2004 BUICK CENTURY ECU

CAUTION: (Continued)
Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal
air bags. The driver should sit as far back as
possible while still maintaining control of the
vehicle, and should not lean on the door.
{CAUTION:
Anyone who is up against, or very close to,
any air bag when it inates can be seriously
injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer the best protection for adults, but
not for young children and infants. Neither the
vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag
system is designed for them.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Young children and infants need the protection
that a child restraint system can provide.
Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this
manual called “Older Children” or “Infants and
Young Children.”
There is an air bag
readiness light on the
instrument panel, which
shows the air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAir Bag Readiness Light on page 3-30
for more information.
1-51

Security Feedback
The remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed so that when the LOCK or UNLOCK
button is pressed, the vehicle gives visual or audible
feedback conrmation. Each lock or unlock command
verication must be programmed individually. The
ignition must be OFF for this feature to work.
Programming the LOCK Command
One of four modes can be selected to conrm a
LOCK command.
Mode 1 (One Chime):No Verication
Mode 2 (Two Chimes):Horn Chirp
Mode 3 (Three Chimes):Headlamps Flash
Mode 4 (Four Chimes):Horn Chirp and
Headlamps Flash
The vehicle was originally programmed to Mode 3.
The mode may have been changed since then.
To determine the current lock mode mode, or to change
the lock 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 power door lock switch in the
LOCK position, press and release the remote
keyless entry transmitter LOCK button.
A series of one to four chimes will sound,
corresponding to the current lock mode.
4. Press the remote keyless entry transmitter LOCK
button to advance to the next lock mode.
If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle will
enter Mode 1.
5. To set a mode, release the power door LOCK
switch after the chime sequence of the desired
mode is heard.
Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not affect the programmed mode.
Programming the UNLOCK Command
One of four modes can be selected to conrm an
UNLOCK command.
Mode 1 (One Chime):No Verication
Mode 2 (Two Chimes):Horn Chirp
Mode 3 (Three Chimes):Headlamps Flash
Mode 4 (Four Chimes):Horn Chirp and
Headlamps Flash
2-6

Power Door Locks
The vehicle has front
power door lock switches.
Press the top portion of
a door lock switch to
unlock or the bottom
portion to lock all doors.
The rear doors do not have power door lock switches.
Programmable Automatic Door
Locks
Programmable power door locks are intended to provide
enhanced security and convenience by automatically
locking and unlocking doors under certain conditions.
The doors can be set to one of four operating modes.
Mode 1:Doors do not lock or unlock automatically when
the transaxle is shifted out of or into PARK (P).
Mode 2:All doors automatically lock when the
transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P), but do not
unlock automatically when the transaxle is shifted
into PARK (P).
Mode 3:All doors automatically lock when the transaxle
is shifted out of PARK (P) and automatically unlock
when the transaxle is shifted into PARK (P).
Mode 4:All doors automatically lock when the transaxle
is shifted out of PARK (P) but only the driver’s door
automatically unlocks when the transaxle is shifted
into PARK (P).
2-11

Trunk Assist Handle
Notice:Using the trunk assist handle as a tie-down
or anchor point when securing items in the trunk
may damage it. Use the trunk assist handle only to
help you close the trunk lid.
The vehicle may have an
assist handle located on
the inside of the trunk
lid toward the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid and close
the trunk. If the trunk is not properly closed, the
DOOR/TRUNK ajar warning light will appear in the
message center of the instrument panel cluster. See
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light on page 3-42for
more information.
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Notice:Using the emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point when securing
items in the trunk may damage it. Use the
emergency trunk release handle only to help you
open the trunk lid.
The vehicle has a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk
release handle located inside the trunk on the latch. This
handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk from the inside.
2-14

Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. They
can also be moved to the side windows. The sun visors
also have extenders that can be pulled out for added
coverage.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Open the cover on the sun visor to expose the
vanity mirror.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors
If the vehicle has the lighted vanity mirrors, the lamps
come on when the cover is opened.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
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.
PASS-Key®II
The 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 the ignition
key is inserted or
removed from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®II system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will not go to the engine for about three
minutes. If someone tries to start the vehicle again with
the wrong key, or uses another incorrect key during
this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages
someone from randomly trying keys with different
resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.
2-17

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it is
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY warning
light on the instrument panel is ashing, 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 vehicle still does not start, the ignition
key may be faulty. Wait about three more minutes and
try a spare ignition key. At this time, you may also
want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-97for information on fuse location. If the
starter will not work with the spare key, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer or a locksmith who can
service the PASS-Key
®II.
If a key is accidentally used that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter will not work.
The SECURITY warning light on the instrument panel
will then come on. But you do not 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 the SECURITY warning light comes on the instrument
panel while the vehicle is being driven, the engine
will still be able to be started after it is turned off. The
PASS-Key
®II system, however, is not working properly
and must be serviced by your dealer. The vehicle is
not protected by the PASS-Key
®II system when
this happens.If a PASS-Key
®II ignition key is lost or damaged,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®II to have a new key made. Also, see
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-5for more
information.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not 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.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-39for more information.
2-18

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in your vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com,
contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),
or press the blue OnStar®button to speak to an
OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A completed Subscription Service Agreement is required
prior to delivery of OnStar
®services and prepaid
calling minutes are also required for OnStar®Personal
Calling and OnStar®Virtual Advisor use. Terms and
conditions of the Subscription Service Agreement can be
found at www.onstar.com.
OnStar®Services
One of the following plans is normally included for a
specic duration with each vehicle equipped with
OnStar
®. You can upgrade or extend your OnStar®
service plan to meet your needs.
Safe and Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Air Bag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan services
Route Support
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-33

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-18
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-21
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-28
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-30
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-34
Low Traction Light........................................3-34Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-42
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-42
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-44
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
Radio with CD..............................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-62
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-63
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-63
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-64
Care of Your CD Player................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1