1994 BUICK CENTURY oil change

NOTICE:
If you use oils that do not have either the
“starburst” symbol or an
API SH or SG
designation, you can cause engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Buick dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
0 Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less
0 The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
0 You tow a trailer often.
0 Most trips are through dwty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none
of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and at every
other oil change after that.
than
10 miles (1 6 km).
door-to-door delivery,
or in stop-and-go traffic).
217
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in
the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for
your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure
to drain all free-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of
oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station
or a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
Your air cleaner is on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment.
To check or replace the filter, use a
screwdriver to loosen
the hose clamp, then lift the
rubber duct.
218
ProCarManuals.com

I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire.
And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner
in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at a Buick dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
I NOTICE:
loo much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come
out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get
an accurate reading
if you check your transaxle
fluid.
220
ProCarManuals.com

IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL
AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I protection
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer
for details.
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it.
You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you
may drive it to work, to do errands
or in many other
ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements
than you will
find in the schedules in this part.
So please read this
part and note how you drive.
If you have any questions
on
how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
Buick dealer, the place many GM owners choose to
have their maintenance work done.
Your dealer can be
relied upon to use proper parts and practices.
262
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I
~
Follow Schedule I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions:
0 When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers).
0 When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below fr\
eezing.
0 When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-spee\
d operation as in stop-and-go traffic.
0 Towing a trailer.*?
0 When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule I should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications. \
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or
Services Following Months, Whichever
Schedules I and 11) Occurs First KILOMETERS (000)
WHEN TO PERFORM MILES (000)
3
Item No.
Every30oOmi.(50@)km)or months 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1. Engine oil & Filter Change
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80
3. Tire & Wheel Rotation &
Every other oil change 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2. Chassis Lubrication
every 15 ooo mi. (25 ooo km)
At 6 OOO mi. (10 000 km) and
or as necessary
4. Engine Accessory Drive
5. Cooling System Service"
Inspection
0 0 0
Belt(s)
Inspection* Every 30 OOO mi.
(50 000 km) or 24 months. 0
266
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I1
I Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply.
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
1. Engine Oil Change*
Oil Filter Change"
2. Chassis Lubrication
3. Tire & Wheel Rotation & Inspection
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection*
5. Cooling System Service*
MILES (000)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
or as necessary
Every
30 000 mi. (50 OOO km) or 24 mos.
268
ProCarManuals.com

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should
be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH or SG’ designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD’ or
“SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant
at the proper mixture as specified.
See “Coolant” in the
Index.
This provides proper freeze protection and boil
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and maintain
proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test
of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
270
ProCarManuals.com

Fabric Cleaning ................................ 246
Features and Controls ............................. 65
Filling
the Fuel Tank ............................. 21 1
Filter. Oil ............................... 2 13.259. 260
Finish Care
..................................... 249
Finish Damage
.................................. 25 1
First Gear
....................................... 82
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 172
Flat Tire
....................................... 193
FloodedEngine
.................................. 76
Fluid Brake
....................................... 228
Capacities
............................... 259. 260
Power Steering ............................... 226
Transaxle
.................................... 220
Windshield Washer
............................ 227
Fluids and Lubricants. Recommended
................ 277
Folding Rear Seats
................................ 17
Foreign Operation
............................... 2 10
Francais. Guide En ................................. 2
Freeway Driving
................................ 157
French Language Manual ........................... 2
Fuel
.......................................... 209
Capacity
................................ 259. 260
FillingYourTank
............................. 211
Gage
....................................... 112
In Foreign Countries
........................... 210
Fuse Usage Chart ................................ 255
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................ 254
Gage
Battery (Voltage Indicator)
...................... 119
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 116
Fuel ........................................ 112
Gasoline
....................................... 209
Gasoline Tank. Filling Your
........................ 211
Gear Positions
................................... 79
Glass Cleaning
.................................. 248
GloveBox
...................................... 73
Halogen Bulbs
................................. 232
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 172
Headlamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 232
High-Low Beam Changer
....................... 91
“On” Warning ................................. 99
Head Restraints
.................................. 17
Hearing Impaired Assistance
....................... 283
Heater
......................................... 123
Highway Hypnosis
............................... 159
Hill and Mountain Roads
.......................... 160
Hitches. Trailer .................................. 167
Hood Release
................................... 212
Hot Coolant Warning Light/Gage
............... 11 5. 116
Hot Engine Safety Warnings
....................... 184
Headlights
...................................... 98
Heater. Engine Block (Engine Coolant Heater)
.. ., ... 78, 218
Horn
........................................... 88
Hydroplaning ................................... 155
294
ProCarManuals.com