1994 BUICK CENTURY coolant temperature

Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light
LOW
TRACTION
When your anti-lock
system is adjusting
brake pressure to help
avoid a braking
skid, the
“LOW
TRACTION’ light
will come on.
Slippery road conditions will exist if this light comes on,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The light will stay on
for
a few seconds after the system stops adjusting brake
pressure. The
“LOW TRACTION” light also comes on
briefly, as a
bulb check, when the engine is started.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
k F- 4ccN
TEMP
This light tells you that
your engine coolant has
overheated or your radiator
cooling fan is not working.
If you have been operating
your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you
should pull off the road,
stop your vehicle and turn
the engine
off as soon as
possible.
The chapter “Problems on the Road,” in this manual
explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, your engine is too
100 -E- 260 i
T lm,
hot!

TEMPERATURE
That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
The chapter “Problems on the Road,”
in this manual
explains what
to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
A computer monitors
operation of your fuel,
ignition and emission
control systems. This light
should come on when the
ignition is on, but the
engine is not running, as
a
check to show you it is
working.
If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If
it stays on, or it comes on while you are driving, the
computer is indicating that
you have a problem. You
should take your vehicle
in for service soon.
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Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage or the warning
light about a hot engine on
your Buick’s instrument
panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
I NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when
you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
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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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Radiator Pressure Cap
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir
is located on the
passenger’s side
of the
engine compartment.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
0 When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the
“H” (Hot) mark.
0 When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the “C” (Cold) mark.
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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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ConvenienceNet ................................ 105
Convex Outside Mirror
........................... 104
Coolant Engine
...................................... 223
Engine. Warning Light/Gage
................ 115. 116
Heater
................................... 78. 2 1 8
Safety Warnings
.............................. 184
Courtesy Lights
................................. 102
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 285
Cruise Control
................................... 94
Customer Assistance
............................. 28 1
HearindSpeech Impaired
....................... 283
Satisfaction Procedure
......................... 282
Daytime Running Lights
.......................... 99
Defensive Driving
............................... 139
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 123
Defrost
........................................ 123
Dimensions Chart
................................ 257
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
........................ 230
DoorLocks
...................................... 67
Driving Disposal of Used Oil
............................. 218
Downshifting
.................................... 8 1
AtNight .................................... 152
City
........................................ 156
Defensively
.................................. 140
Drunken
.................................... 140
Freeway
..................................... 157
Hill and Mountain ............................. 160 In
a Foreign Country
........................... 210
InRain
..................................... 154
Long Distance
................................ 158
OnCurves
................................... 147
On Snow or Ice
............................... 162
Through Deep Standing Water
.................... 77
Winter
...................................... 161
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..................... 254
Emergency Braking
..................................... 147
Starting
..................................... 173
Steering
..................................... 148
Towing
..................................... 178
Engine Block Heater (Coolant Heater)
................ 78. 218
Coolant
..................................... 223
Coolant Temperature Light/Gage
............. 1116 15.
Exhaust
...................................... 86
Identification
(VIN) ........................... 253
Oil
......................................... 213
Oil Additives
................................. 217
Oil Pressure Warning Light ..................... 117
Overheating
.................................. 184
Starting
...................................... 76
Ethanol
In Gasoline .............................. 209
Expectant Mothers. Use
of Safety Belts ............... 42
Expressway Driving
.............................. 157
Extender. Safety Belt
.............................. 63
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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
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