2003 BUICK CENTURY engine

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-26if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See
Parking Brake
on page 2-26if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
6-12

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
·The key should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
·The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
·To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
·To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ¯ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-13

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-14

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
6-16

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-11

A
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-48
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-38
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-88
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-41, 3-44
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-53
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-59
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-62
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-59
What Will You See After an Air Bag In¯ates?......1-60
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-58
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-56
Air Bag .........................................................3-25
Readiness Light..........................................3-25
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-40
AM ...............................................................3-50
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-52
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-79
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-82
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-85
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-79Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-82
Finish Damage............................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-84
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-85
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Ashtrays........................................................3-16
Audio System(s).............................................3-39
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-40
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-50
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-51
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-52
Care of Your CDs........................................3-52
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-52
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-42
Setting the Time..........................................3-39
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-48
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-50
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System
Check........................................................6-12
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-19
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-23
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)...........3-16
1

B
Backing Up....................................................4-39
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-15
Battery..........................................................5-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-26
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-55
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-53
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-49
Headlamps.................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-94
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-35, 2-13, 2-30
Care of.........................................................5-82
Safety Belts................................................5-82
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-51
Your CD Player...........................................3-52
Your CDs ...................................................3-52
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-45
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-22
Chains, Tires..................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-26
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-63
Check...........................................................3-31
Engine Light...............................................3-31
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-85
Child Restraints..............................................1-36
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-50
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-42
Top Strap...................................................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-39
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-84
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-83
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-79
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-81
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-81
Cleaning Leather............................................5-81
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-81
Cleaning Tires................................................5-84
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-81Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-83
Cleaning........................................................5-79
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-79
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-20
Dual..........................................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Compact Disc Messages..................................3-47
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-78
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-35
Coolant.........................................................3-30
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-14
Cruise Control Light........................................3-36
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-8
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
3