2002 BUICK CENTURY service

1-27
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you'll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag
system won't be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the frontal air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver's
safety belt usage at deployment. The module also
records speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag systems. Improper service can mean that an
air bag system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or
the right front passenger's air bag, or the air bag
covering on the driver's seatback, the bag may
not work properly. You may have to replace the
air bag module in the steering wheel, both the
air bag module and the instrument panel for
the right front passenger's air bag, or the air
bag module and seatback for the driver's side
impact air bag. Do not open or break the air
bag coverings.

1-28 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see
ªService and Owner Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the air bag systems. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is qualified
to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
Center Passenger Position
Lap Belt
If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone
can sit in the center positions.

2-10
Remote Keyless Entry
With this feature, 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.
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 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.

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

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.

2-21
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor
A. Sensor Lens
B. Disable Switch
Because the sensor detects motion, there are times when
you may want to turn off the trunk sensor so that the
motion of your vehicle or items in the trunk won't cause
the trunk to open, such as the following:

When your vehicle is transported on a car ferry,

when your vehicle is towed, or

when you will be loading items through the opening
in the split folding rear seat (if equipped).Next to the sensor lens, there is a disable switch you can
use to turn off the trunk release sensor. To turn off the
sensor, turn the ignition to ON and press the switch next
to the lens for two seconds. The horn will chirp once
when the sensor is turned off. When the sensor is off, the
light in the switch will flash. The DOOR/TRUNK light
will flash for one minute each time the ignition is turned
on as a reminder that the sensor is turned off. See
ªDoor/Trunk Lightº in the Index.
To turn the sensor on again, press the switch again
or open the trunk. When the trunk is opened, the
sensor is automatically turned back on. If the sensor
is turned back on with the disable switch, the horn
will chirp twice.
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor
The sensor lens should be inspected periodically.
If the lens is dirty, wipe it gently with a clean, soft
cotton cloth.
If there is an electrical problem with the sensor, the
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light will appear in the
instrument panel cluster. There are other possible
reasons for this light to appear. Be sure to see your
dealer as soon as possible. See ªService Vehicle Soon
Lightº in the Index for more information.

2-23
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.

2-25
B (LOCK): This is the only position in which you
can insert or remove the key. This position locks the
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. 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.
C (OFF): 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.D (RUN): This position is where the key returns to
after you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you
can use RUN to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.
E (START): 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.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
(If Equipped)
With Retained Accessory Power (RAP), your
power windows, audio system and sunroof (if equipped)
will continue to work for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to OFF and before any of the
doors are opened.

2-30
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you're:

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
something may be wrong with a transaxle
system sensor. If you drive very far that way,
your vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (
) for higher speeds.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
).

2-48
Mirrors
Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you
are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
To reduce glare from headlamps behind you, pull the
lever at the bottom of the mirror toward you (to the
night position). To return the mirror to the day position,
push the lever away from you.
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
and Map Lamps (If Equipped)
This mirror has a lever located at the bottom of the
mirror between the two map lamps. This lever is used to
change the mirror from day to night position. To reduce
glare from headlamps behind you while driving at night,
turn the lever 90 degrees. To return the mirror to the day
position, return the lever to its original position.
There are two map lamps located on the bottom of the
mirror. Each lamp is turned on and off by pressing the
button next to the lamp.
There are also three OnStar buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar. See ªOnStar Systemº in the Index for more
information about the services OnStar provides.