brake light BUICK CENTURY 2003 User Guide

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you can't, try to slow down before
you hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you're
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can if your tires
do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more
is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the
road. If you can see re¯ections from trees, telephone
poles or other vehicles, and raindrops ªdimpleº the
water's surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
4-19

When your brake ¯uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
What to Add
When you do need brake ¯uid, use only DOT-3 brake
¯uid. Use new brake ¯uid from a sealed container
only. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-16.
Always clean the brake ¯uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of ¯uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake ¯uid.
Notice:
·Using the wrong ¯uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts so badly that they'll have to be replaced.
Don't let someone put in the wrong kind of ¯uid.
·If you spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint ®nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
ªAppearance Careº in the Index. United States
Canada
5-40

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum
brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal ®rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes won't work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are ®rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque speci®cations.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the
rear brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brake pads replaced have the
rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See
Brake System Inspection on page 6-15.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
5-41

Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
·They contain acid that can burn you.
·They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
·They contain enough electricity
to burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other system isn't a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can be
damaged.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake ®rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P)or a manual transmission in
NEUTRAL (N) before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or in the auxiliary power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that aren't needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!
5-43

Fuses Usage
4High Blower, Hazard Flasher,
Stoplamps, Power Mirror, Door
Locks
5Ignition Switch, BTSI, Stoplamps,
Anti-Lock Brake System, Turn
Signals, Cluster, Air Bag, Daytime
Running Lamps Module
6 Cooling Fan
7Retained Accessory Power, Keyless
Entry, Data Link, Heating Ventilation
Air Conditioning Head, Cluster,
Radio, Cigarette Lighter
8Ignition Switch, Wipers, Radio,
Steering Wheel Controls, Body
Control Module, Power Windows,
Sunroof, Heating Ventilation Air
Conditioning Controls, Daytime
Running Lamps, Rear Window
Defogger Relay
Relays Usage
9 Cooling Fan 2
10 Cooling Fan 3
11 Starter Solenoid
12 Cooling Fan 1
13 Ignition Main
14 Air Pump (Optional)
15 Not Used
16 Horn
17 Fog Lamps
18 Not Used
19 Fuel Pump
5-92

A
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-48
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-38
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-88
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-41, 3-44
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-53
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-59
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-62
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-59
What Will You See After an Air Bag In¯ates?......1-60
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-58
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-56
Air Bag .........................................................3-25
Readiness Light..........................................3-25
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-40
AM ...............................................................3-50
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-52
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-79
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-82
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-85
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-79Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-82
Finish Damage............................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-84
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-85
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Ashtrays........................................................3-16
Audio System(s).............................................3-39
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-40
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-50
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-51
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-52
Care of Your CDs........................................3-52
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-52
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-42
Setting the Time..........................................3-39
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-48
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-50
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System
Check........................................................6-12
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-19
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-23
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)...........3-16
1

B
Backing Up....................................................4-39
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-15
Battery..........................................................5-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-26
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-55
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-53
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-49
Headlamps.................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-94
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-35, 2-13, 2-30
Care of.........................................................5-82
Safety Belts................................................5-82
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-51
Your CD Player...........................................3-52
Your CDs ...................................................3-52
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-45
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-22
Chains, Tires..................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-26
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-63
Check...........................................................3-31
Engine Light...............................................3-31
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-85
Child Restraints..............................................1-36
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
2

How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Check........................................5-20, 5-58
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-32
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-32
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-31
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-36
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-29
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-13
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-8
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure.................................5-57
Inspection......................................................6-15
Brake System.............................................6-15
Engine Cooling System................................6-14
Exhaust System..........................................6-14
Fuel System...............................................6-14
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-14
Throttle System...........................................6-15Inspection (cont.)
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-89
Instrument Panel.............................................3-23
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-14J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-11
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps...........................................................3-11
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap Belt........................................................1-22
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-13, 1-24
LATCH System...............................................1-42
Child Restraints...........................................1-42
7

LATCH System (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-28
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-16
Light.............................................................3-25
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Change Engine Oil......................................3-35
Charging System.........................................3-26
Cruise Control.............................................3-36
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning...............................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-29
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-28
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-38
Low Oil Level.............................................3-35
Low Traction...............................................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-36
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-31
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-24
Security.....................................................3-36
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-37
Tire Pressure..............................................3-30
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks............................................................2-10Door..........................................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-12
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-38
Low Traction Light..........................................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-36
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-95
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-11
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-14
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . 6-16
8

Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-64
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-61
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-42
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-38
Towing..........................................................4-32
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-32
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-32
Traction.........................................................3-28
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-28
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)...................4-10
Low Light...................................................3-29
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-38
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-23
Transaxle.......................................................5-19
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-24
Trunk Assist Handle........................................2-14
Trunk Lock....................................................2-13
Trunk............................................................2-13
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-5
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-40
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-13
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-91
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-63
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
Power Loss................................................3-49
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-65
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-80
14