key BUICK CENTURY 2000 User Guide

2-9
Instant Alarm
This feature allows you to activate an alarm by pressing
a button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Your
ignition must be off for the instant alarm to work. When
you press the horn button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, the headlamps will flash, the horn will honk
repeatedly, and the interior lamps will illuminate,
attracting attention if you need it. The alarm will
continue until:

You press the alarm button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter a second time,

the ignition is in RUN, or

an alarm period of about two minutes has elapsed.
Security Feedback
Security feedback provides audible and/or visible
feedback that a remote keyless entry lock or unlock
command has been received and executed. Your ignition
must be off for this feature to work.You may select one of four operating modes for
reception of a lock command. You may also select one
of four operating modes for reception of an unlock
command. The selection and programming of the lock
and unlock operating modes are independent of each
other. The following modes are available for either lock
or unlock verification:
Mode 1: No Verification
Mode 2: Horn Chirp only
Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only
Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash
The operating mode of the security feedback
lock feature will be changed when you perform
the following:

Turn the ignition key to RUN.

Close all the doors.

Press and hold the power door lock switch.

While holding the door lock switch, press
and release the remote keyless entry transmitter
lock button.

2-10
This will start the customization mode. While in the
customization mode, the feature will sound the number
of chimes corresponding to the current security feedback
lock mode.
Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter LOCK button will cause your vehicle to
advance the lock mode by one, starting from the current
lock mode. If cycled beyond lock Mode 4, the vehicle
will enter lock Mode 1. During this procedure, the
feature will sound the number of chimes corresponding
to the current lock mode, providing you with feedback.
When the door lock switch is released, the vehicle will
remain in the most recent lock mode.
The operating mode of the security feedback unlock
feature will be changed when you perform the following
sequence with your vehicle's doors closed and the
ignition key in RUN:

Press and hold the power door unlock switch. While
holding the door unlock switch, press and release the
remote keyless entry transmitter unlock button. This
will start the customization mode.

While in the customization mode, the feature will
sound the number of chimes corresponding to the
current unlock mode.Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter unlock button will cause your vehicle to
advance the UNLOCK mode by one, starting from the
current unlock mode. If cycled beyond unlock Mode 4,
the vehicle will enter unlock Mode 1. During this
procedure, the feature will sound the number of chimes
corresponding to the current unlock mode, providing
you with feedback. When the door unlock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
unlock mode.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed mode of the lock and
unlock security feedback features.
Delayed Locking
Delayed locking allows the doors to be locked while
passengers are exiting the vehicle. This feature also
provides a brief time period after all the doors are
closed, but before the doors are locked, in which the
doors may be reopened. Delayed locking is user
programmable for enabling or disabling the feature.

2-11
Delayed locking is activated when a door lock switch is
pressed while the key is not in the vehicle's ignition, and
a door is open. The door lock switch may be either the
lock switch on the door or on the remote keyless entry
transmitter (see ªRemote Keyless Entryº later in this
section for more details). The doors do not lock when
the lock switch is pressed, but instead, three chimes are
heard. These chimes indicate that the delayed locking
feature has been activated.
You have three actions possible once delayed locking
is activated:

Cancel the delayed locking by pressing the unlock
switch or by fully inserting the key in the ignition.

Override the delayed locking feature and lock the
doors immediately by pressing the lock switch a
second time.

Let the delayed locking feature complete the locking
of the vehicle.
If you wish to let the delayed locking feature complete
the locking of the vehicle, no additional action is
required. The delayed locking feature will lock the doors
automatically after all the doors have been closed for a
period of five seconds. During this five second period,
any door may be reopened, at which time the three
possible actions shown above are again available.You may also customize your vehicle to activate the
delayed locking feature as described above, or you
may choose to completely disable the feature at all
times. If disabled, the power door locks will activate
immediately when a power door lock switch is pressed.
The enabled/disabled state of the delayed locking
feature will be toggled when you perform the following
sequence with the doors closed and the ignition key
in RUN:
1. Apply your regular brakes.
2. Press and hold the power door unlock switch. While
holding the door unlock switch, move the shift lever
out of and back into PARK (P).
After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle will
toggle the enable/disable state of the delayed locking
feature. During this procedure, the chime will sound,
providing you with feedback. In Mode 1, a single chime
will be heard if the delayed locking feature is disabled.
In Mode 2, two chimes will be heard if the feature is
enabled. When the door unlock switch is released, the
vehicle will remain in the most recent operating mode.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed mode of the delayed
locking feature.

2-12
Illumination on Remote Activation
This feature provides interior lighting when a remote
keyless entry door unlock command is received and
executed by your vehicle. Your ignition must be off for
the illumination on remote activation feature to work.
The interior lamps will light until either the ignition is
turned to RUN or a period of 40 seconds has elapsed.
If a door is opened during the illumination period, the
timed lighting will be canceled, and the interior lamps
will remain on since a door is open.
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about three years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your
body transferred to these surfaces may
damage the transmitter.

2-13
To replace the battery:
1. Insert a flat object like a dime into the slot on the
back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front
and back.
2. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new
one. (Use type CR2032 or an equivalent.) Make sure
the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down.
Do not use a metal object to remove the old battery.
3. Snap the top and bottom together, making sure the
halves are together tightly so water won't get in.4. Test the operation of the transmitter with
your vehicle. If the transmitter does not
work, try resynchronizing the transmitter.
(See ªResynchronizationº following.)
5. Resynchronize and then test the transmitter.
Resynchronization
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the
security method used by this remote keyless entry
system. The transmitter does not send the same
signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not
respond to a signal it has previously been sent.
This prevents someone from recording and
playing back the signal from the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver,
do the following:
1. Stand close to your vehicle.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and
UNLOCK buttons on the remote keyless entry
transmitter for about seven seconds.
There will be an audible confirmation when
resynchronization is done.
If the locks do not cycle, see your dealer for service.

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.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the button behind the
glove box door to unlock
the trunk from inside the
vehicle. The shift lever must
be in PARK (P) for the
remote trunk release button
to work.

2-15
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.
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.

Move the trunk release lockout switch to
LK (LOCK).

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.

2-16
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.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the starter still won't work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the
Index). If the starter won't work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS
-Key II.

2-17
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The
SECURITY light will then come on. But you don't have
to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS
-Key II to have a new key made.
If you're ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it
off. Your PASS
-Key II system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key II system.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key II ignition key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
-Key II
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the
Buick Premium Roadside Assistance Center at
1
-800-252-1112. In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

2-18
Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the
switch to five positions:
ACCESSORY (A): The accessory position lets you use
the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is off.
To use ACC, push in the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will stay locked.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is in LOCK. It's also the only position
from which you can remove your key. This position
locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle pushed
or towed.
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns
after you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you
can use RUN to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.