brake BUICK CENTURY 2004 User Guide

Move the shift lever up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running, be sure it is
in PARK (P) and the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever out of PARK (P). If
you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked
into PARK (P).
2-27

Torque Lock
If parking the vehicle on a hill and the transaxle is not
shifted into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle
may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transaxle. It might be difficult to pull the shift lever out of
PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
PARK (P) properly before leaving the driver’s seat. To
nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, another vehicle might have to
push yours a little uphill. This takes some of the
pressure off the parking pawl in the transaxle, enabling
the shift lever to be moved out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control
system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P) when
the ignition is in the OFF position. The regular brakes
have to be fully applied before the vehicle can be shifted
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See
Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22.
If the vehicle cannot be shifted out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way up into PARK (P) as brake application
is maintained. Then move the shift lever into the
desired gear.
If the brake pedal is held down but still cannot be
shifted out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no
shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the desired gear.
5. Have the system xed as soon as possible.
2-28

Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-29.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-26.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-39.
2-30

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-18
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-21
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-28
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-30
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-34
Low Traction Light........................................3-34Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-42
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-42
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-44
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
Radio with CD..............................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-62
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-63
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-63
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-64
Care of Your CD Player................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Windshield Washer
J
(Windshield Washer):At the top of the
multifunction lever, there is a paddle with the word
PUSH on it. To spray washer uid on the windshield,
push on the paddle. The wipers will run for several
sweeps and then either stop or return to the preset
speed. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-36.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
The LOW WASH light on
the instrument panel
cluster will come on when
the uid level is low.
Cruise Control
If the vehicle has cruise control, a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help
on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you can not drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
needless wheel spinning, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
3-8

Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set the cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts
off the cruise control. But you do not need to reset it.
Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A
(Resume/Accelerate) briey. The vehicle will accelerate
to the previous chosen speed and stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed:
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
speed. Push in the SET button, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. The vehicle
will now cruise at the higher speed.
Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it
there until you accelerate to the speed you
want, and then release the switch. To increase the
speed in very small amounts, move the switch
to R/A briey and then release it. Each time this is
done, the vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
faster.
The accelerate feature will only work after the cruise
control speed is set, by pushing the SET button.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to reduce the vehicle’s speed while
using cruise control:
Push in the SET button until the vehicle slows down
to the desired, then release it.
To slow the vehicle down in very small amounts,
push the SET button briey. Each time this is
down, the vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
slower.
3-10

Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle’s
speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your
vehicle will slow down to the cruise control speed you
set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on hills depends
upon the speed and load of the vehicle, and the
steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you
may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain
the vehicle’s speed. When going downhill, you may have
to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s
speed down. Of course, applying the brake takes
the vehicle out of cruise control. Many drivers nd this
to be too much trouble and do not use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Move the cruise switch to OFF.
Ending Speed Memory
When the cruise control or the ignition is turned off, or
the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N),
the cruise control set speed memory is erased.
3-11

Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Daytime running
lamps are required to function at all times on all
vehicles rst sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered.
The DRL system will make the front turn signal lamps
come on when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is off.
The parking brake is released.
While the DRL are on, the front turn signal lamps also
will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker
and other lamps will not be on. The instrument panel
will not be lit up either.When it is dark enough outside, the front turn signal
lamps will turn off and the vehicle’s headlamps
and parking lamps will turn on. The other lamps that
come on with the headlamps will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside, the headlamps will go
off and the front turn signal lamps will come on.
To idle the vehicle with the DRL and automatic
headlamp control off, set the parking brake while the
ignition is in OFF or LOCK. Then start the vehicle. The
DRL, headlamps and parking lamps will stay off until
the parking brake is released.
To turn off the automatic headlamp feature when it is
dark outside, move the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position. The parking lamps will remain
illuminated and the headlamps will turn off.
As with any vehicle, the regular headlamp system
should be turned on when needed.
3-13

Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two
parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when the ignition key
is turned to RUN. If it does not come on then, have
it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake problem.
If the light comes on while the vehicle is being driven,
pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal may
be harder to push. or it may go closer to the oor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-31.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service. United StatesCanada
3-32

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
LightIf the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this warning light will
come on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to RUN. If the anti-lock brake system warning
light stays on longer than normal after the engine
has been started, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light
comes on and stays on while the vehicle is being driven,
stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.
Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the
light still stays on, or comes on again while driving,
the anti-lock brake system needs service. If the light is
on and the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but it does not have
anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when the ignition key is turned to RUN. This
is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. United States
Canada
3-33