1996 BUICK CENTURY service interval

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear.
If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for
New
Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information. When
rotating your tires, always
use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation,
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
in
the Index.
The purpose
of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires
on the vehicle. The first
rotation
is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services”
in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
1 A CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after
a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When
you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use
a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt
off. (See
“Changing a
Flat Tire” in the Index.)
6-40
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Scl aule
1 Short Trip/City Definition 1
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
a
a
a
a
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty
areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your car. (With some models, you should never tow a
trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One
of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooneE
Short Trip/City Intervals -
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection
(2.2L Code 4 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
7-4
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule
LOI- - Tripmighway Definition Long Tripmighway Intervals
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down
slowel:
gvery -1,500 Miles (12 5UV km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles
(25 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Exhaust Gas
Recirculation
(EGR) System Inspection (2.2L Code 4
engine only). Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Tlzese interwls
ordv summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to~follow the complete maintenance schedule on.
the-following pages.
7-5
ProCarManuals.com

I f d
I 1 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 1 ’
I
- I
.. .I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
. California Air Resources Board has determined that the
’ failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that
all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
. be recorded.
3,000 Miles ,(5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first),
An Emission Control Service.
,I_
I 7-6
I I I
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
A
ProCarManuals.com

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(1 66 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(1
66 000 km) at the same intervals.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission wairanty
or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage.
If
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension
and steering linkage (or every
12 months, whchever occurs
first).
0 Rotate tires. See ‘Tie Inspection and Rotation’’
in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information. During tire rotation,
check brake calipers for freedom
of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-26
ProCarManuals.com

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part
D.
Engine Cc --ant - - el Chc -’L
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the
Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Engine Oil Level Check Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-36
ProCarManuals.com

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval.
Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services”
or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts.
Your owner information portfolio
is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
SERVICED
BY READING
--
A
7-43
ProCarManuals.com

Instrument Panel ............................... 2-44
Brightness Control
............................ 2-34
Cleaning
.................................... 6-49
Cluster
..................................... 2-46
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-57
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-34
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-25
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-38
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels
....................................... 4-28
Certification
................................. 4-28
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-55
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-28
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-55
Lamps
........................................ 2-33
Interior
..................................... 2-34
Interior Lamp Delay
........................... 2-35
Onwarning
................................. 2-34
Underhood
.................................. 6-10
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-4
Liftgate Ajar Light .............................. 2-58
LiftgateLock
................................... 2-8
Lighter
....................................... 2-42
Lights Courtesy
.................................... 2-35
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-22
Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-2 1 . 2-49
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2-53. 4.8
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ............ 2-5 1. 4-6
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
............. 2-53
Battery Warning .............................. 2-50
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-50
Engine Oil Pressure
........................... 2-57
Interior
..................................... 2-34
Liftgate Ajar
................................. 2-58
Safety Belt Warning
............................ 1-8
Safety Belt Warning ........................... 2-49
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-54
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-28
Locks
......................................... 2-3
Automatic Door
............................... 2-4
Cylinders
................................... 7-38
Door
........................................ 2-3
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-38
Liftgate
...................................... 2-8
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-4
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-40
Trunk
....................................... 2-7
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-42
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-38
Luggage Carrier
................................ 2-42
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ........... 6-64
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-44
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Trip/Highway Definition
.............. 7-6. 7-27
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
................ 7-6. 7-27
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-37
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-41
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-42
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-3
. 9-5
ProCarManuals.com