air conditioning BUICK CENTURY 2002 Owner's Manual

3-2
Comfort Controls
Dual ComforTemp
Climate Control
With this system, the driver and passenger can maintain
separate temperatures in their seating areas. The system
works best if you keep your windows closed while
using it.
FAN:
The left knob labeled FAN controls the fan speed.
Turn the knob clockwise toward HI to increase fan
speed and counterclockwise toward LO to decrease
fan speed. The fan must be turned on for the air
conditioning compressor to operate.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.
OFF: To turn off the fan turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise to OFF.
DRIVER (Driver's Side Temperature):
The lever on the left adjusts the air temperature on
the driver's side outlets independent of the temperature
set by the passenger. Slide the lever up to raise
the temperature. Slide the lever down to lower
the temperature.
PASSENGER (Passenger's Side Temperature):
The lever on the right adjusts the air temperature on the
passenger's side independent of the temperature set by
the driver. Slide the lever up to raise the temperature.
Slide the lever down to lower the temperature.

3-3
Mode Knob
The right knob has several settings to control the
direction of airflow.
MAX (Maximum Air Conditioning): 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.)
VENT (Ventilation): This setting brings in outside
air and directs it through the instrument panel outlets.
BI
-LEV (Bi-Level): This setting brings in outside
air and directs it two ways. Half of the air is directed
through the instrument panel outlets. Most of the
remaining air is directed through the floor ducts and
a little to the defrost and side window vents.
HTR (Heater): This setting sends most of the air
through the ducts near the floor. The rest comes out of
the defroster and side window vents.BLEND: This setting allows half of the air to go to
the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side
window vents. 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.)
DEF (Defrost): This setting directs most of the air
through the defroster and side window vents. Some of
the air goes to the floor ducts and the side window vents.
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.)
A/C (Air Conditioning): Press this button to
turn the air conditioning on and off. The system will
cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle when the
A/C light is on.

3-4 Dual Automatic ComforTemp
Climate
Control (If Equipped)
With this system, you set a temperature. You can
then either let the system automatically control airflow
direction and force to maintain the temperature, or you
can manually adjust it. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
Manual Control
If you prefer to manually control the heating,
cooling and ventilation in your vehicle, you can
select airflow direction, fan speed, outside or
recirculated air, air compressor and temperature
operation with the following:AIR FLOW: This control has several settings to
control the direction of airflow when the system is
not in AUTO.
To access the various modes available, continue to press
the AIR FLOW rocker switch up or down until the
desired mode appears in the display:
WINDSHIELD/FLOOR: This setting directs half
of the air to the floor ducts and half to the defroster
and side window vents. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting
unless the outside temperature is below 40
F (4
C).
MID/FLOOR (Instrument Panel/Floor): This
setting directs half of the air through the instrument
panel outlets. Most of the remaining air is directed
through the floor ducts
and a little to the defroster and side window vents.
MID (Instrument Panel): This setting directs air
through the instrument panel outlets.
FLOOR: This setting sends most of the air through
the ducts near the floor. The rest comes out of the
defroster and side window vents. When in this
setting and the RECIRC setting, the windows can
fog up. See ªRECIRCº in the Index.

3-5
FAN: Press the up arrow to increase fan speed and
the down arrow to decrease fan speed. The fan must be
turned on for the air conditioning compressor to operate.
TEMP (Temperature): The TEMP switch sets the
temperature for the entire cabin when the light on the
DUAL light button isn't lit. When the DUAL button
light is lit, the TEMP switch sets the temperature for the
driver only. Press the up arrow to raise the temperature
and press the down arrow to lower the temperature. The
display will show your selection for a few seconds, then
the outside temperature will be displayed. If you push
the AUTO button, the system will control the fan speed
and airflow and will maintain the selected temperature.
VENT: This setting turns the air conditioning
compressor on and off. The indicator is lit when the
compressor is turned off. Recirculation is not permitted
when the compressor is off. The system will try to
control the temperature automatically, but without
the compressor.
VENT is not permitted in FRONT defrost mode. If the
VENT button is pushed while in FRONT defrost mode,
the indicator will light briefly and then turn off.RECIRC (Recirculation): This setting recirculates
much of the air inside your vehicle. This setting is
not permitted in FRONT defrost mode and is only
permitted in WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if the
compressor is turned on. The indicator light will be
lit when recirculation is engaged, but will light briefly
and then turn off if selected when not permitted.
Operating the climate control system in the RECIRC
mode may cause fogging of the vehicle's windows
when the weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
switch the system to either WINDSHIELD/FLOOR
or WINDSHIELD mode and increase the fan speed.
To avoid re
-fogging of the windows, operate the
system with RECIRC off.
FRONT: This setting brings in outside air
and directs most of the air through the defrost vent.
Some of the air also goes to the floor ducts and the
side window defogger outlets. The indicator on the
button will light and WINDSHIELD will be seen on
the display. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40
F (4
C).

3-6
PASSENGER Control: The PASSENGER CONTROL
buttons with the arrows adjust the temperature on the
passenger's side so it is warmer or cooler than the
temperature for the driver's side. Push the DUAL button
so that the indicator light is lit. Press the right arrow
button to raise the temperature. Press the left arrow
button to lower the temperature.
The display will not show the passenger's temperature,
only that of the driver. Indicators in the passenger
control section will show passenger's side temperature
relative to the driver's set temperature.

The amber light indicates the same temperature as
set for the driver.

The red lights indicate a warmer temperature than
that of the driver.

The blue lights indicate a cooler temperature than
that of the driver.
AUTO (Automatic Control): For the most efficient
operation, you should set the system temperature and
press AUTO. The system will then select the best fan
speed and airflow settings to keep you comfortable. The
air conditioning compressor will run if the outside
temperature is above 40F (4C). You may notice a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on at
start up in cool weather.For the automatic system to function, the temperature
must be set between 61F (16C) and 89F (31C).
The driver's temperature and passenger's temperature
settings will be automatically maintained even if manual
overrides have been selected except for settings at
60F (15C) and 90F (32C).
Setting the temperature to 90F (32C) will lock
control in full hot, direct air to the floor, and increase
the fan speed to high. The system will not return to
automatic temperature control until the temperature
setting is lowered.
Setting the temperature to 60F (15C) will lock
control in full cold, recirculate interior air, direct air
to outlets on panel and increase blower speed to high.
The system will not return to automatic temperature
control until the temperature setting is raised.
OFF: Press this button to turn the air compressor off.
Heating
On cold days, use HTR with the driver and passenger
levers all the way in the red area. This system will bring
in outside air, heat it, and send it to the floor ducts.

3-7 Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)
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.
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool
-down on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature levers all the way in the blue area. If
this setting is used for long periods of time, the air in
your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use VENT with the
temperature levers in the blue area. The system will
bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI
-LEV and set the temperature levers to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body. You may notice this
temperature difference more at some times than others.
Push the A/C button for cooling.
Defogging and Defrosting
If you have the Dual Comfortemp Climate Control, your
system has two settings for clearing the front and side
windows. To defrost the windows quickly, turn the mode
knob to the defrost setting and turn the temperature knob
all the way in the red area.
For maximum defroster performance, set both driver and
passenger temperature controls to the warmest setting.
To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use BLEND.
If you have the Dual Automatic Comfortemp Climate
Control, your system has two settings for clearing the front
and side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, press
the FRONT button, set the temperature to 90
F (32
C),
select high fan speed and turn the DUAL button off. To
warm passengers while keeping the windows clear, push
the AIR FLOW button until WINDSHIELD/FLOOR
appears in the display. Select fan speed for comfort and
windshield clearing performance.

3-9 Ventilation System
Adjust the direction of
airflow by moving the
vent levers.
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.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and
defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the
mode knob or button to FLOOR and the fan to the
highest speed for a few seconds before driving off.
This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and
moisture and reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.

For mild outside temperatures, when little heating
or cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside
air through your vehicle.

6-
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 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
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
-22 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-28 Brakes
6
-31 Battery
6
-32 Bulb Replacement
6
-40 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement6
-41 Tires
6
-50 Appearance Care
6
-51 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-54 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
6
-54 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-56 Cleaning Tires
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-66 Replacement Bulbs
6
-66 Capacities and Specifications
6
-67 Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
6
-67 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-17
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.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment
air filter is located
underneath your hood
below the windshield wiper
arm, on the passenger's side
(below 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. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
4. Remove the hood weatherstrip from the passenger's
side of the vehicle (peel back halfway to center).
5. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
6. Remove the air inlet grille.

6-63
Fuse Usage
STOP LAMPS Stoplamps
ONSTAR OnStar


FRT PARK LPS Parking Lamps
POWER DROP Auxiliary Power Connection
(Power Drop): Hot in ACC
and Run
CRANK SIGNAL,
BCM, CLUSTERCrank Signal, Body Control
Module, Cluster, Powertrain
Control Module
HVAC Ignition Signal, Heating
Ventilation Air Conditioning
Control Head
BTSI PARK LOCK Shifter Lock Solenoid
AIR BAG Air Bag
BCM PWR Body Control Module
HAZARD Hazard Flashers
LH HEATED SEAT Driver's Heated SeatFuse Usage
Blank Not Used
BCM ACC Ignition Signal: Hot in ACC
and Run, Body Control Module
Blank Not Used
LOW BLOWER Low Blower
ABS Anti
-Lock Brakes
TURN SIGNALS,
CORN LPSTurn Signals, Cornering Lamps
RADIO, HVAC,
RFA, CLUSTERRadio, HVAC Head, Remote
Keyless Entry, Cluster
HIGH BLOWER High Blower
RH HEATED SEAT Passenger's Heated Seat
STRG WHL CONT Audio Steering Wheel Controls
WIPER Wipers