power steering fluid BUICK CENTURY 2003 Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-3
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-4
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-11
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Auxiliary Power Connection
(Power Drop)............................................3-16
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-16
Climate Controls............................................3-17
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-17
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-20
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-24
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-24
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-26
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-28
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-28
Low Traction Light........................................3-29Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-30
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-31
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-34
Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-35
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-35
Security Light...............................................3-36
Cruise Control Light......................................3-36
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-36
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-36
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-37
Fuel Gage...................................................3-37
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-38
Audio System(s).............................................3-39
Setting the Time...........................................3-39
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-40
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-42
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-48
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-50
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-50
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-51
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-52
Care of Your CD Player................................3-52
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-52
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Headlamps..................................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure...............................5-57
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-61
Buying New Tires.........................................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-63
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-64
Wheel Replacement......................................5-64
Tire Chains..................................................5-66
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-66
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-67
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-78
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
B. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-42.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-89.
D. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See
Jump
Starting on page 5-43.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. See
Radiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See
Engine Coolant
on page 5-23.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
H. Electric Engine Cooling Fan. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-43.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See
Automatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-19.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-39.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick
handle is the yellow loop
located near the front
of the engine. See
Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12
for more
information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
5-13

10. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ¯ow out of the
®ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering ¯uid reservoir is located on the
passenger's side of the vehicle at the back of the engine
compartment, and can be identi®ed by the above
graphic on the cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
5-36

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A ¯uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and look at the ¯uid level on the
dipstick.When the engine
compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
H (hot) mark. When
it's cold, the level should
be at the C (cold) mark. If
the ¯uid is at the ADD
mark, you should add ¯uid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of ¯uid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-16.
Always use the proper ¯uid. Failure to use the proper
¯uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-37

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
6-16

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

E
Electrical System............................................5-88
Add-On Equipment......................................5-88
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-89
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-88
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-88
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-33
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-10
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-41
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance..................... 6-5
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-31
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-30
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-29
Coolant......................................................5-23
Cooling System Inspection............................6-14Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-20
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-10
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Express-Down Window....................................2-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-40, 3-42
Finish Care....................................................5-83
Finish Damage...............................................5-84
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-52
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-67
Flat Tire........................................................5-66
Fluid.............................................................5-19
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
5

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

Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outside.........................................................2-33
Convex Mirror.............................................2-33
Power Mirrors.............................................2-33
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-26
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-12
P
Park (P)........................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-13
Parking on Hills..............................................4-40
Parking.........................................................2-26
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Park(P).........................................................2-26
Shifting Into................................................2-26Part 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
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-17
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-20
Passing.................................................4-14, 4-39
PASS-Key
žII .................................................2-17
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-44
Playing a Compact Disc...................................3-46
Playing the Radio...................................3-40, 3-42
Power Steering...............................................4-11
Power...........................................................3-16
Auxiliary Connection.....................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Drop..........................................................3-16
Electrical System.........................................5-88
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-36
Windows....................................................2-16
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
10