battery BUICK CENTURY 1999 Owner's Guide

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. 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.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-21 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-30 Battery
6
-31 Bulb Replacement
6
-40 Tires6
-50 Appearance Care
6
-50 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-55 Cleaning Tires
6
-57 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-58 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-64 Replacement Bulbs
6
-64 Capacities and Specifications
6
-65 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6
-65 Vehicle Dimensions

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6-10
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirG. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Engine Oil Dipstick
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

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6-30 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we
recommend an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that
has the replacement number shown on the original
battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

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6-42 Low Tire Inflation Monitor System
(If Equipped)
The low tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a
large change in the pressure of one tire. The system
ªlearnsº the pressure at each tire throughout the
operating speed range of your vehicle. The system
normally takes between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to
learn the tire pressures. This time may be longer
depending on your individual driving habits. Learning
need not be accumulated during a single trip. Once
learned, the system will remember the tire pressures
until the system is recalibrated.
After the system has learned tire pressures with properly
inflated tires, the LOW TIRE light will come on if the
pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than
the other three tires. The low tire inflation monitor
system won't alert you if the pressure in more than one
tire is low, if the system is not properly calibrated, or if
the vehicle is moving faster than 60 mph (95 km/h).
The low tire inflation monitor system detects differences
in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in
tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low
tire
-- but it doesn't replace normal tire maintenance.
See ªTiresº in the Index.When the LOW TIRE light comes on, you should stop
as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage.
(If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in the Index.)
Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as
you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº in the Index.
The light will come on and stay on until you turn off the
ignition or press the RESET button.
Don't reset the low tire inflation monitor system without
first correcting the cause of the problem and checking
and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset
the system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the
system will not work properly and may not alert you
when a tire is low.
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure, rotate your tires,
or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you'll
need to reset (calibrate) the low tire inflation monitor
system. You'll also need to reset the system whenever
you buy new tires and whenever the vehicle's battery
has been disconnected.
To reset (calibrate) the system: turn the ignition switch
to RUN. Then press and hold the RESET button for
about five seconds.

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6-65 Engine Specifications
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 191 CID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-2-3-4-5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 160 @ 5200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine/Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A1208C . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 10406026 . . . .
Battery AC Type 600 CCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCV Valve AC Type CV892C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Cap AC Type RC27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RKE Batteries Type CR2032 (2) or equivalent . . . .
Spark Plugs
3100 (Code M) V6 AC Type 41
-940 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 109.0 inches (276.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread (Front) 62.0 inches (157.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread (Rear) 61.1 inches (155.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overall Length 194.6 inches (494.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . .
Overall Width 72.7 inches (184.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overall Height 56.6 inches (143.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . .

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-3
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Engine Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc
Care 3
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player Care 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player Errors 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control, Loss of 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant
Bleed Valves 5
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Heater, Engine 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-44, 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance
for Text Telephone Users 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-9, 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-4, 3-6, 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-4, 3-6, 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed
Entry Lighting 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp Illumination 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-17, 3-21, 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .