air conditioning BUICK CENTURY 1997 Owners Manual

Comfort Controls
Manual Single Zone Climate Control
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0 IIl
COMFORT CONTROL II
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. The system works best
if
you keep your windows closed while using it.
Fan Knob
The left knob selects the amount of air you want. To turn
the fan
off, turn the knob to OFF.
If the airflow seems very low when
the fm knob is
turned
to the highest setting, regardless of the mode
setting, your passenger compartment air filter may
need
to be replaced. See "Maintenance Schedule" in
the Index.
Temperature Knob
The center knob changes the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn this knob toward
red (clockwise) for warmer air. Turn it toward blue
(counterclockwise) for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob has several settings to control the
direction of airflow:
MAX: This setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel
outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F
(4°C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature.)
NORM: This setting brings in outside air and sends
it through the instrument panel outlets. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C). (Even when the compressor is running,
you can control the temperature.)
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BI-LEV: This setting brings in outside air and directs
it two ways. Half
of the air is directed through the
instrument panel outlets. Most of the remaining air is
directed through the floor ducts and a little
to the defrost
and side window vents. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
VENT This setting brings in outside air and directs it
through the instrument panel outlets.
HTR: This setting sends most of the air through the
ducts near
the floor. The rest comes out of the defroster
and side window vents.
BLEND: This setting allows half of the air to go to
the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side
window vents. The air conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperture is below 40°F (4°C).
9 FRONT This setting directs most of the air
through the defroster and side window vents. Some
of
the air also goes to the floor ducts. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool-down
on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature knob all the way
in the blue area. If this
setting is used for long periods of time,
the air in your
vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days,
use NORM with the
temperature knob in the blue area. The system will bring
in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI-LEV and set the temperature knob to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct
it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air
to your lower body. You may notice this
temperature difference more at some times than others.
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Driver’s Temperature Knob
The center knob sets the temperature for the driver’s
outlets. Turn the knob toward red (clockwise) for
warmer air. Turn it toward blue (counterclockwise) for
cooler air.
Passenger’s Temperature Lever
The bottom lever adjusts the air temperature on the
passenger’s side independent of the temperature set by
the driver. Slide
the lever toward the right to raise the
temperature. Slide the lever toward
the left to lower
the temperature.
Mode Knob
The right knob has several settings to control the
direction of airflow. To access the various modes
available, turn the mode button to the desired mode.
MAX: This setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel
outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C). (Even when
the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature.)
NORM: This setting brings in outside air and sends
it through the instrument panel outlets. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically
in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F
(4°C). (Even when the compressor is running,
you can control the temperature.)
BI-LEV This setting brings in outside air and directs
it two ways. Half
of the air is directed through the
instrument panel outlets. Most of the remaining air
is
directed through the floor ducts and a little to the defrost
and side window vents. The air conditioning compressor
will
run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C). (Even when the
compressor
is running, you can control the temperature.)
VENT This setting brings in outside air and directs it
through the instrument panel outlets.
HTR: This setting sends most of the air through the
ducts near
the floor. The rest comes out of the defroster
and side window vents.
BLEND: This setting allows half of the air to go to the
floor ducts and half to the defroster and side window
vents. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control
the temperature.)
FRONT This setting directs most of the air
through the defroster and side window vents. Some
of
the air goes to the floor ducts and the side window vents.
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The air conditioning compressor will run automatically
in this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F
(4°C). (Even when the compressor is running, you
can control the temperature.)
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool-down on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature knobs all the way in the blue area. If
this setting is used for long periods of time, the air
in
your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on
hot days, use NORM with the
temperature knobs in the blue area. The system will
bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the
sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can
use BI-LEV and set the temperature knob to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body.
You may notice this
temperature difference more at some times than others.
Heating
On cold days, use HTR with the temperature knobs all
the way
in the red area. The system will bring in outside
air, heat it and send
it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can
use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it’s
cold outside (0°F
(- 1 SOC) or lower). An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in
the Index.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use
VENT to direct outside air through
your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow-through
ventilation system described later in this section.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front
and side windows. To defrost
the windows quickly,
use
FRONT.
For maximum defroster performance, set both driver and
passenger temperature controls to the warmest setting.
To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use
BLEND.
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Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control (If Equipped)
With this system, you set a temperature. You can then
either let the system automatically control airflow
direction and force it to maintain the temperature, or you
can manually adjust
it. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
Automatic Control
For the most efficient operation, you should set the
system temperature and press
AUTO. The system will
select the best fan speed and airflow settings to keep you
comfortable. The air conditioning compressor will run if
the outside temperature is above
40°F (4°C). You may
notice a delay of two to three minutes before the fan
comes on at start up in cool weather.
Driver’s Temperature Control
The TEMP switch sets the temperature for the entire
system when the light on the
DUAL button isn’t lit. If
the light is lit, this control sets the temperature for the
driver only. Press the up arrow to raise the temperature
and press the down arrow to lower the temperature. The
display will show your selection for a few seconds, then
the outside temperature will show.
If you push the
AUTO button,
the system will control the fan speed
and airflow.
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FRONT This setting brings in outside air and
directs most of
the air through the defrost vent. Some
of the air also goes
to the floor ducts and the side
window defogger outlets. The indicator on the button
will light and WINDSHIELD will be lit in the display.
The air conditioning compressor will run automatically
in this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
VENT This pushbutton turns the air conditioning
compressor
on and off. The indicator lights when
the compressor is turned
off. Recirculation is not
permitted when
the compressor is off. The system
will try
to control the temperature automatically, but
without the compressor.
RECIRC: This setting recirculates much of the
air inside your vehicle. This setting is not permitted
in FRONT defrost mode and is only permitted in
WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if the compressor is
turned on. The indicator light will be
lit when
Recirculation is engaged, but will light for
one second
and then turn off if selected when not permitted.
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool-down on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature knob all the way in the blue area. If this
setting
is used for long periods of time, the air in your
vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use NORM with the
temperature knob
in the blue area. The system will bring
in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may
not be warm enough.
You can use BI-LEV and set the temperature knob to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring
in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air
to your lower body. You may notice this
temperature difference more
at some times than others.
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Heating Ventilation System
On cold days, use HTR with the temperature knob all
the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside
air, heat it and send it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can
use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it’s
cold outside
(0°F (-18°C) or lower). An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows.
To defrost the windows quickly, use
FRONT and full hot (90°F (32°C)). Driver sets
temperature and selects high fan speed.
To warm
passengers while keeping the windows clear, push the
AIR FLOW button until WINDSHIELD/FLOOR
appears in the display. Select fan speed for comfort and
windshield clearing performance. Adjust the direction
of
airflow
by moving the
louvered vents.
Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
fan is running.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan knob is
turned to the highest setting regardless of the mode
setting, your passenger compartment air filter may need
to be replaced. See “Maintenance Schedule” in
the Index.
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then
it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted
to its appearance care.
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6-5
6-
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6-15
6-17
6-20
6-24
6-25
6-26
6-29
6-30
6-37 6-45
6-45
6-48
6-49 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Buick
Cleaning the Built-in Child Restraint
Care
of Safety Belts and Built-in Child
Restraint Harness 6-49
6-49
6-50
6-50
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6-52
6-52 6-52
6-5
3
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6-54
6-55
6-55
6-56 6-62
6-62
6-63
6-63
6-63 Cleaning
Glass Surfaces
Cleaning the Outside
of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
Weatherstrips
Cleaning the Outside of Your Buick
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Cleaning Tires
Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Underbody Maintenance
Chemical Paint Spotting
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Vehicle Dimensions
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Back-up ............................... 1156
Center High-Mounted Stop
................ 3 155
Front Parkingnurn Signal
............. 4 157NAK
Headlamp, High Beam
.................... 9005
Headlamp,
Low Beam .................... 9006
Sidemarker, Front
......................... 194
Sidemarker, Rear
......................... 194
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal
..................... 3057
Tail (Applique)
........................... 194
Interior Lamps Bulb Number
Dome Lamp ......................... 9425542
Capacities and Specifications
Automatic Transaxle
Pan
Removal and Replacement ..... 7 quarts (6.7 L)
When druiningheplacing convertec more .fluid muy be needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3100 (Code M) .............. 11.6 quarts (10.93 L)
Refrigerant (R-l34a),
*See “Air Conditioning Rejrigerants”1ater in. this section.
Engine Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change ........... 4.5 quarts (4.2 L)
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nsm)
Wiper Blade Lengths
Type .................................. Hook
Note: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
.fill to the upproximate level, as recommended in this manual.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Air Conditioning* .......... 1.88 lbs. (0.85 kg)
Fuel Tank .................... 17 gallons (64 L)
Length
...................... 22 inches (56 cm)
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Engine Specifications
3100 (Code M)
Type .................................... V6
Displacement
........................ 191 CID
Firing Order
...................... 1-2-3-4-5-6
Thermostat Temperature
........... 195 OF (9 1 O C)
Horsepower
........................ 160 @ 5200
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase .............. 109.0 inches (276.9 cm)
Tread (Front)
............. 6 1.5 inches ( 156.2 cm)
Tread (Rear)
.............. 61 .O inches ( 154.9 cm)
Overall Length
........... 194.5 inches (494.0 cm)
Overall Width
............. 73.0 inches (185.4 cm)
Overall Height
............ 56.5 inches (143.5 cm)
Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Air Cleaner Filter ..................... A 1208C
Passenger Compartment Air Filter .... 10261703
Battery
3100 (Code M) ....................... 600 CCA
PCVValve ........................ CV892C
Engine Oil Filter ........................ PF47
Radiator Cap ......................... RC27
RKE Batteries .............. Type CR2032 (2)
3 100 (Code M) ...................... .41-940
Spark Plugs
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Buick dealer.
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