stop start BUICK CENTURY 1999 User Guide

yellowblue
3-26
 (3): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse
within a track. You will hear sound.


(4): Press and hold this button to quickly advance
within a track. You will hear sound.
RAND (6): Press this button to hear the tracks in
random, rather than sequential, order. Press RAND
again to turn off random play.
RECALL: Press this button to see which track is
playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how
long it has been playing. To change what is normally
shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press the
RECALL button until you see the display you want,
then hold the RECALL button until the display flashes.
AM
-FM: Press this button to play the radio when a disc
is in the player.
SOURCE: Press this button to change to the disc
function when the radio is on. When a disc is inserted,
the disc will play until you press AM
-FM. Then the
disc will stop playing and the radio will play. Press
SOURCE again to play a disc again. CD PLAY will
show on the display.
EJECT: Press this button to remove the disc. The radio
will play.If you turn off the ignition or radio with a disc in the
player, it will stay in the player. When you turn on the
ignition or system, the disc will start playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
Also, as a protection feature, if a CD is ejected and left
in the player, it will be pulled back in the player with the
ignition on or off.
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
THEFTLOCK is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is removed.
If THEFTLOCK is active, the THEFTLOCK indicator
will flash when the ignition is off.
The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the
radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is
activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display
LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery
power is removed. If your battery loses power for any
reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code
before it will operate.

yellowblue
4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

yellowblue
4-13
Passing
The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
two
-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes
back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two
-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can
suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents
-- the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:

ªDrive ahead.º Look down the road, to the sides and to
crossroads for situations that might affect your passing
patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about
making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken
center line usually indicates it's all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a
solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid
line, even if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass
while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing,
following too closely reduces your area of vision,
especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also,
you won't have adequate space if the vehicle ahead
suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.

When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don't
get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a
ªrunning startº that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your pass,
you need only slow down and drop back again and
wait for another opportunity.

If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to
pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle.
Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.

yellowblue
4-17
Driving in Rain and on Wet RoadsRain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire
-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get
even less traction. It's always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.

yellowblue
4-28

Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you've been stopped by the snow.

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats
-- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.

yellowblue
4-37 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different
turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your
dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
If you are towing a trailer, you may want to drive in
DRIVE (D) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
)
(or, as you need to, a lower gear).
Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the
trailer's wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.

yellowblue
4-38 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

yellowblue
6-62
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger's Side
Some fuses and relays are located in the underhood
electrical center on the passenger's side of the
engine compartment.Fuse Description
1 ABS
2 Starter Solenoid
3 Power Seats, Rear Defog
4 High Blower, Hazard Flasher,
Stoplamps, Power Mirror, Door Locks
5 Ignition Switch, BTSI, Stoplamps,
ABS, Turn Signals, Cluster, Air Bag,
DRL Module
6 Cooling Fan
7 Interior Lamps, Retained Accessory
Power, Keyless Entry, Data Link, HVAC
Head, Cluster, Radio, AUX Power
(Power Drop), Cigarette Lighter
8 Ignition Switch, Wipers, Radio, Steering
Wheel Controls, Body Control Module,
AUX Power (Power Drop), Power
Windows, Sunroof, HVAC Controls,
DRL, Rear Defog Relay

yellowblue
9-2
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside
Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary Power Connection 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BTSI 2
-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-14, 2-30, 4-27, 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette
Deck Service 7
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player 3-15, 3-19, 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Errors 3-16, 3-20, 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-10
Service 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulletins, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Soon Light 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manuals, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Identification Label 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work, Doing Your Own 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and Appearance Care 6-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon Light 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheet Metal Damage 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift Lever 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting
Automatic Transaxle 2
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Into Park 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out of Park 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster 1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signaling Turns 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six-Way Power Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skidding 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Equipment, Adding 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare Tire, Compact 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications and Capacities 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Engine 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your V6 Engine 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-10, 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering
in Emergencies 4
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Variable Effort4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TILT-WHEEL2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Touch Controls, Audio 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Control 3-2, 3-5, 3-7, 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent System 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TILT-WHEEL Adjustable Steering Column 2-32 . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .