1994 BUICK CENTURY gas type

What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly
stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system
triggers a chemical reaction
of the sodium azide sealed
in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas,
which inflates the cloth bag. The inflator, cloth bag, and
related hardware are all part
of the air bag inflator
module packed inside the steering wheel.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel.
The air bag supplements
the protection provided by
safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not
provide protection in many types
of collisions, including
rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags
should never be regarded as anything more than a
supplement to safety belt protection in moderate
to
severe frontal and near-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflation?
After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly
deflate. This occurs
so quickly that some people may
not even realize that the air bag inflated. Some
components of the air bag module in the steering wheel
hub may be hot for a short time, but the portion of the
bag that comes into contact with
you will not be hot to
the touch. There will be small amounts of smoke and
dust coming from vents in the deflated air bag. The air
bag will
not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer
the vehi,cle, nor will it hinder the occupants from exiting
the vehicle.
The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it
inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include the air bag module and
possibly other parts. The service manual has
information about the need to replace other parts.
0 Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,
which records information about the air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the sensors are activated and
whether the driver’s safety belt was
in use.
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Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst
into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if
you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When
you use anything from a container to clean your
Buick, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
0 Benzene
Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
0 Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than others --
and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
I NOTICE:
Don’t use any of these unless this manual says
you can. In many uses, these
will damage your
vehicle:
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Buick
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with
a clean, damp cloth.
Your Buick dealer has two
GM cleaners, a solvent-type
spot lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will
clean normal spots and stains very well.
Do not use
them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
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6. ’Ikande Service -- Change both the fluid and filter
every 15,000 miles
(25 0oO km) 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.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
9. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
Inspection
(2.2 L Code 4 engine only) *? ---
Conduct the EGR system service as described in the
service manual.
To purchase a service manual, see
“Service Publications” in the Index.
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles (50 0o0 km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
11.
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection*? -- Inspect
fuel
tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect
fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint
or any
damage. Replace parts as needed. Periodic replacement
of the fuel filter is not required.
If you
do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every 100,OOO miles (160 OOO km).
7. Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart”
in
the Index.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection*’f’ -- Inspect for bums,
cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as
needed.
* An Emission Control Service.
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the fail\
ure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E:Maintenance Record”.
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