suspension BUICK CENTURY 2003 Owner's Manual

Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with
horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been
pre-set at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your vertical and
horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the
ª0º (zero) marks on their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal
aim), or if oncoming drivers ¯ash their high beams at
you (for vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps
need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take it to
your dealer for service; however, it is possible for
you to re-aim your headlamps as described in the
following procedure.
Notice:To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before beginning.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage to headlamp parts.To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
·The headlamps must be off for one hour prior to
aiming and must remain off during this procedure.
·The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.
·If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven
surface.
·The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
·The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
·There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) on the driver's seat.
·Close all doors.
·Tires should be properly in¯ated.
·Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
5-49

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 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

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-11

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

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-14
Throttle System Inspection............................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-41
Making Turns.................................................4-39
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-31
Manual Operation...........................................3-17
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-8
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Mirrors..........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
ž.............2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-33
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-19
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-95
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil ................................................................3-35
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Engine.......................................................5-13
Low Oil Level Light......................................3-35
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-35
OnStaržServices............................................2-34
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-34
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-35
Operation Tips................................................3-20
9

Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-29
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-15
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-80
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-94
Speedometer..................................................3-24
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-6
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-12
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-20
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot
and Seal Inspection.....................................6-14
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-50
Steering........................................................4-11
Storage Areas................................................2-35
Convenience Net.........................................2-35
Glove Box..................................................2-35
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-76
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-77
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-31
Sun Visors.....................................................2-16T
Taillamps.......................................................5-54
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..........................5-54
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-48
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
PASS-Key
žII ..............................................2-17
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-15
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-4
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-10
Tire ...............................................................3-30
Pressure Light.............................................3-30
Tires.............................................................5-57
Buying New Tires........................................5-62
Chains.......................................................5-66
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-67
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-78
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-66
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure..............................5-57
Inspection and Rotation................................5-60
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-63
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-64
13