cooling BUICK CENTURY 1998 Owner's Guide

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-6
Long Trip/Highway Definition
Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance 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 Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Supercharger Oil
Check (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first)
(3800 Code 1 V6 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): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
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 scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-21
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
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7-30
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

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
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 haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-35
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your 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 service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº 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, looseconnections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build
-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components 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. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

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9-3
Stains 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Panels 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Zone 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Zone 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc
Care 3
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player 3-10, 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cruise Light 2
-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance
For Text Telephone Users 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Entry Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Exit Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Ajar Light 2
-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ajar Reminder 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Unlocking System 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks, Delayed Locking 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-5
Fluids and Lubricants 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Release Button 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Release Tag 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block, Rear Compartment 6-63, 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block, Under Rear Seat 6-63, 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-52, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garment Hooks 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Light 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High/Low Beam Changer 2
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Outside Rearview Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Seats 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Key Positions 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-11
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-24, 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing, Recreational Vehicle 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction
Control System 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Warning Light 2-71, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trailer
Brakes 4
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid, Automatic 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitter
Remote Keyless Entry 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk
Lock 2
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release Lockout, Remote 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Override 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn and Lane Change Signals 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Reminder 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twilight Sentinel
2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .