1997 BUICK CENTURY check engine

Starter Switch Check Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
I A CAUTION:
I
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below. injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in
the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK
(P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
~~ 7-39
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Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
0 The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is
in PARK (P).
0 The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK
(P)
Mechanism Check Park on
a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
0 To check the parking brake’s holding ability: 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.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
1
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
injured and property could be damaged. Make can collect.
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. At
least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
7-40
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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 any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures
to perform these services may be
found in a
GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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 damaged 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.
7-41
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1997 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 1997 BUICK
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
1997 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.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
PO. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners 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: $1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
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.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
ProCarManuals.com

Drunken Driving ................................ 4-3 Fabric Cleaning ............................. 6-46
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control
......... 3-7 Features and Controls ............................ 2-1
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control .................. 3-4 Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5
Filter.Air
..................................... 6-15
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..... 2.20. 2-5 1. 3-35: 6-56
Electrical Equipment. Adding
........... 2-20. 3.35. 6-55
Electrical System
............................... 6-56
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror
.......... 2-47
Engine
........................................ 6-9
Coolant
..................................... 6-20
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-20
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-37
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-60
Coolant Temperature Light
..................... 2-60
Exhaust
..................................... 2-30
Identification
................................ 6-55
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-37
Overheating
................................. 5-15
Running While Parked
......................... 2-3 1
Specifications ................................ 6-63
Starting Your
................................ 2- I9
Engine011
.................................... 6-10
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives
................................... 6-13
Checking ................................... 6-11
Used
....................................... 6-14
What Kind to Use
............................. 6- I2
Whentochange
.............................. 6-14
Ethanol ........................................ 6-4
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-30
Exterior Lamps
................................. 2-41 Filter. Engine
Oil
............................... 6-14
Filter. Passenger Compartment Air
................. 6-16
Finish Care
.................................... 6-50
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire
. Changjng ............................. 5-25
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-42
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual 11
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp
Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-31
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-11
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
Canadian
................................ 6-3. 6-5
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-68
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Bre.akers ....................... 6-57
Finish Damage
................................. 6-52
.. ...........................
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-60
Fuel
....................................... 2-68
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-22
GloveBox
.................................... 2-49
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-29
GAWR
....................................... 4-29
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-29
9-4
ProCarManuals.com

Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-28
Lighter
....................................... 2-50
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-20’2-56
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2-59, 4-9
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-58, 4-7
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-57
Change Oil Soon
............................. 2-66
Charging System
............................. 2-57
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning
...................... 2-68
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
............... 2-60
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2-61, 6-22
LowFuel
................................... 2-68
Low Oil Level
.......................... 2-65, 6- 10
Low Traction ................................ 2-6 1
Low Washer Fluid Warning ................ 2-37, 2-67
Oilwarning
................................. 2-64
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-5, 2-56
Security
.................................... 2-66
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-62
Service Vehicle Soon
.......................... 2-67
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-28
Cylinders
................................... 7-38
Delayed Locking
.............................. 2-8
Cruise
...................................... 2-67
Locks Automatic Power Door
......................... 2-7
Door
........................................ 2-4
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................. 7-40
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-38
Lockout Prevention Feature
...................... 2-5
ManualDoor
................................. 2-4 PowerDoor
.................................. 2-3
Rear Door Security Locks ....................... 2-6
Trunk
...................................... 2-15
Window
..................................... 2-32
Loss of Control
................................ 4-13
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2-61, 6-22
Low Oil Level Light
....................... 2-65, 6-10
Low Traction Light ............................. 2-61
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ............. 2-37, 2-67
Low-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Lubricants
and Fluids ............................ 7-42
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-38
LowFuelLight
................................ 2-68
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-63
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-44
How it’s Organized
............................ 7-3
Long Trip/Highway
........................... 7-27
Long Trip/Highway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Tripmighway Intervals ..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-37
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-41
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City
................................ 7-7
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................ 7-2
and Lubricants ............................... 7-42
Maintenance, Underbody
......................... 6-53
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-37
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Introduction
.................................. 7-2
Maintenance Schedule, Recommended Fluids
9-6
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. ... 2-62
Manual
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Front Seat
.................................... 1-2
Outside Mirrors .............................. 2-47
Manual Single Zone Climate Control
................ 3-2
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-46
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
............. 2-47
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-48
Heated Foldaway Outside
...................... 2-48
Inside Day/Night Rearview
..................... 2-46
Manual Outside
.............................. 2-47
Power Outside
............................... 2-48
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-5 I
MMT ......................................... 6-4
Mountain Roads
................................ 4-22
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-34
Net. Convenience
.............................. 2-49
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-23
New Vehicle "Break-In"
......................... 2- I7
Nightvision ................................... 4-15
Odometer
.................................... 2-55
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-55
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 1 1
Oil. Engine .................................... 6-10
Oil Warning Light
.............................. 2-64
Overdrive.
(a) Automatic ................... 2-24.2-25
Overheating Engine
............................. 5- 15
Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-37
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8-10
Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-53
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-22
Shifting Into
................................. 2-27
Shifting
Out of ............................... 2-29
AtNight
.................................... 2-15
Brake
...................................... 2-26
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-40
Lots
....................................... 2-15
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-30
With
a Trailer ................................ 4-36
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
.................. 6-16
Passing
....................................... 4-12
PASS-Key
I1 ................................. 2-16
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-41
Power
Auxiliary Connection
.......................... 2-51
Option Fuses
................................ 6-56
Outside Mirrors
.............................. 2-48
Retained Accessory
........................... 2-46
Seat (Six-Way)
................................ 1-3
Steering
..................................... 4-9
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-24
Windows
................................... 2-32
Pregnancy . Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-18
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
................... 8-10
Parking
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Publications. Service and Owner. Ordering
in Canada ... 8-9
9-7
ProCarManuals.com

Safety Belts. Care ............................... 6-49
Safety Chains
.................................. 4-34
Safety Defects. Reporting
......................... 8-8
Safety Warnings and Symbols ...................... v111
Scheduled Maintenance Services ............... : .... 7-4
Seatback Reclining Front
............................... 1-3
Seats ManualFront
................................. 1-2
Power
....................................... 1-3
Restraint Systems
.............................. 1 - 1
Seatcontrols ................................. 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint . . 1-49. 1-50. 1-5 1. 1-53. 1-54
Six-Way Power
............................... 1-3
Two-WayManual
............................. 1-2
Second Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................. 2-25
Security Light
.................................. 2-66
Security System
................................ 2- 16
Service ........................................ 6-2
Bulletins. Ordering
............................ 8- 10
Engine Soon Light
............................ 2-62
Manuals. Ordering
............................ 8- 10
Parts Identification Label
....................... 6-55
Publications. Ordering
......................... 8- 10
Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6- 1
Service Vehicle Soon Light ....................... 2-67
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Buick
............ 1-24
Sheet Metal Damage
............................ 6-52
ShiftLever
.................................... 2-22
Shifting Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-22
...
IntoPark .................................... 2-27
Outofpark
.................................. 2-29
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
..................... 1 . 13
Signaling Turns ................................ 2-34
Six-Way Power Seat
............................. 1-3
Skidding ...................................... 4-13
Sound Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-35
Spare Tire. Compact
............................. 5-37
Specifications and Capacities
...................... 6-62
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-63
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-4
Speedometer
................................... 2-55
SRS
......................................... 1-19
Stains. Cleaning
................................ 6-46
Starter Switch Check
............................ 7-39
Starting Your Engine
............................ 2-19
Steam
........................................ 5-15
Steering
....................................... 4-9
in Emergencies ............................... 4-10
Power ....................................... 4-9
Tips
......................................... 4-9
Variable Assist (Magnasteer
TM ) ................... 4-9
Wheel.
Tilt .................................. 2-33
Steering Wheel Touch Controls. Audio
.............. 3-33
Storage Armrest
................................ 2-49
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-49
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-30
Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-38
Sunvisors .................................... 2-50
Sunroof
....................................... 2-52
Symbols. Vehicle .................................. x
Synchronization. Remote Keyless Entry ............. 2-14
9-9
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