trunk BUICK CENTURY 1999 Owner's Manual

2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-7 Remote Keyless Entry
2
-14 Trunk
2
-14 Theft
2
-15 PASS-Key
II
2
-16 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-17 Ignition Positions
2
-18 Starting Your V6 Engine
2
-19 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-20 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-25 Parking Brake
2
-26 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-29 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-30 Engine Exhaust
2
-30 Running Your Engine While You're Parked2
-31 Windows
2
-32 Horn
2
-32 TILT-WHEEL Adjustable Steering Column
2
-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-38 Exterior Lamps
2
-40 Interior Lamps
2
-42 Mirrors
2
-44 Storage Compartments
2
-46 Sun Visors
2
-46 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
2
-46 Astroroof (If Equipped)
2
-47 OnStar
(Option)
2
-48 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-49 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-50 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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2-7
2. On the inside of the rear door will be a lock. Insert
your key into this lock and turn it upward. This will
engage the safety lock. To disengage the feature, turn
the lock downward.
3. Close the door.
4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the
inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the
rear door when the security lock is on, unlock the door
from the inside and then open the door from the outside.
Lockout Protection Feature
This feature prevents a driver who has left the key in the
vehicle's ignition from locking the doors by using the
power door locks while any door is open. The feature
works by disabling the power door locks when a key is
in the ignition and any door is open.
You may override the Lockout Protection Feature by
holding the power door lock switch in the lock position
for more than three seconds while the key is in the
ignition and any door is open.Remember, this feature can't guarantee that you'll never
be locked out of your vehicle. If you use the manual
door lock or if you don't leave the key in the ignition,
you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle.
Always remember to take your keys with you.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door. (Also see ªDelayed Lockingº in this
section for more information.)
Remote Keyless Entry
You can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your
trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away
using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with
your vehicle.
Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

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This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have
to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
Press UNLOCK once to
unlock the driver's door and
to turn on the interior lamps
(see ªIllumination on
Remote Activationº in the
Index for more details).
Press UNLOCK again within five seconds to unlock all
the doors. To lock all doors, press LOCK. To unlock the
trunk, press the trunk symbol on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. The trunk will only unlock if your
transaxle is in PARK (P).

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2-14
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the trunk:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key
and turn it. You can also press the car symbol on your
remote keyless entry transmitter.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.

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2-15 Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
PASS-Key II
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key II is a passive
theft
-deterrent system. It
works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
PASS
-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter and
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won't
work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during this
time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone
from randomly trying different keys with different resistor
pellets in an attempt to make a match.
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it's inserted
in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine
does not start and the SECURITY light is flashing, the key
may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.

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2-42 Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps
Use the switch next to each lamp to turn them on and off.
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)
The dome lamp will come on when you open the doors.
Battery Rundown Protection
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent you from
draining the battery in case you accidentally leave the
interior courtesy lamps, reading/map lamps, visor vanity
lamps, trunk lamp, underhood lamp or glove box lamps
on. If you leave any of these lamps on, they will
automatically turn off after 20 minutes, if the ignition is
in OFF. The lamps won't come back on again until you:

turn the ignition on,

turn the lamp switch off, then on, or

open a door.
Note that if your vehicle has less than 15 miles (25 km)
on the odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps
after only three minutes.
Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)
With retained accessory power, your power windows,
audio system and sunroof will continue to work up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and
before any of the doors are opened.
Mirrors
Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you
are sitting in a comfortable driving position.

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2-45 Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)
You may also have an armrest located within the center
back seat of your vehicle. It may have a storage area and
cupholders. To open, pull up on the lever at the end of
the armrest and lift. Two cupholders will then be
accessible and you will have access to the storage
compartment area.
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You'll see it
on the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store those in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you're not using it.
Ashtrays and Lighter
The center front ashtray is located on the instrument
panel, just below the comfort controls. To remove the
ashtray, open the lid and lift it out.The rear ashtray is located within a small door at the back
of your vehicle's front seat armrest. Push on the right side
of the door. The ashtray will then rotate to the right for
usage. You can only access the ashtray by pushing on the
door's right side. To remove the ashtray, push down on the
snuffer located in the middle of the ashtray and lift it out.
NOTICE:
Don't put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking
materials could set them on fire, causing damage.
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it's ready, it will pop back by itself.
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.

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2-63 Service Vehicle Soon Light
THE SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON light will come on if
you have certain
non
-emission related
vehicle problems.
These problems may not be obvious and may affect
vehicle performance or durability. Consult a qualified
dealership for necessary repairs to maintain top vehicle
performance. The light will come on briefly when your
ignition is turned on to show that it is working properly.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
The LOW WASH light will
come on when your
windshield washers are
working and the fluid
container is low.
The light will also come on briefly when your ignition is
turned on to show that it is working properly.
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light
The DOOR/TRUNK light
will come on if your trunk
or any door is not
completely closed.
Fuel Gage
Your fuel gage tells you
about how much fuel you
have left when the ignition
is on. When the indicator
nears EMPTY (E), you still
have a little fuel left, but
you should get more soon.

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Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.

You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.

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Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
is inside the trunk lid. The label tells you the proper size,
speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for
the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important
information about the number of people that can be in
your vehicle and the total weight you can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes
the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
If you do have a heavy load, spread it out. Don't carry
more than 167 lbs. (75 kg) in your trunk.