1996 BUICK CENTURY brakes

Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key
to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
lever is in PARK (P).
A C A UTION:
-
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move.
You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot
on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
7-39
ProCarManuals.com

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed
at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should
let your GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure an.y necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Buick Service Manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front- Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well
as open seams, holes, loose
connections or other conditions which could cause a
heat
build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts
as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits
or conditions result in frequent braking.
7-40
ProCarManuals.com

1996 BUCK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1996 BUCK
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1996 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owner’s and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for
all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

Section 9 Index
Air Bag ...................................... I -2 1
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-23
How it Works ................................ 1-22
Location
.................................... 1-22
Readiness Light
......................... 1-21? 2-49
Servicing
................................... 1-25
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 2-23
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-23
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-14
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-2
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-64
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-43
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-5 I
Antenna. Fixed ................................. 3-10
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-22
Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light
................. 2-53. 4.8
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-5 1. 4.6
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Appearancecare
............................... 6-46
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-54
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-6
Armrest. Storage
............................... 2-39
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-42 Audio
Equipment. Adding
......................... 3-9
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-4
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-4
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-17
Automatic Transaxle Check
....................... 7-38
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
........................ 6-17
Automatic Transaxle Operation
.................... 2-16
Shifting
..................................... 2-16
Automatic Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
......... 7-40
Battery
...................................... 6.3 2
Jump Starting
................................. 5-2
Warning Light
............................... 2-50
Warnings
................................ 5.2. 5.4
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-6
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-6
Brake Replacement.
Remote Keyless Entry
............... 2-6
Adjustment
.................................. 6-31
Fluid
....................................... 6-29
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-29
Parking
..................................... 2-19
PedalTravel
................................. 6-31
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-32
System Warning Light
......................... 2-50
9-1
ProCarManuals.com

Trailer ...................................... 4-33
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-23
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-39
Wear
....................................... 6-31
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 4-8
Break.In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 10
BTSI
......................................... 2-23
BTSICheck
................................... 7-39
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-33
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-4
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-6 1
Carbon Monoxide .................... 2.24.4.27. 4.33
Cargo Security Cover
............................ 2-40
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-37
Cassette Tape Player
............................. 3-6
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 3-9
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-27
Certification Label
.............................. 4-28
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-33
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-45
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-46
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-53
Child Restraints
................................ 1-33
Securing in the Center Seat Position
.............. 1-36
Changing a
Flat Tire
.. t. .......................... 5-24
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-34
Securing in
the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-38
TopStrap
................................... 1-33
WheretoPut
................................ 1-33 Cigarette
Lighter
............................... 2-42
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-57
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-14
Cleaning
...................................... 6-46
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-51
Fabric
...................................... 6-47
Glass
....................................... 6-49
Inside
of Your Buick .......................... 6-46
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-49
Leather
..................................... 6-49
Outside
of Your Buick ......................... 6-50
Special Problems
............................. 6-48
Stains
...................................... 6-48
Tires
....................................... 6-52
Vinyl ....................................... 6-48
Wheels
..................................... 6-51
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-50
Climate Control System ........................... 3-1
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-4
Coinholder
.................................... 2-39
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-37
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
Convenience Net
............................... 2-40
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-38
Coolant
....................................... 6-22
Bleedvalves
................................. 5-21
Heater. Engine
............................... 2-14
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-16
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-35
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-5
Cover. Cargo Security ........................... 2-40
Cooling System
................................ 5-15
9-2
ProCarManuals.com

Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-47
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter, Air
..................................... 6-14
Filter, Engine Oil
............................... 6- 14
Finish Care
.................................... 6-5 1
Finish Damage ................................. 6-52
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2- 19
Flashers, Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire, Changing ............................. 5-24
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-42
Foreign Countries, Fuel
........................... 6-4
French Language Manual
11
Front Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................ 6-34
FrontTowing
................................... 5-9
Front Turn and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement
...... 6-34
Fuel
.......................................... 6-2
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-4
Gage
....................................... 2-59
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-57
.. ...........................
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-54
Fuel
....................................... 2-59
GAWR
....................................... 4-28
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2- 16
GloveBox .................................... 2-38
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-28
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-28
Guide en Franpis
11 .. .................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-28 Halogen
Bulbs
................................ 6-33
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-4
Headlamps .................................... 2-33
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-33
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-28
Onwarning
................................. 2-34
Wiring
..................................... 6-56
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heating
........................................ 3-2
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-28
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-33
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-6
Prop
........................................ 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-6
Horn
......................................... 2-26
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-17
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2. 1 0
Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-39
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-37
Inspections
.................................... 7-41
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-41
Radiator and Heater
Hose ...................... 7-41
Steering
.................................... 7-41
Suspension
.................................. 7-41
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-41
Brakesystem
................................ 7-41
9-4
ProCarManuals.com

Tires ......................................... 6-38
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-43
BuyingNew
................................. 6-41
Chains
..................................... 6- 45
Changing a Flat
.............................. 5-24
Cleaning
.................................... 6-52
Compact Spare
............................... 5-37
Inflation
.................................... 6-39
Inflation Check
............................... 7-37
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-40
Loading
.................................... 4-28
Pressure
.................................... 6-39
Temperature
................................. 6-43
Traction
.................................... 6-43
Treadwear
................................... 6-43
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-42
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-4 1
Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-44
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-41
TopStrap
..................................... 1-33
TorqueLock
................................... 2-22
Torque. Wheel
Nut .............................. 5-33
Torque. Wheel Nut
.............................. 6-62
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-30
Traction
...................................... 6-43
Towing
Your Vehicle
............................. 5-7 Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-33
Drivingwith
................................. 4-34
Hitches
..................................... 4-33
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-36
Parking on Hills
.............................. 4-36
Safety Chains
................................ 4-33
Tongueweight
............................... 4-32
Towing
..................................... 4-30
Turnsignals
................................. 4-35
Weight
..................................... 4-31
Automatic
................................... 6-17
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry
................. 2-4
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-5
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-48
Trunk
Lock
........................................ 2-7
Release, Remote
............................... 2-7
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-3
Turn Signal
and Lane Change Indicator ............. 2-27
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-28
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-27
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-35
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-32
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-35
9-9
ProCarManuals.com