battery BUICK CENTURY 2005 Owner's Manual

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-58

Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-5.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualied technician for service.
2-4

Remote Keyless Entry
System Operation
The remote keyless entry transmitter enables the
vehicle’s doors to be locked and unlocked, or the trunk
lid to be released, from about 3 feet (1 m) and up to
30 feet (9 m) away.
LOCK:Press the LOCK
button to lock all the doors.
UNLOCK:Press the UNLOCK button to unlock the
driver door and turn on the interior lamps. See
“Illumination on Remote Activation” later in this section
for more details. Press UNLOCK again to unlock
the passenger doors.
F(Trunk Release):To release the trunk lid, press
this button. The trunk will only unlock if the transaxle
is in PARK (P).
L(Remote Alarm):Press this button to activate an
alarm. The ignition must be in OFF or ACCESSORY for
the remote alarm to work. When the remote alarm
button is pressed, the headlamps will ash, the horn will
sound repeatedly, and the interior lamps will turn on.
The alarms will turn off when one of the following occurs:
The remote alarm button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter is pressed a second time.
The ignition is moved to RUN.
The alarms have been on for about two minutes.
Security Feedback
The remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed so that when the LOCK or UNLOCK
button is pressed, the vehicle gives visual or audible
feedback conrmation. Each lock or unlock command
verication must be programmed individually. The
ignition must be OFF for this feature to work.
Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not affect the programmed mode.
2-5

Battery Replacement
The battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter
should last about three years.
If the battery is weak the transmitter will not work within
its normal range. It is probably time to change the
battery if you have to be very close to the vehicle before
the transmitter works.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not
to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your
body transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.To replace the battery do the following:
1. Insert a at object like a thin coin into the slot on
the back of the transmitter and pry apart the front
and back.
2. Remove the old battery, but do not use a metal
object to do this. Make sure the new battery is a
type CR2032 or equivalent, and that the positive (+)
side of the battery is facing down.
3. Snap the front and back of the transmitter together.
4. Resynchronize and test the operation of the
transmitter with the vehicle.
Resynchronization
After the battery has been changed in the remote
keyless transmitter, it will need to be resynchronized.
To do this, press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK
buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter until
one horn chirp is heard.
2-9

After initially moving the shift lever out of and back into
PARK (P), each additional shift cycle will advance
the programming from the current mode to the next
operating mode. If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle
will enter operating Mode 1.
Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not affect the programmed mode.
Lockout Protection
The power door locks will not work if the key is in the
ignition and a door is open. You can override this feature
by holding the driver’s side power door lock switch for
more than three seconds.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your
door and set the locks from inside or with the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Then get out and close
the door.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-27.
2-12

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP),
certain features will continue to operate for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF unless
a door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If your engine will not start, or starts but then stops,
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for not more than 15 seconds at a time.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
2-19

Safe and Sound Plan

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

All Safe and Sound Plan services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
Luxury and Leisure Plan

All Directions and Connections Plan services
Personal Concierge
OnStar®Personal Calling
As an OnStar®subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability is available if your hand-held cell phone is
lost, forgotten, or has a low battery. It is a hands-free
wireless phone that is integrated into the vehicle.
Calls can be placed nationwide using simple voice
commands with no additional contracts and no additional
roaming charges. To nd out more about OnStar
®
Personal Calling, refer to the OnStar®user’s guide in
the vehicle’s glove box or visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com; or speak with an OnStar
advisor by pressing the OnStar
®button or by calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar®Personal Calling
that uses minutes to access up-to-date weather and
traffic reports for your area, news and sports updates,
stock quotes, entertainment and more. You are also able
to listen and reply to your e-mail through your vehicle’s
speakers. Customize your information prole at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®user’s guide for
more information.
2-32

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System.....................................3-14
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-15
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-16Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-18
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-21
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-28
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-29
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-30
Trip Odometer..............................................3-30
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-30
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-31
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-34
Low Traction Light........................................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

4. Release the power door LOCK switch. These steps
must be carried out in a time period of less than
10 seconds, followed by a delay period of no more
than 10 seconds.
5. Then, press and hold the unlock position on the
power door switch. While holding the unlock
position, turn the exterior lamps control on and off
two times. Release the unlock position on the power
door switch. These operations must be carried
out in a time period of less than 10 seconds.
After releasing the unlock position on the power door
switch, a single chime will be heard if the delayed
headlamp illumination function has been turned off.
Two chimes will be heard if the feature has been turned
on. Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a
year will not change the programmed operation for
this feature.Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of the 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, only the vehicle’s front turn
signal lamps will also be on. The headlamps,
taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps will not be on.
The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
3-14

Delayed Exit Lighting
This feature illuminates the interior for a period of time
after the ignition key is removed from the ignition.
The ignition must be off for delayed exit lighting to
work. When the ignition key is removed, interior
illumination will activate and remain on until one of the
following occurs:
The ignition is in RUN.
The power door locks are activated.
An illumination period of 25 seconds has elapsed.
If during the illumination period a door is opened,
the timed illumination period will be canceled and the
interior lamps will remain on.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the underside of the
rearview mirror. Press the button next to each lamp
to turn it on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This helps the vehicle’s battery from draining the battery
in case the interior courtesy lamps, reading lamps,
visor vanity lamps, trunk lamp, underhood lamp or glove
box lamps are left on. If any of these lamps are left
on while the ignition is off, they will automatically turn off
after 20 minutes. The lamps will not come back on
again until you do one of the following:
Turn the ignition on.
Turn the exterior lamps control off, then on.
Open a door.
If the vehicle has less than 15 miles (25 km) on the
odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps after
only three minutes.
3-17