2004 BUICK CENTURY engine coolant

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-57for further
details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-44for further details.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25if
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, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
6-9

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-22.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) 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).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
6-12

B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-9
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
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...........................................5-69
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-13, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-63
Your CD Player...........................................3-64
Your CDs ...................................................3-64
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-59
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-59
CD Messages........................................3-52, 3-61
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-73
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-58
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-94
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-93Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-92
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-88
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-90
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-90
Cleaning Leather............................................5-90
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-90
Cleaning Tires................................................5-93
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-90
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-92
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Dual..........................................................3-18
Dual Automatic............................................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-87
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-35
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-42
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-97
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-97
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-39
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-41
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-41
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-25
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Warning Light.............................................3-34
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-27
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-49, 3-56
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-53
Finish Care....................................................5-92
Finish Damage...............................................5-93
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-64
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-74
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-75
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM ...............................................................3-63
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-5
Following Distance..........................................4-43
5

Front Storage Area.........................................2-34
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-43
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-44
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-97
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-97
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-29
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-34
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-49
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-97
Headlamps....................................................5-51
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-42
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-21
How to Check........................................5-20, 5-65
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-36
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
6

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-37
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-38
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-40
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-8
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-28
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-98
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-20
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-22
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-27
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-33
Brake System Warning.................................3-32
Change Engine Oil......................................3-41
Charging System.........................................3-31
Cruise Control.............................................3-42
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning...............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-35
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-34
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-44
Low Traction...............................................3-34
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-42
7

Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Setting Preset Stations............................3-47, 3-54
Setting the Time.............................................3-45
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-47, 3-54
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-93
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-28
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-14
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-19
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-89
Specications, Capacities...............................5-103
Speedometer..................................................3-29
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-5
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-20
Steering........................................................4-10
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-62
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-35
Convenience Net.........................................2-35
Front Storage Area......................................2-34
Glove Box..................................................2-34
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-85
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-86
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-36T
Taillamps
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..........................5-54
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-62
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
PASS-Key
®II ..............................................2-17
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-36
Tire Ination Check........................................... 6-9
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-58
Tire Size.......................................................5-61
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-62
Tires.............................................................5-57
Buying New Tires........................................5-69
Chains.......................................................5-73
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-75
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-87
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-74
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-64
Inspection and Rotation................................5-67
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-71
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-68
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-21
Top Strap......................................................1-38
12