2001 BUICK CENTURY ignition

2-12
Programmable Modes
Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the
following modes.
Mode 1: No Verification
Mode 2: Horn Chirp only
Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only
Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash
When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your
vehicle was programmed may have been changed since
it left the factory. To determine the security feedback
lock mode to which your vehicle is programmed
or to program your vehicle to a different mode,
do the following:
1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
lock position.3. While holding the door lock switch in the lock
position, press and release the remote keyless
entry transmitter LOCK button. This will start the
customization mode. While in the customization
mode, the feature will sound the number of chimes
corresponding to the current lock mode. (If you
do not wish to change the current mode, you can
either exit the programming mode by following the
instructions listed here or program the next feature
available on your vehicle.)
4. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter LOCK button will cause your vehicle to
advance the lock mode by one, starting from the
current lock mode.
5. If cycled beyond lock Mode 4, the vehicle will enter
lock Mode 1. When the door lock switch is released,
the vehicle will remain in the most recent lock mode.

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When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle
was programmed may have been changed since it left the
factory. To determine the security feedback unlock mode
to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your
vehicle to a different mode, do the following:
1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
unlock position. While holding the door lock switch
in the unlock position, press and release the remote
keyless entry transmitter UNLOCK button. This
will start the customization mode. While in the
customization mode, the feature will sound the
number of chimes corresponding to the current
unlock mode. (If you do not wish to change the
current mode, you can either exit the programming
mode by following the instructions listed here or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)
3. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter UNLOCK button will cause your vehicle
to advance the unlock mode by one, starting from
the current unlock mode.
4. If cycled beyond unlock Mode 4, the vehicle will
enter unlock Mode 1. When the door lock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
unlock mode.The mode you selected is now set. You can either
exit the programming mode by following the previous
instructions or program the next feature available on
your vehicle.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed mode of the lock and
unlock security feedback features.
Delayed Locking
Delayed locking allows the doors to be locked while
passengers are exiting the vehicle. This feature also
provides a brief time period after all the doors are
closed, but before the doors are locked, in which
the doors may be reopened. Delayed locking is user
programmable for enabling or disabling the feature.
Delayed locking is activated when a door lock switch is
pressed while the key is not in the vehicle's ignition, and
a door is open. The door lock switch may be either the
lock switch on the door or on the remote keyless entry
transmitter (see ªRemote Keyless Entryº earlier in this
section for more details). The doors do not lock when
the lock switch is pressed, but instead, three chimes are
heard. These chimes indicate that the delayed locking
feature has been activated.

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You have three actions possible once delayed locking
is activated:

Cancel the delayed locking by pressing the unlock
switch or by fully inserting the key in the ignition.

Override the delayed locking feature and lock the
doors immediately by pressing the lock switch a
second time.

Let the delayed locking feature complete the locking
of the vehicle.
If you wish to let the delayed locking feature complete
the locking of the vehicle, no additional action is
required. The delayed locking feature will lock the doors
automatically after all the doors have been closed for a
period of five seconds. During this five second period,
any door may be reopened, at which time the three
possible actions shown above are again available.
You may also customize your vehicle to activate the
delayed locking feature as described previously, or
you may choose to completely disable the feature at
all times. If disabled, the power door locks will activate
immediately when a power door lock switch is pressed. The enabled/disabled state of the delayed locking
feature will be toggled when you perform the following
sequence with the doors closed and the ignition key
in RUN:
1. Apply your regular brakes.
2. Press and hold the power door unlock switch.
While holding the door unlock switch, move the
shift lever out of and back into PARK (P).
After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle
will toggle the enable/disable state of the delayed
locking feature. During this procedure, the chime
will sound, providing you with feedback. In Mode 1,
a single chime will be heard if the delayed locking
feature is disabled. In Mode 2, two chimes will be
heard if the feature is enabled. When the door unlock
switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most
recent operating mode.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to a year
will not change the programmed mode of the delayed
locking feature.

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Illumination on Remote Activation
This feature provides interior lighting when a remote
keyless entry door unlock command is received and
executed by your vehicle. Your ignition must be off for
the illumination on remote activation feature to work.
The interior lamps will light until either the ignition is
turned to RUN or a period of 40 seconds has elapsed.
If a door is opened during the illumination period, the
timed lighting will be canceled, and the interior lamps
will remain on.
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.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about three 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.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.

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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.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
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.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still 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
LK (LOCK).

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.

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PASS-Key
II
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key II is a passive
theft
-deterrent system.
It works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
PASS
-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter and
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won't
work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during this
time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone
from randomly trying different keys with different resistor
pellets in an attempt to make a match.
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it's inserted
in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine
does not start and the SECURITY light is flashing,
the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the starter still won't work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in
the Index). If the starter won't work with the other key,
your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start,
the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer
or a locksmith who can service the PASS
-Key II.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The
SECURITY light will then come on. But you don't have
to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS
-Key II to have a new key made.
If you're ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it
off. Your PASS
-Key II system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key II system.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key II ignition key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS
-Key II to have a new key made. Also,
see ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index for
more information.

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New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the
switch to five positions:
ACC (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.

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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.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
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 ACC
and the key is in the ignition.