brake BUICK CENTURY 2004 Repair Manual

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for 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.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not 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 3-44for further details.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
6-9

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-25if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your GM
Goodwrench dealer for service.Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
6-10

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-22.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) 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).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
6-12

Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Records
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s
performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle
computers to monitor emission control components to
optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for
airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide
anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the
vehicle in difficult driving situations. Some information
may be stored during regular operations to facilitate
repair of detected malfunctions; other information
is stored only in a crash or near crash event by
computer systems commonly called event data
recorders (EDR).
In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such
as the Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
in your vehicle may record information about the
condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such
as engine speed, brake applications, throttle position,
vehicle speed, seat belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag
performance data, and the severity of a collision. This
information has been used to improve vehicle crash
performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety.Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these
on-board systems do not record sounds, such as
conversation of vehicle occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required.
GM will not access information about a crash event or
share it with others other than
with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a specic
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
7-9

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 specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-11

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-17
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-37
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-97
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-48, 3-55
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-49
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-55
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-58
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-55
What Will You See After an Air Bag
Inates?..................................................1-56
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-54
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-52
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
AM ...............................................................3-63
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-64
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...............3-33Appearance Care............................................5-88
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-91
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-94
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-88
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-91
Finish Damage............................................5-93
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-93
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-95
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-62
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-63
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-64
Care of Your CDs........................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-64
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-53
Radio with CD............................................3-45
Setting the Time..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-63
Automatic Operation........................................3-21
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-22
1

B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-9
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
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...........................................5-69
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-13, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-63
Your CD Player...........................................3-64
Your CDs ...................................................3-64
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-59
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-59
CD Messages........................................3-52, 3-61
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-73
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-37
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-38
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-40
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-8
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-28
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-98
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-20
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-22
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-27
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-33
Brake System Warning.................................3-32
Change Engine Oil......................................3-41
Charging System.........................................3-31
Cruise Control.............................................3-42
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning...............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-35
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-34
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-44
Low Traction...............................................3-34
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-42
7

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-29
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-41
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-40
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-34
OnStar®Services............................................2-33
OnStar®System.............................................2-33
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-34
Operation Tips................................................3-26
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4Outlet Adjustment............................................3-25
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-32
Power Mirrors.............................................2-32
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-25
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-12
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-28
Parking
Brake........................................................2-25
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-26
Passenger Control..........................................3-24
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-43
PASS-Key
®II .................................................2-17
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-58
Playing a CD.........................................3-51, 3-60
Playing the Radio...................................3-45, 3-53
9