1999 BUICK CENTURY jump start

5-
yellowblue
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-12 Cooling System
5
-20 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-21 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 Compact Spare Tire
5
-33 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

yellowblue
5-3
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please follow the steps below to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you.

They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

yellowblue
5-4
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put your automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlet. Turn off all lamps
that aren't needed as well as radios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it
could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. (Your
vehicle's battery is located toward the front of the
passenger's side of the vehicle's engine, under a
diagonal brace.)
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.

yellowblue
5-5
5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+)
jump starting terminal. The terminal is on the same
side of the engine compartment as your battery. To
uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, squeeze the
sides of the red plastic cap and pull the cap upward.
You should always use the remote positive (+)
terminal instead of the positive (+) terminal on
your battery.
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom

battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.

yellowblue
5-7
9. Now connect the black
negative (
-) cable to the
good battery's
negative (
-) terminal.
Don't let the other end
touch anything until the
next step. The other end
of the negative (
-) cable
doesn't go to the
dead battery.
It goes to a heavy, unpainted, metal part on the engine of
the vehicle with the dead battery.
10. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away
from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection is just as good
there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the
battery is much less.
11. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
12. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it
won't start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
electrical shorting. Take care that they don't touch
each other or any other metal.
14. Be sure to reinstall the remote positive (+) jump
starting terminal plastic cap on your vehicle.
A. Heavy Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery

yellowblue
6-30 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we
recommend an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that
has the replacement number shown on the original
battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

yellowblue
9-2
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside
Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary Power Connection 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BTSI 2
-21, 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-14, 2-30, 4-27, 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette
Deck Service 7
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player 3-15, 3-19, 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Errors 3-16, 3-20, 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-6
Instrument Panel 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel Brightness Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Courtesy 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading, Rearview Mirror 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-27 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-21, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-53, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake System Warning 2
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Light 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-56, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-61, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Tire 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid Warning 2-35, 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Warning 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-5, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks
Cylinders 7
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Protection Feature 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmable Automatic Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . .