2005 BUICK CENTURY air conditioning

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The center front ashtray is located below the instrument
panel comfort controls.
To remove the ashtray, open the storage door.
Then open the ashtray lid, lift up and pull it out.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Push the lighter to use it. When the heating element is
hot, the lighter will pop back out by itself.
Notice:If you put papers or other ammable items
in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
Your vehicle may have this climate control system.
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with it.
Manual Operation
To change the current mode, select one of the following
settings on the right knob.
MAX (Maximum Air-Conditioning):This mode
recirculates much of the air inside the vehicle and sends it
through the instrument panel outlets. The air-conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
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VENT (Ventilation):This mode brings in outside air
and directs it through the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV (Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately
half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs most of the remaining air to the oor outlets.
Some air may be directed toward the windshield.
HTR (Heater):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets, with some air directed to the outboard
outlets, for the side windows, and some air directed to
the windshield.
BLEND:This mode directs half of the air to go to the
oor outlets and half to the defroster and side window
outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
The right knob can also be used for the defrost mode.
Information on defrosting and defogging can be
found later in this section.
9FAN:The left knob controls the fan speed.
OFF:Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to
turn off the fan.LO (Low Fan Speed):This setting creates the lowest
fan speed.
HI (High Fan Speed):This setting creates the highest
fan speed.
DRIVER (Driver’s Side Temperature):The lever on
the left adjusts the air temperature for the driver’s
side outlets. Slide the lever up to raise the temperature
and down to lower the temperature.
PASSENGER (Passenger’s Side Temperature):
The lever on the right adjusts the air temperature for the
passenger’s side outlets. Slide the lever up to raise
the temperature and down to lower the temperature.
A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning on and off. An indicator light above
the button will come on when the air conditioning is
on. During daylight hours the interior lighting control
might need adjustment to the highest setting in order
for the indicator light to be seen. The system will
cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle when the
A/C indicator light is on.
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
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For a quick cool-down on a very hot day, use MAX with
the temperature levers all the way in the blue area.
If this setting is used for long periods of time, the air in
the vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use VENT with the
temperature levers in the blue area. The system
will bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
Select BI-LEV and set the temperature levers to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body. Push the A/C button
for cooling.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to form and condense on the
cool window glass. This can be minimized if the
climate control system is used properly. There are two
modes to clear fog or frost from the windshield and
side windows. Use the blend mode to clear the windows
of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the
defrost mode to remove frost or fog from the windshield
more quickly. For best results, clear all snow and ice
from the windshield before defrosting.
0DEF (Defrost):This setting, located on the right
knob, directs most of the air through the defroster
and the side window outlets. Some of the air is directed
to the oor and side window outlets. The air-conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
To defrost the window quickly, turn the mode knob to
the defrost setting and turn the driver’s and passenger’s
temperature levers all the way to the red area.
To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use BLEND.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
<
(Rear):Press the button to turn the defogger on
or off. The rear window defogger will initially run
for about 15 minutes. If it is turned on again, the rear
window defogger will only run for about seven and
one half minutes before turning off.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
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3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature,
if necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center
of the instrument panel, near the windshield.
For more information on the solar sensor, see “Solar
Sensor” later in this section.
Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
OFF:Pressing the OFF button cancels automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode.
Press the AUTO button to return to automatic operation.
TEMP (Temperature):To manually adjust the
temperature inside the vehicle, press the up arrow on
the TEMP control to raise the temperature and press the
down arrow to lower the temperature. The display will
show the selection for a few seconds, and then the
outside temperature will be displayed.
When the DUAL light indicator is on, this means the
TEMP control has set the temperature for the driver.
When the DUAL light indicator light is not on, this means
the TEMP control has set the temperature for the
entire cabin.
9FAN:Press the up arrow on the FAN control to
increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease
fan speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode.
Press the AUTO button to return to automatic operation.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting, the passenger compartment air lter may
need to be replaced. For more information see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-26and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
AIR FLOW:This control has several settings to control
the direction of airow when the system is not in AUTO.
To access the various modes available, continue to press
the AIR FLOW up or down arrows until the desired mode,
listed below, appears in the display.
WINDSHIELD/FLOOR:This setting directs some of the
air to the oor outlets and some to the defroster and
side window outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
MID/FLOOR:This mode directs airow through both
the oor and the instrument panel outlets. A small
amount of air is directed to the windshield and the side
window outlets.
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MID (Instrument Panel):This mode directs air through
the instrument panel outlets.
FLOOR:This setting sends most of the air through the
outlets near the oor. The rest comes out of the
defroster and side window outlets.
VENT:Press this button to turn the air-conditioning
compressor on or off. The indicator light on the VENT
mode is lit when the compressor is turned off. The
interior brightness control might have to be adjusted to
the highest setting during the day in order to see
the indicator lamp.
VENT does not operate in the FRONT defrost mode.
RECIRC (Recirculation):Press this button to turn this
mode on or off. RECIRC limits the amount of outside
air coming into the vehicle and recirculates most of the
air inside your vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle or to
quickly heat or cool the air inside the vehicle. When this
button is pressed an indicator light will come on. The
interior brightness control might have to be adjusted to
the highest setting during the day in order to see the
indicator lamp.This setting will not operate in FRONT defrost mode
and is only operational in WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if
the compressor is turned on.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot air inside
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, press the AUTO
button. The system will automatically enter the
recirculation mode where the temperature will be at the
full cold position for maximum cooling.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water dripping underneath
the vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned
off is normal.
Operating the climate control system in the RECIRC
mode may cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows when
the weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select
either WINDSHIELD/FLOOR or defrost mode and
increase the speed.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the outside of the windows is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to form and condense on the
cool window glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are two modes to
clear fog or frost from the windshield and side windows.
Use the WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. For best results, clear all snow
and ice from the windshield before defrosting.
1FRONT (Defrost):This setting brings in outside air
and directs most of the air through the defrost outlet.
Some of the air also goes to the oor vents and the side
window outlets. The indicator light on the button will
come on and WINDSHIELD will be seen on the display.
To defrost the windows quickly, press the FRONT
button, set the temperature to 90°F (32°C), select a
high fan speed, and turn the DUAL button off.
To warm passengers while keeping the window
clear, push the AIR FLOW button to select
WINDSHIELD/FLOOR which will appear on the
display. Select a fan speed.The air-conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
=REAR:Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. It will initially turn off after about
15 minutes. If it is turned on again, it will only run for
about seven and one half minutes before turning off.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the
rear window with sharp objects.
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Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle
more effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located in
the engine compartment below the air inlet grille,
near the passenger’s side windshield wiper arm.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like the engine’s air cleaner
lter, it may need to be changed periodically. For
information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air lter, seeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.
To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
3-26

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
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