ECU BUICK CENTURY 2004 Owner's Guide

Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. They
can also be moved to the side windows. The sun visors
also have extenders that can be pulled out for added
coverage.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Open the cover on the sun visor to expose the
vanity mirror.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors
If the vehicle has the lighted vanity mirrors, the lamps
come on when the cover is opened.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
PASS-Key®II
The vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®II is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
It works when the ignition
key is inserted or
removed from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®II system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will not go to the engine for about three
minutes. If someone tries to start the vehicle again with
the wrong key, or uses another incorrect key during
this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages
someone from randomly trying keys with different
resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.
2-17

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it is
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY warning
light on the instrument panel is ashing, the key may be
dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the vehicle still does not start, the ignition
key may be faulty. Wait about three more minutes and
try a spare ignition key. At this time, you may also
want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-97for information on fuse location. If the
starter will not work with the spare key, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer or a locksmith who can
service the PASS-Key
®II.
If a key is accidentally used that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter will not work.
The SECURITY warning light on the instrument panel
will then come on. But you do not have to wait three
minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key
®II to have a new key made.
If the SECURITY warning light comes on the instrument
panel while the vehicle is being driven, the engine
will still be able to be started after it is turned off. The
PASS-Key
®II system, however, is not working properly
and must be serviced by your dealer. The vehicle is
not protected by the PASS-Key
®II system when
this happens.If a PASS-Key
®II ignition key is lost or damaged,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®II to have a new key made. Also, see
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-5for more
information.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-39for more information.
2-18

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in your vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com,
contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),
or press the blue OnStar®button to speak to an
OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A completed Subscription Service Agreement is required
prior to delivery of OnStar
®services and prepaid
calling minutes are also required for OnStar®Personal
Calling and OnStar®Virtual Advisor use. Terms and
conditions of the Subscription Service Agreement can be
found at www.onstar.com.
OnStar®Services
One of the following plans is normally included for a
specic duration with each vehicle equipped with
OnStar
®. You can upgrade or extend your OnStar®
service plan to meet your needs.
Safe and Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Air Bag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan services
Route Support
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-33

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

Change Engine Oil Light
The CHANGE OIL SOON
light should come on
briey as a bulb check
when the engine is started.
If the light does not
come on, have it serviced.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes on and stays on
after the engine is started, have the oil changed.
For additional information, see “When to Change Engine
Oil (GM Oil Life System)” underEngine Oil on
page 5-13. To reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light, see
“How to Reset the System” underEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Security Light
The SECURITY light will
come on when the key is
turned to START, and
will stay on until the
vehicle starts.
It will also ash if the ignition key is too dirty or wet for
the PASS-Key
®II system to read the resistor pellet.
SeePASS-Key®II on page 2-17.
If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing, the light will
come on.
3-41

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer uid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a ashlight, a red
cloth and a couple of reective warning triangles. And, if
you will be driving under severe conditions, include a
small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
4-26

Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If things like suitcases, tools, packages or any thing else
are put inside the vehicle, they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{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.
Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not 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 — 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.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what
the vehicle trailering capacity is for the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section. But trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
4-39

Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires, and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check the
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
when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can
help avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up ahead when
towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle is a good deal
longer with the trailer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the vehicle you have passed before you
can return to the proper lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, 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 turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-43

2. Push the secondary hood release, located under
the hood, to the right to disengage it.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, make sure all of the ller caps
are properly secured. Pull the hood down and close
it rmly.
5-11

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking each time maintenance is performed.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
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 or 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 click into
place. SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-13for the type of windshield wiper
blades to use.
5-56