2001 Buick Century Owner's Manual
Year:
2001
Make:
Buick
Model:
Century
Rating:
Table of Contents
2001 Buick Century Owner's Manual
1
24-hour Roadside Assistance
2
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2000
3
Table of Contents:
4
1. Seats and Restraints
4
2. Features and Controls
4
3. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
5
4. Your Driving and the Road
5
5. Problems on the Road
5
6. Service and Appearance Care
6
7. Maintenance Schedule
6
8. Customer Assistance Information
7
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
8
How to Use this Manual
9
Safety Warnings and Symbols
9
Vehicle Damage Warnings
10
Vehicle Symbols
11
Service Station Guide
12
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
13
Seats and Seat Controls
14
2-Way Manual Front Seats
14
6-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)
15
Reclining Front Seatbacks
15
Head Restraints
17
Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)
17
Safety Belts: They re for Everyone
18
Why Safety Belts Work
20
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
23
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
24
Adults
24
Driver Position
24
Lap-Shoulder Belt
24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
31
Right Front Passenger Position
32
Air Bag Systems
33
How the Air Bag Systems Work
36
Where are the air bags?
36
When should an air bag inflate?
38
What makes an air bag inflate?
38
How does an air bag restrain?
38
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
39
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
41
Center Passenger Position
41
Lap Belt
41
Rear Seat Passengers
43
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
43
Lap-Shoulder Belt
43
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
46
Children
48
Infants and Young Children
48
Restraint Systems for Children
52
Where to Put the Restraint
55
Top Strap
56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
63
Older Children
67
Safety Belt Extender
70
Checking Your Restraint Systems
70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
70
Section 2 Features and Controls
71
Express- Down Window
73
Keys
74
Door Locks
76
Programmable Modes
77
Rear-Door Child Security Locks
79
Lockout Protection Feature
79
Leaving Your Vehicle
79
Remote Keyless Entry
80
Operation
81
Instant Alarm
81
Security Feedback
81
Delayed Locking
83
Illumination on Remote Activation
85
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
85
Battery Replacement
85
Trunk
87
Trunk Lock
87
Remote Trunk Release
87
Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)
88
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
89
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit
89
Theft
90
Key in the Ignition
90
Parking at Night
90
Parking Lots
90
PASS-Key II
91
New Vehicle Break-In
92
Ignition Positions
92
Starting Your Engine
94
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
95
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
95
Automatic Transaxle Operation
96
Parking Brake
100
Shifting Into PARK (P)
101
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
102
Torque Lock
103
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
103
Parking Over Things That Burn
104
Engine Exhaust
104
Running Your Engine While You re Parked
105
Horn
106
Tilt Wheel
106
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
106
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
107
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
107
Flash-to-Pass Feature
108
Windshield Wipers
108
Windshield Washer
108
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
109
Setting Cruise Control
110
Resuming a Set Speed
110
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
110
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
111
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
111
Using Cruise Control on Hills
111
Ending Cruise Control
111
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory
111
Exterior Lamps
112
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control
112
Delayed Headlamp Illumination
113
Interior Lamps
114
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
114
Courtesy Lamps
114
Illuminated Entry
114
Delayed Entry Lighting
115
Delayed Exit Lighting
115
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps
115
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)
115
Battery Rundown Protection
116
Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)
116
Mirrors
116
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
116
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)
116
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)
117
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)
118
Power Outside Foldaway Mirrors
119
Convex Outside Mirror
119
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)
120
Storage Compartments
120
Glove Box
120
Front Storage Armrest
120
Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)
121
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)
121
Ashtrays and Lighter
121
Sun Visors
122
Visor Vanity Mirrors
122
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
122
OnStar System (If Equipped)
123
Safety and Security Services
124
Premium Services (Includes Safety and Security Services)
125
OnStar System Limitations
126
Sunroof (If Equipped)
127
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
128
Trip Odometer
131
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
131
Safety Belt Reminder Light
132
Air Bag Readiness Light
133
Charging System Light
134
Brake System Warning Light
134
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
135
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (3100 V6 Engine)
136
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
136
Low Traction Light
137
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
137
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
138
Low Coolant Warning Light
138
Low Tire Light
139
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)
139
If the Light Is Flashing
140
If the Light Is On Steady
141
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
142
Oil Pressure Light
142
Low Oil Level Light
143
Change Oil Soon Light
144
Security Light
144
Cruise Light
144
Service Vehicle Soon Light
145
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
145
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light
145
Fuel Gage
145
Low Fuel Light
146
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
147
Comfort Controls
148
Dual ComforTemp-Climate Control
148
Fan Control Knob
148
Driver s Temperature Lever
148
Passenger s Temperature Lever
148
Mode Knob
148
Heating
149
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)
149
Air Conditioning
149
Dual Automatic ComforTemp-Climate Control (If Equipped)
150
Automatic Control
150
Temperature Control
150
Passenger s Temperature Control
151
Manual Control
152
Defogging and Defrosting
153
Rear Window Defogger
154
Ventilation System
155
Ventilation Tips
155
Audio Systems
156
Playing the Radio
156
Finding a Station
157
Setting the Tone
158
Adjusting the Speakers
158
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)
158
Playing the Radio
158
Finding a Station
159
Setting the Tone
160
Adjusting the Speakers
160
Playing a Cassette Tape
160
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
162
Playing the Radio
162
Finding a Station
162
Setting the Tone
163
Adjusting the Speakers
164
Playing a Cassette Tape
164
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
166
Playing the Radio
166
Finding a Station
166
Setting the Tone
167
Adjusting the Speakers
168
Playing a Cassette Tape
168
Playing a Compact Disc
170
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
171
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
172
Unlocking the Theft- Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss
172
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature
173
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
174
Understanding Radio Reception
175
AM
175
FM Stereo
175
Tips About Your Audio System
175
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
176
Care of Your Compact Discs
177
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
177
Fixed Mast Antenna
177
Backglass Antenna (If Equipped)
177
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped)
178
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
179
Defensive Driving
180
Drunken Driving
181
Control of a Vehicle
184
Braking
184
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
185
Using Anti- Lock
187
Braking in Emergencies
187
Enhanced Traction System
187
Steering
189
Power Steering
189
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)
189
Steering Tips
189
Driving on Curves
189
Steering in Emergencies
190
Off-Road Recovery
191
Passing
191
Loss of Control
193
Skidding
193
Driving at Night
194
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
195
Hydroplaning
197
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
197
Driving Through Flowing Water
198
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
198
City Driving
198
Freeway Driving
199
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
201
Highway Hypnosis
201
Hill and Mountain Roads
202
Winter Driving
204
Driving on Snow or Ice
205
If You re Caught in a Blizzard
206
Recreational Vehicle Towing
208
Loading Your Vehicle
208
Towing a Trailer
210
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
211
Weight of the Trailer
212
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
212
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires
213
Hitches
213
Safety Chains
214
Trailer Brakes
214
Driving with a Trailer
214
Following Distance
214
Passing
214
Backing Up
215
Making Turns
215
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
215
Driving On Grades
216
Parking on Hills
216
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
217
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
217
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
217
Section 5 Problems on the Road
218
Hazard Warning Flashers
219
Other Warning Devices
219
Jump Starting
220
Towing Your Vehicle
225
Engine Overheating
226
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
226
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
227
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
231
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
234
If a Tire Goes Flat
237
Changing a Flat Tire
238
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
239
Wheel Center Caps
241
Wheel Covers
241
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
242
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
247
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
248
Compact Spare Tire
249
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
250
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
250
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
251
Service
252
Doing Your Own Service Work
252
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
253
Fuel
253
Fuels in Foreign Countries
255
Filling Your Tank
255
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
258
Checking Things Under the Hood
258
Hood Release
259
Engine Compartment Overview
260
Engine Oil
261
Checking Engine Oil
261
When to Add Engine Oil
262
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
263
Engine Oil Additives
264
When to Change Engine Oil
264
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System
265
What to Do with Used Oil
265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
266
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
267
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
268
When to Check and Change
268
How to Check
268
Checking the Fluid Level
269
How to Add Fluid
270
Engine Coolant
271
What to Use
272
Checking Coolant
273
Adding Coolant
273
Radiator Pressure Cap
274
Power Steering Fluid
274
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
275
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
275
What to Use
275
Windshield Washer Fluid
276
What to Use
276
Adding Washer Fluid
276
What to Add
278
Brake Wear
279
Brake Pedal Travel
280
Brake Adjustment
280
Replacing Brake System Parts
280
Battery
280
Vehicle Storage
281
Bulb Replacement
281
Halogen Bulbs
281
Headlamps
282
Headlamp Aiming
283
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps
285
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
286
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps
287
Trunk Lid Applique
288
Back-Up Lamps
289
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)
289
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
290
Tires
291
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
292
When to Check
292
How to Check
292
Tire Inflation Monitor System
293
Tire Inspection and Rotation
294
When It s Time for New Tires
295
Buying New Tires
296
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
297
Treadwear
297
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
297
Temperature -- A, B, C
297
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
298
Wheel Replacement
298
Used Replacement Wheels
299
Tire Chains
299
Appearance Care
300
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
300
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
300
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric
301
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
301
Cleaning Vinyl
302
Cleaning Leather
302
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
302
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
302
Care of Safety Belts
302
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
303
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
303
Weatherstrips
303
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
303
Washing Your Vehicle
304
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
304
Finish Care
304
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
305
Cleaning Tires
305
Sheet Metal Damage
305
Finish Damage
306
Underbody Maintenance
306
Chemical Paint Spotting
306
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
307
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
308
Engine Identification
308
Service Parts Identification Label
308
Electrical System
308
Add-On Electrical Equipment
308
Headlamp Wiring
309
Windshield Wipers
309
Power Windows and Other Power Options
309
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
309
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
309
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger Side
312
Replacement Bulbs
314
Capacities and Specifications
314
Engine Specifications
315
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
315
Vehicle Dimensions
315
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
316
Introduction
317
Your Vehicle and the Environment
317
Maintenance Requirements
317
How This Section is Organized
318
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
319
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
319
Scheduled Maintenance
320
Footnotes
320
Scheduled Maintenance
321
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
321
Scheduled Maintenance
322
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
330
At Each Fuel Fill
330
Engine Oil Level Check
330
Engine Coolant Level Check
330
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
330
At Least Once a Month
330
Tire Inflation Check
330
Cassette Deck Service
330
At Least Twice a Year
331
Restraint System Check
331
Wiper Blade Check
331
Weatherstrip Lubrication
331
Automatic Transaxle Check
331
At Least Once a Year
331
Key Lock Cylinders Service
331
Body Lubrication Service
331
Starter Switch Check
332
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
332
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
333
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
333
Underbody Flushing Service
333
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
334
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
334
Exhaust System Inspection
334
Engine Cooling System Inspection
335
Throttle System Inspection
335
Brake System Inspection
335
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
336
Part E: Maintenance Record
337
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
340
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
341
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
342
Customer Assistance Offices
343
United States
343
Canada
343
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
343
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
344
Roadside Assistance
344
Canadian Roadside Assistance
346
Courtesy Transportation
346
Plan Ahead When Possible
346
Transportation Options
346
Shuttle Service
347
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
347
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
347
Additional Program Information
347
Warranty Information
348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
349
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS
349
2001 Buick Century Overview
Introduction
The 2001 Buick Century stands as a testament to American automotive craftsmanship, delivering a seamless blend of comfort, style, and reliability. Targeted at drivers seeking a roomy sedan that offers an easygoing ride, the Century captivates with its classic design and practical features, making it a popular choice among families and retirees alike. Its balanced performance and spacious interior ensure it remains relevant in the crowded midsize market.
Powertrains
This model is powered by a robust 3.1-liter V6 engine, capable of generating 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission that enhances driving experience with its responsive performance and seamless acceleration. The Century provides respectable fuel efficiency, boasting approximately 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and long trips alike.
Trims
The 2001 Buick Century comes in three distinct trims: the base Century, the uplevel Limited, and the premium Custom. Each trim is fitted with a range of features designed to add comfort and convenience. The base model offers essential amenities, while the Limited trim enhances luxury with leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Custom trim caters to those seeking added conveniences, featuring an upgraded audio system and additional safety features.
Features
Inside, the Century is designed with passenger comfort in mind, providing ample legroom and a quiet cabin. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player. Optional features range from a premium sound system to advanced safety features, ensuring the Century remains competitive in terms of modern convenience and security.
Owner's Manual
The 2001 Buick Century owner's manual is a comprehensive resource, providing valuable information regarding maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting tips. This essential guide empowers owners to maximize their vehicle's longevity and performance, ensuring that their luxury experience is nothing short of exceptional.
User manual download
The Buick Century owner manual for the 2001 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2001 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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