air filter BUICK CENTURY 1999 Owner's Manual

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3-2
Comfort Controls
Manual Single Zone Climate Control
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 controls the amount of air you want. To
turn the fan off, turn the knob to OFF.
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 ªMaintenance Scheduleº or ªPassenger Compartment
Air Filterº 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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Heating
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 ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº 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 with the temperature knob all the way in the red
area. To warm passengers while keeping the windows
clear, use BLEND.
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control
(If Equipped)
With this system, the driver and passenger can maintain
separate temperatures. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
Fan Control
The left knob labeled FAN controls the fan
speed selection.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan is adjusted to
the highest setting regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter may need to be
replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº or ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filterº in the Index.

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3-10
NOTICE:
Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle
license or decal across the defogger grid.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or anything else sharp on
the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
Adjust the direction
of airflow by moving
the 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 is adjusted to
the highest setting regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter may need to be
replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº or ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filterº in the Index.

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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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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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter
is located underneath a
diagonal brace on the
driver's side of the engine.
To check or replace the
air filter:
1. Loosen the wing nut on the air duct and lift up on the
two clips located on the top of the filter assembly.
2. Then disconnect the duct and reposition it while
removing the side cover.
3. Pull out the filter. Be sure to install the air filter and
install the cover tightly when you are finished.
4. Replace the filter if needed.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily
get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.

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Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment
air filter is located
underneath your hood just
below the windshield wiper
arm on the passenger side
(underneath the air inlet
grille) of the vehicle.
The filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like your engine's air
cleaner filter, it may need to be changed periodically.
For information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air filter, see ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
the Index.
To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are
in the up position.2. Raise the hood.
3. Remove (disconnect) the windshield washer pump
hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille.
4. Reposition the hood weatherstrip from the
passenger's side of the vehicle (peel back halfway to
center).
5. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille retainers.
6. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille.
7. Remove (disconnect) the passenger compartment
air filter.
8. Then install the new air filter. For the type of filter to
use, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº
in the Index.
9. Reposition the air inlet grille.
10. Replace the air inlet grille retainers.
11. Reposition the hood weatherstrip.
12. Reconnect the windshield washer pump hose to the
fender rail air inlet grille.
13. Close the hood.
14. Return the windshield wipers to the park position.

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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Back
-up 1156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop 3155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal 4157NAK. . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp, High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp, Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail (Applique) 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps Bulb Number
Dome Lamp 9425542. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*For service information on these bulbs, contact your
dealer service department.
Capacities and Specifications
4T60E:
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement 7.0 quarts (6.7 L). . .
After Complete Overhaul 9.6 quarts (9.2 L). . . . . .
* When draining/replacing converter, more fluid will
be needed.
Cooling System Including
Reservoir 11.6 quarts (10.9 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant (R
-134a),
Air Conditioning*1.88 lbs. (0.85 kg) . . . . . . . . . . .
*See ªAir Conditioning Refrigerantsº later in
this section.
Engine Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank17.5 gallons (66.2 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Note: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.

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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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Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº following.
Footnotes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
OIL SOON light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil
Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For more
information, see ªChange Oil Soon Lightº in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.