fuel BUICK CENTURY 2003 Owner's Guide

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-5
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month.................................6-10
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-11At Least Once a Year...................................6-11
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections.........6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-14
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-14
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-15
Brake System Inspection................................6-15
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-16
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-17
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
This part contains engine oil scheduled maintenance
which explains the engine oil life system and how
it indicates when to change the engine oil and ®lter.
Also, listed are scheduled maintenance services which
are to be performed at the mileage intervals speci®ed.
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. But we don't know exactly how
you'll drive it. You may drive short distances only a few
times a week. Or you may drive long distances all
the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to
work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Because of the different ways people use their vehicles,
maintenance needs may vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer.This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when to schedule them.
When you go to your dealer for your service needs,
you'll know that GM-trained and supported service
people will perform the work using genuine GM parts.
The proper ¯uids and lubricants to use are listed in Part
D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these.
All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs
done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:·carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will ®nd these on your vehicle's
Tire-Loading Information label. See
Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-33.
·are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
·use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5
.
6-4

When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON light will
come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within the
next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
®lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-13for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change. After the services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
on the maintenance record pages in Part E of this
schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-60for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qReplace passenger compartment air ®lter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ®lter
may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-60for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-60for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
6-6

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals speci®ed to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLž
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer ¯uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper ¯uid if necessary.
See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38for further
details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire In¯ation Check
Make sure tires are in¯ated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. SeeTires on
page 5-57for further details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-39for further details.
6-10

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-14

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

Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
reimbursement up to $30 per day (®ve days maximum)
may be available for the use of public transportation
such a s taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative,
reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to
$10 per day (®ve day maximum may be available).
Claim amounts should re¯ect actual costs and be
supported by original receipts.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide
you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a
rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a
maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This
requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement
and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider
requirements. Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit
card, etc. You are responsible for taxes, levies,
usage fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond
the completion of the repair.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but
it
is notpart of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
A separate booklet entitled Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information furnished with each new
vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating
dealers and all program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every dealer. Please
contact your dealer for speci®c information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
Canadian Vehicles:For warranty repairs during
the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult
your dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.
7-9

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

FM ...............................................................3-50
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-39
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-37
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-38
System Inspection.......................................6-14
Fuses...........................................................5-89
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-89
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-88
G
Gage............................................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-30
Fuel..........................................................3-37
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5Glove Box.....................................................2-35
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-3
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-88
Headlamp......................................................5-49
Aiming.......................................................5-49
Headlamps....................................................5-51
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-38
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-4
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-31
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-33
How to Add Fluid............................................5-22
6