The 1996 Buick Century Owner’s Manual
Seats and Restraint Systems .............................................................
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains “SRS” system.
This section explains how to start and operate your Buick.
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your
audio system.
YourDrivingandtheRoad ..............................................................
Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
ProblemsontheRoad ..................................................................
This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or
overheated engine, etc.
Here the manual tells you how to keep your Buick running properly and looking good.
This section tells you
when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
This section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service publications. It also
gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page
8-7.
Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something
you want to read.
FeaturesandControls ..................................................................
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems .....................................................
Service and Appearance Care ............................................................
Maintenanceschedule....... ...........................................................
Customer Assistance Information ........................................................
Index ........................................................................\
........
1-1
2- 1
3- 1
4-1
5-1
6-1
7-1
8-1
9-1
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Convenience Net (Option)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You'll see it
just inside the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net.
It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store them
in the
trunk as far forward as
you can. You can unhook the net
so that it will lie flat when you're not using it.
Wagon Cargo Security Cover (Option)
This cover is designed to help conceal articles in the
rear storage area. It pulls out and retracts like a
window shade.
If you have the optional rear-facing third seat, make sure
it is folded down.
A CAUT7N:
An improperly stored cargo coy could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured.
If you remove the cover, always store it
properly secured. When you put it back, always
be sure that
it is securely reattached.
2-40
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Loading Your Vehicle
TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION VEHICLE CAP.
WT.
FRT. CTR. RR. TOTAL LBS.
MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY WEIGHT
XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE SPEED PRESSURE
RTG PSI/KPa
FRT.
RR.
SPA.
IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives
you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and
the total weight that you can
carry. This weight
is called the vehicle capacity weight
and includes the weight
of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed options.
MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP
DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI-
CABLE
U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY, BUMPER,
AND THEFT PREVENTION
STANDARDS
IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
I
The other label, is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of
the driver’s door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes
the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
If
you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
Don’t carry more than 160 lbs.
(72 kg) in the sedan
trunk or
300 lbs. (136 kg) in the wagon rear area.
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I NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage.
To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Don’t try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare
tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover in
the trunk or, if
you have the wagon, in the rear cargo area, until you
have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
I NOTICE:
Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If
you try to put a wheel cover on your compact
spare,
you could damage the cover or the spare.
A CAUTIGN:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment
of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
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Fuse I qe Chart Fuse Circuitry
I----
ECM INJ/COIL UNLOCK FANiALT
GAUGES
STOP HAZ CTSY WDo
FRONT VIEW OF FUSE BLOCK
Fuse
ECM INJ/COIL
Circuitry
Powertrain Control Module Fuel Injectors UNLOCK Auto
Door Locks (Remove
this
fuse to disable the automatic
door unlock.)
FAN/ALT Electric Fan, Starter
and Generator, Seq. Fuel
Inj
(V6), Cruise Control,
Anti-Lock Brakes
TURN B/U Back-up Lamps
AIR BAG Supplemental Inflatable
Restraint (Air Bag System)
TAIL
HTR A/C
GAGES Taillamps,
Parking, Sidemarker,
License Plate, Stopflurn Signal
Heater/Air Conditioner
Blower Controls
IA? Cluster, Warning Indicators,
Torque Converter Clutch,
Audible Warning System, Trunk
Release, Brake Warning
Indicator, Rear Defog Switch,
Remote Keyless
Entry,
Headlamps, Air Bag System
6-58
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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
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