ECU BUICK CENTURY 2003 Owner's Guide

{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
·Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
·Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
·Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
·When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
·Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well Ð or
even at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what
the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in ªWeight of the Trailerº that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability and
fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
4-35

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-39

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº under
Part B: Owner Checks and Services on
page 6-10for more information.
1. Turn on the wipers to LO.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades
are more accessible for removal/replacement while
in this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to
10 cm) away from the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the windshield
wiper arm connecting point and slide the blade
assembly down toward the glass to remove it from
the wiper arm.
5. Slide the new wiper blade securely on the wiper
arm until you hear the release clip ªclickº into
place.
For wiper blade length and type, see
Normal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 5-95.
5-56

Tire Chains
Notice:Use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class ªSº type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them
on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting
your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too
fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblowoutº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the ¯at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ®rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a ¯at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a ¯at tire.
If a tire goes ¯at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a ¯at tire safely.
5-66

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
After you've put the compact spare tire on your vehicle,
you'll need to store the ¯at tire in your trunk. Use the
following procedure to secure the ¯at tire in the trunk.
When storing a full-size tire, use the extension with the
protector/guide, located in the foam holder, to help
avoid wheel surface damage. To store a full-size tire,
place the tire valve stem facing down, and then remove
the protector/guide and attach the retainer securely.
Store the cover as far forward as possible.
5-76

GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
quali®ed applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/
scooter lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users
call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium
Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered
under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car
warranty (whichever occurs ®rst).
Our commitment to Buick owners has always included
superior service through our network of Buick dealers.
Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an
extra measure of convenience and security.
Buick's Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed
by a team of technically trained advisors, who are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Buick
dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
·Fuel delivery
·Lock-out service (identi®cation required)
·Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
·Change a ¯at tire
·Jump starts
7-6

We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of
the following additional services depending on your
needs:
·Hotels
·Glass replacement
·Tire repair facilities
·Rental vehicle or taxis
·Airports or train stations
·Police, ®re department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Buick's comprehensive warranty. However, when
other services are utilized, our advisors will explain
any payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
·Location of vehicle
·Telephone number of your location
·Vehicle model, year and color
·Mileage of vehicle
·Vehicle Identi®cation Number (VIN)
·Vehicle license plate number
Buick reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Buick's
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we're only a phone call
away. Buick Roadside Assistance: 1-800-252-1112, text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
7-7

Child Restraints (cont.)
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-50
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-42
Top Strap...................................................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-39
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-84
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-83
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-79
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-81
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-81
Cleaning Leather............................................5-81
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-81
Cleaning Tires................................................5-84
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-81Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-83
Cleaning........................................................5-79
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-79
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-20
Dual..........................................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Compact Disc Messages..................................3-47
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-78
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-35
Coolant.........................................................3-30
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-14
Cruise Control Light........................................3-36
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-8
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
3

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

S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-24
Reminder Light............................................3-24
Safety Belts...................................................5-82
Care of......................................................5-82
Center Passenger Position............................1-22
Driver Position............................................1-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-12
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-11
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-24
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-21
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-21
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-7
Safety Chains.................................................4-38
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-5
Seat............................................................... 1-5
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Seats.............................................................. 1-2
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-3Seats (cont.)
Six-Way Power Seats.................................... 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-6
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-48
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-48
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-45
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-45
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-50
Security Feedback............................................ 2-5
Security Light.................................................3-36
Service Bulletins.............................................7-12
Service Engine Soon Light...............................3-31
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-31
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-37
Setting Preset Stations............................3-41, 3-43
Setting the Time.............................................3-39
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-41, 3-43
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-84
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
12