coolant BUICK CENTURY 2005 Owner's Guide

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
5-57

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-53.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transaxle uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-22for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-9

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 5-53for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to rotate or turn
the spare tire. If it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-70.
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 2-24if 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.
6-10

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. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. 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. Look for
Approved for the H-Specication
on the label.
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).
6-13

Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-66
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-87
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-82
Finish Care.................................................5-86
Glass Surfaces............................................5-85
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-84
Tires..........................................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Vinyl..........................................................5-84
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-87
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Dual..........................................................3-18
Dual Automatic............................................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-26
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-81Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-33
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Cooling System..............................................5-27
Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities.......................................... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System.......................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-16
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-17
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-13
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Trunk Ajar Warning Light..............................3-42
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-31
Winter........................................................4-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-21
Dual Climate Control System............................3-18
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-90
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-91
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-91
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-94
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-39
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-26
Overheating................................................5-25
Starting......................................................2-19
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Warning Light.............................................3-34
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
4

Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-66
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-79
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Front Storage Area.........................................2-33
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-42
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-43
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-91
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-94
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-42
Speedometer..............................................3-30
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-33
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities............................................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-45
5

LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-31
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-33
Brake System Warning.................................3-32
Change Engine Oil......................................3-40
Charging System.........................................3-32
Cruise Control.............................................3-41
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning...............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-35
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-34
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-43
Low Traction...............................................3-34
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-41
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-36
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-30
Security.....................................................3-41
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-42
Tire Pressure..............................................3-36
Lighting
Delayed Entry.............................................3-16
Delayed Exit...............................................3-17
Entry.........................................................3-16Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Door..........................................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-12
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-43
Low Traction Light..........................................3-34
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-41
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
7