1998 BUICK CENTURY Trunk

2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-8 Remote Keyless Entry System
2
-13 Trunk
2
-14 Theft
2
-15 Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-17 PASS-Key
II
2
-18 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-19 Ignition Positions
2
-21 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-27 Parking Brake
2
-28 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-30 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-31 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-32 Engine Exhaust
2
-32 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-33 Windows
2
-34 Tilt Wheel
2
-35 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-40 Exterior Lamps
2
-43 Interior Lamps
2
-46 Mirrors
2
-52 Storage Compartments
2
-58 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-58 OnStar
System (Option)
2
-60 Universal Transmitter (Option)
2
-64 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-68 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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2-8
Remote Keyless Entry System
You can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your
trunk from about 3 feet
(1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m)
away using the remote
keyless entry transmitter
supplied with your vehicle.
Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.This device complies with RSS
-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

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This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet
(9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This
is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to
your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
The driver's door will unlock when UNLOCK is
pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five
seconds, both doors will unlock. Pressing the UNLOCK
button will also illuminate the interior lamps. See
ªIlluminated Entryº in the Index. Both doors will lock
when LOCK is pressed.
The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed
when the ignition is off. The trunk button will also work
when the ignition is on, but only while the vehicle is in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Instant Alarm
When the button with the horn symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound
and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to one
minute. This can be turned off by pressing the instant
alarm button again or by turning the ignition on.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Universal
Theft
-Deterrent feature, you may also turn off the
instant alarm by unlocking the vehicle with a key.

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Mode 5: Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering
lamps (if equipped) flash and horn chirps when locking;
exterior lamps flash when unlocking vehicle.
Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 5. To
change to another mode:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Press and hold LOCK on the driver's power door
lock switch throughout the procedure.
3. Press the trunk button on the transmitter to enter the
programming mode. The transmitter will remain in
its current mode.
4. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk
button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the
transmitter will advance to the next mode.
5. Release the power door lock switch.
This procedure changes the mode for only the
transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure
will need to be repeated for the second transmitter.Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.
See your dealer to match additional transmitters to
your vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.

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2-13
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, turn the lock cover
to expose the key hole. Insert the door key and turn it.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the TRUNK release
button located below the
driver's door handle to
release the trunk lid. The
trunk will open if the
transaxle is in PARK (P)
and if the trunk release
lockout is not off.
If you have the remote keyless entry system, it also
will unlock your trunk if the ignition is off, or if the
ignition is on and the transaxle is in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).

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2-14 Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The trunk release lockout switch in the glove box allows
you to secure items in the trunk. Move the trunk release
switch off, lock the glove box and take the key with you.
Now the trunk release on the driver's door will not open
the trunk.
Trunk Security Override
The remote keyless entry transmitter will open the trunk
even if the trunk release lockout switch is off.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
With the ignition off and the driver's door open, you'll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

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2-15 Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

Close all windows.

Move the trunk release lockout switch to OFF.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent
alarm system. With this system, if your ignition is off,
the SECURITY light will flash as you open the door.
This light reminds you to
activate the theft
-deterrent
system. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
remote keyless entry system. The SECURITY light
should come on and stay on.
3. Close both doors. The SECURITY light should go
off after about 30 seconds. The security system is not
armed until the SECURITY light is off. If the
SECURITY light stays on or flashes when the
ignition is turned on, there is a problem with the
system and the vehicle should be serviced.
If the SECURITY light comes on for one minute and
then shuts off while the ignition is on, the security
system has detected a problem. See your dealer
for service.

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If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or
remote keyless entry system, the alarm will go off. It
will also go off if the trunk lock or door locks are
damaged. Your vehicle's lamps will flash and the horn
will sound for one minute, then will go off to save
battery power.
Remember, the theft
-deterrent system won't be activated
if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It only activates if you use a power door lock
switch or remote keyless entry system. You should also
remember that you can start your vehicle with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off, but this
does not shut off the alarm.
Here's how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

If you don't want to activate the theft
-deterrent
system, lock the door either using a key or the
manual door lock switch.

Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry system. Unlocking a door any other
way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock either door
with your key.
You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK
on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won't
stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver's
window and open the driver's door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle's lamps flash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see
ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
If the alarm does not sound, or the vehicle's lamps do
not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.