1999 BUICK CENTURY power steering fluid

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-21 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-30 Battery
6
-31 Bulb Replacement
6
-40 Tires6
-50 Appearance Care
6
-50 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-55 Cleaning Tires
6
-57 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-58 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-64 Replacement Bulbs
6
-64 Capacities and Specifications
6
-65 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6
-65 Vehicle Dimensions

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When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirG. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Engine Oil Dipstick
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

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Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.)
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Power Steering Fluid

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6-25 When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine
compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
H mark. When it's cold,
the level should be at the
C mark. If the fluid is at
the ADD mark, you should
add fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate
Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

9-
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Section 9 Index
A
dding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . .
Air Bag
How Does it Restrain 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-21, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3, 3-6, 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Instant 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact
Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control 3-21 . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna
Backglass 3
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diversity 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Mast 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antifreeze 6
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-53, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Front Storage 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Rear Storage 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astroroof 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-29 . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems, Tips 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down Window 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic
Headlamp Control 2
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive (
)2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Operation 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . .

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Rear-Door Child Security 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Control 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low
Coolant Warning Light 2
-56, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Light 2-61, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Light 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Light 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid Warning Light 2-35, 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low-Beam Headlamps 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1, 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it's Organized 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle and the Environment 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual
Door Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manual Single Zone Climate Control 3
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview 2-44 . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Outside Foldaway 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Trunk Convenience 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Warning Light 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar
2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, (
) Automatic 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode 5-9 . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Owner Checks and Services 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
II 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Auxiliary Connection 2
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirrors 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat (Six-Way) 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Problems on the Road 5
-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner,
Ordering in Canada 8
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator, Adding Coolant 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rainy Weather Tips 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps, Rearview Mirror 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Child Security Locks 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Storage Armrest 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-42, 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Activation Illumination 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry Operation 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry Resynchronization 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .