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Buick Century 2003 User Manual

Buick Century 2003
344 pages
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Seats and Restraint Systems
........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-6
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-7
Child Restraints
....................................... 1-30
Air Bag Systems
...................................... 1-53
Restraint System Check
............................ 1-63
Features and Controls
..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
...................................... 2-10
Windows
................................................. 2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................ 2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
........... 2-19
Mirrors
.................................................... 2-32
OnStar
Ā®
System
...................................... 2-34
Storage Areas
......................................... 2-35
Instrument Panel
............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
...................................... 3-17
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
......... 3-22
Audio System(s)
....................................... 3-39
Driving Your Vehicle
....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
................................................... 4-32
Service and Appearance Care
.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
............... 5-10
Headlamp Aiming
..................................... 5-49
Bulb Replacement
.................................... 5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
......... 5-56
Tires
...................................................... 5-57
Appearance Care
..................................... 5-79
Vehicle Identification
................................. 5-87
Electrical System
...................................... 5-88
Capacities and Specifications
..................... 5-94
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
...... 5-95
Maintenance Schedule
..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information
.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
........................... 7-10
Index
................................................................ 1
2003 Buick Century Owner Manual M

Table of Contents

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Buick Century 2003 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandBuick
ModelCentury 2003
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats

Instructions for adjusting manual front seats, power seats, and seatback recline.

Head Restraints

Proper adjustment of head restraints for neck injury prevention in a crash.

Rear Seats

How to fold the split rear seat for trunk access and returning it to its original position.

Safety Belts

Comprehensive guide on safety belt usage, types, and proper wearing techniques.

Child Restraints

Guidance on using safety belts for older children and child restraint systems for infants.

Air Bag Systems

Explanation of frontal and side impact air bag systems, their operation, and safety.

Restraint System Check

How to check safety belt systems, air bag coverings, and replace parts after a crash.

Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys

Information about ignition and door keys, their functions, and obtaining new keys.

Doors and Locks

Operation of door locks, power locks, programmable features, and lockout protection.

Windows

Operation of power windows, including express-down and window lock-out features.

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Explanation of the PASS-Key II passive theft-deterrent system.

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

Guidelines for new vehicle break-in, ignition positions, and engine starting.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

How to operate the automatic transmission, including gear selection and precautions.

Mirrors

Adjusting rearview mirrors and information about OnStar mirrors.

OnStarĀ® System

Overview of OnStar services, personal calling, and virtual advisor.

Storage Areas

Location and use of glove box and trunk convenience net.

Section 3 Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

Identification of main components and gauges on the instrument panel.

Hazard Warning Flashers

How to use hazard warning flashers to alert others and indicate a problem.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

Controls for turn signals, headlamps, and windshield wipers on the steering column lever.

Interior Lamps

Operation of interior lighting, including courtesy lamps, entry, and exit lighting.

Climate Controls

How to operate the dual climate control system for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

Explanation of the vehicle's warning lights, gauges, and indicators.

Instrument Panel Cluster

Overview of the main displays and indicators on the instrument cluster.

Safety Belt Reminder Light

Function of the safety belt reminder light and associated chime.

Air Bag Readiness Light

What the air bag readiness light indicates about the system's operational status.

Charging System Light

Meaning of the charging system warning light and potential electrical problems.

Brake System Warning Light

What the brake system warning light signifies about brake function.

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

Function and meaning of the ABS warning light.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

What the 'Service Engine Soon' light indicates about emissions control systems.

Oil Pressure Light

Meaning of the oil pressure warning light and immediate actions to take.

Low Fuel Warning Light

What the low fuel warning light and chime indicate about fuel level.

Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle

Defensive Driving

Principles of defensive driving, including concentration and hazard anticipation.

Drunken Driving

Effects of alcohol on driving ability and risks associated with impaired driving.

Braking

Factors affecting braking action, perception time, reaction time, and stopping distance.

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)

Functionality of the ETS system for limiting wheel spin in slippery conditions.

Steering

Tips for safe steering, especially on curves, and emergency steering techniques.

Driving at Night

Safety tips for driving in the dark, including glare reduction and visibility.

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads

Precautions for driving in wet conditions, including hydroplaning and visibility.

City Driving

Safety tips for navigating city streets, traffic, and intersections.

Freeway Driving

Rules and advice for safe driving on freeways, including lane usage and merging.

Before Leaving on a Long Trip

Pre-trip vehicle checks and personal preparation for long journeys.

Winter Driving

Tips for preparing the vehicle and driving safely in winter conditions.

If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

Methods for freeing a stuck vehicle and safety precautions.

Towing

Important considerations and advice for towing vehicles and trailers.

Loading Your Vehicle

Understanding vehicle weight limits, load distribution, and tire capacity.

Towing a Trailer

Precautions and techniques for safe trailer towing.

Section 5 Service and Appearance Care

Service

Information on dealer services and performing your own service work safely.

Fuel

Details on gasoline octane, specifications, additives, and safe refueling practices.

Checking Things Under the Hood

General safety precautions and checks to perform under the hood.

Engine Oil

How to check, add, and select the correct engine oil for your vehicle.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

When to check, change, and add automatic transaxle fluid.

Engine Coolant

Information on DEX-COOL coolant, mixture, and adding coolant.

Radiator Pressure Cap

Importance of proper radiator cap installation and function to prevent coolant loss.

Engine Overheating

Warning lights and gauges for engine overheating and protection modes.

Cooling System

Identification of components within the engine cooling system.

Power Steering Fluid

When and how to check power steering fluid level and what type to use.

Windshield Washer Fluid

What type of washer fluid to use and how to add it.

Brakes

Information on brake fluid, brake wear, and pedal travel.

Replacing Brake System Parts

Importance of using approved GM replacement parts for the braking system.

Battery

Information about the ACDelco battery and precautions when working with it.

Vehicle Storage

How to prepare the vehicle for extended storage to maintain battery charge.

Jump Starting

Safe procedures and precautions for jump-starting a vehicle.

Headlamp Aiming

Instructions and preparation for checking and adjusting headlamp aim.

Bulb Replacement

Steps for replacing various exterior bulbs, including headlamps and signals.

Replacement Bulbs

Table listing exterior lamp types and their corresponding bulb numbers.

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

How to inspect and replace windshield wiper blades for optimal performance.

Tires

Information on tire maintenance, including pressure, inspection, and replacement.

Tire Pressure Monitor System

How the system alerts to low tire pressure and the calibration process.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Recommended intervals and patterns for tire inspection and rotation.

When It Is Time for New Tires

How to determine when tires need to be replaced based on tread wear indicators.

Buying New Tires

Guidance on selecting new tires, including size, type, and TPC Spec number.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Explanation of UTQG grading for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance.

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

When wheel alignment or balance may need adjustment.

Wheel Replacement

When and how to replace vehicle wheels, bolts, and nuts.

Used Replacement Wheels

Dangers and warnings associated with using used replacement wheels.

Tire Chains

Legal and proper use of tire chains, including installation and driving precautions.

If a Tire Goes Flat

What to do if a tire blows out or experiences a slow air leak.

Changing a Flat Tire

Steps for safely changing a flat tire, including vehicle securing procedures.

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

How to access and remove the compact spare tire and associated tools from the trunk.

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools

Proper procedure for storing the flat tire and tools after changing.

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools

How to store the compact spare tire and tools correctly in the trunk.

Compact Spare Tire

Information on the compact spare tire's inflation, performance, and limitations.

Appearance Care

General advice for cleaning and caring for the vehicle's interior and exterior.

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle

Tips for vacuuming and wiping interior surfaces like vinyl, leather, and plastic.

Cleaning Fabric/Carpet

Methods for cleaning fabric and carpet, including spot cleaning and stain removal.

Cleaning Vinyl

How to clean vinyl surfaces using mild soap and water.

Cleaning Leather

Care instructions for leather surfaces, including cleaning and conditioning.

Cleaning Glass Surfaces

How to clean interior and exterior glass surfaces for clarity.

Care of Safety Belts

How to clean safety belts using mild soap and lukewarm water.

Weatherstrips

Lubricating weatherstrips with silicone grease for longevity and sealing.

Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle

Best practices for washing the vehicle exterior to preserve paint finish.

Finish Care

How to maintain the paint finish, including waxing and polishing.

Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades

How to clean windshields and wiper blades for clear visibility.

Cleaning Aluminum Wheels

How to clean aluminum wheels safely without damaging the surface.

Sheet Metal Damage

Importance of applying anti-corrosion material during sheet metal repairs.

Vehicle Identification

Location and importance of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Electrical System

Information on add-on electrical equipment, headlamp wiring, and fuses.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

How fuses and circuit breakers protect the vehicle's wiring from short circuits.

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

Location of fuses within the instrument panel fuse block.

Underhood Fuse Block

Location of fuses and relays in the underhood fuse block.

Capacities and Specifications

Table of vehicle capacities for fluids and basic specifications.

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

List of common replacement parts and their part numbers for routine maintenance.

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule

Introduction to maintenance, vehicle care for the environment, and requirements.

How This Section is Organized

Explanation of the five parts of the maintenance schedule and safety precautions.

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services

Details on engine oil changes and mileage-based services for vehicle longevity.

Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance

How the GM Oil Life System indicates oil changes and system reset procedures.

Part B: Owner Checks and Services

Owner checks and services to ensure safety, dependability, and emission performance.

At Each Fuel Fill

Important underhood checks recommended to be performed at each fuel fill.

At Least Once a Month

Monthly checks including tire inflation and cassette tape player cleaning.

At Least Twice a Year

Semi-annual checks for restraint systems, wipers, weatherstrips, and transaxle.

At Least Once a Year

Annual services including key lock cylinders and body lubrication.

Starter Switch Check

How to check the starter switch operation in all gear positions.

Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Inspections performed by dealer service, covering steering, exhaust, fuel, and cooling systems.

Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

List of recommended fluids, lubricants, and their specifications for vehicle maintenance.

Part E: Maintenance Record

Section for recording maintenance performed and retaining service receipts.

Section 7 Customer Assistance Information

Customer Assistance Information

Procedure for resolving satisfaction concerns with dealers and Buick Customer Assistance.

Online Owner Center

Resource for vehicle information, service reminders, and finding GM dealers.

Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users

Contact information for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customers using TTYs.

Roadside Assistance Program

Overview of Buick Premium Roadside Assistance services provided under warranty.

Courtesy Transportation

Program offering transportation options during warranty repairs.

Reporting Safety Defects

How to report safety defects to U.S. and Canadian governments and General Motors.

Service Publications Ordering Information

Information on ordering service manuals and other technical publications.

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