflation Check ............................... 7-37
Loading
.................................... 4-28
Pressure
.................................... 6-38
TopStrap ..................................... 1-50
TorqueLock
................................... 2-29
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5-34. 6.62
Towing
a Trailer ................................ 4-30
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-9
Trailer BackingUp
................................. 4-35
Brakes
..................................... 4-34
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-36
Driving
with ................................. 4-34
Following Distance
........................... 4-35
If You Decide to Pull A ........................ 4-31
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-37
Parking on Hills
.............................. 4-36
Safety Chains
................................ 4-34
Tongue Weight
............................... 4-32
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-33
Hitches
..................................... 4-33
MakingTurns
................................ 4-35
Passing
..................................... 4-35
Towing
..................................... 4-30
Turnsignals
................................. 4-36
Weight
..................................... 4-32
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
onaHill
.................................. 4-37
Automatic
................................... 6-17
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry ............ 2-9, 2-12
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-6
Trip, Before Leaving on a Long
.................... 4-21
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-55
Trunk
........................................ 2-14
Trunk Lid Appliaue
Bulb Replacement .............. 6-34
Lock ....................................... 2-15
9-10
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