1999 BUICK CENTURY warning lights

yellowblue
v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

2-
yellowblue
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
-7 Remote Keyless Entry
2
-14 Trunk
2
-14 Theft
2
-15 PASS-Key
II
2
-16 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-17 Ignition Positions
2
-18 Starting Your V6 Engine
2
-19 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-20 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-25 Parking Brake
2
-26 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-29 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-30 Engine Exhaust
2
-30 Running Your Engine While You're Parked2
-31 Windows
2
-32 Horn
2
-32 TILT-WHEEL Adjustable Steering Column
2
-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-38 Exterior Lamps
2
-40 Interior Lamps
2
-42 Mirrors
2
-44 Storage Compartments
2
-46 Sun Visors
2
-46 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
2
-46 Astroroof (If Equipped)
2
-47 OnStar
(Option)
2
-48 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-49 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-50 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

yellowblue
2-17
Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be injured or even killed. They could
operate power windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in
the vehicle with children.
With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the
switch to five positions:
ACCESSORY (A): The accessory position lets you use
the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is off.
To use ACC, push in the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will stay locked.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is in LOCK. It's also the only position
from which you can remove your key. This position
locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle pushed
or towed.
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after
you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you can
use RUN to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.

yellowblue
2-50 Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your
odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven in
either miles (used in the United States) or in kilometers
(used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper
-resistant odometer. If you see
ERROR, you'll know someone has probably tampered
with it and the numbers may not be accurate.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
But if it can't, then it will be set at zero and a label must
be put on the driver's door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
Your trip odometer tells how far you have driven since
you last reset it. To set it to zero, press the button on the
right side of the instrument cluster.
Your trip/select reset switch will go back and forth
between the odometer and the trip odometer if the
button is pressed and released within 1.5 seconds. If the
button is pressed and held for longer than 1.5 seconds
while in the trip odometer mode, it will be reset to zero.If the button is pressed and held for longer than
1.5 seconds while in the odometer mode, it will have
no effect.
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.

yellowblue
2-51
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then it
will flash for about
55 seconds. If the driver's
belt is already buckled,
neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag modules, the wiring
and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more
information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº in
the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

yellowblue
6-21
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an
ACDelco
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-12
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity Mirrors 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Devices 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Your Vehicle 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrip Lubrication 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheel
Alignment 6
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut Torque 5-29, 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used Replacement 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Lock 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 2-35, 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Driving 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring, Headlamp 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrecker Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .