1994 BUICK CENTURY cooling

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure
to follow this procedure could cause your
engine
to overheat and be severely damaged.
1. You can remove the
1 radiator pressure cap
when the cooling
system, including the
radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn
the pressure cap slowly
to the left until it first
stops. (Don't press
down while turning the
pressure cap.)
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid
to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull
out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL).
Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made especially for
your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other
than DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE is
not covered
by your new vehicle warranty. dipstick
hole
to bring it to the proper level.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. The following explains
your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if
you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 “F ( 128 “C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add
anything else.
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If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your Buick
model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only
SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the front tires and tighten them as
tightly
as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow
down
until it stops. Driving too fast with chains
on will damage your vehicle.
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Capacities and Specifications
Engine Code 3100 MFI V6 Code M (L82)
Belt Tensions - Fuel Tank Capacity -
Automatically controlled by a self-tensioning idler 16.5 gallons/62.6 liters
pulley. Tension adjustment should never be
Automatic Transaxle Capacity -
(4T60-E) 4-Speed
necessary.
Complete System
- 1 1.6 quarts/l0.9 1
Cooling System Capacity -
Crankcase Capacity (Less Filter) -
4 quarts/3.8 liters iters
Air
Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity (R-134a) -
2.0 lbs. (0.90 kilograms)
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system
in your vehicle
needs refrigerant, be sure
the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you’re not sure ask your Buick dealer.
For additional information, see your “Warranty
and Owner Assistance Information’’ booklet. Pan
Removal and Replacement
-
6 quarts/5.7 liters
8 quarts/7.6 liters
After
Complete Overhaul
-
Maintenance Item Part Numbers -
Air Filter - A1233C
Fuel Filter
- GF580A
Oil Filter
- PF47
PCV Valve
- CV892C
Spark Plug
- R44LTSM6, GAP 0.60” (1 SOmm)
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Capacities and Specifications
I
I Engine Code 4 (LN2) 2.2L L4 PFI
Belt Tensions -
Automatically controlled by an idler pulley.
Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System Capacity -
Complete System - 8.74 quarts/8.27 liters
Crankcase Capacity (Less Filter) -
4 quarts/3.8 liters
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity (R-134a) -
1.75 lbs. (.79 kilograms)
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are
the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle
needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you’re not sure ask your Buick dealer.
For additional information, see your “Warranty
and Owner Assistance Information” booklet.
Fuel Tank Capacity -
Automatic Transaxle Capacity -
16.5 gallons/62.6 liters
(3T40) 3-Speed
Pan Removal and Replacement
-
After Complete Overhaul - 7 quarts/6.6 liters
4 quarts/3.8 liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers -
Air Filter - A905C
Oil Filter - PF47
PCV Valve - CV9OOC
Spark Plug
- 41-908, GAP 0.06” (1.502mm)
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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
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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.
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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.
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