2002 Buick Century Owner's Manual
Year:
2002
Make:
Buick
Model:
Century
Rating:
Table of Contents
- 2002 Buick Century Owner's Manual
1
Copyright General Motors Corp 2001
2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
3
How to Use this Manual
4
Safety Warnings and Symbols
4
Vehicle Damage Warnings
5
Vehicle Symbols
5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
7
Seats and Seat Controls
8
Two-Way Manual Front Seats
8
Six-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)
9
Reclining Front Seatbacks
9
Head Restraints
11
Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)
11
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone
12
Why Safety Belts Work
13
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
17
Adults
17
Driver Position
18
Lap-Shoulder Belt
18
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
25
Right Front Passenger Position
26
Air Bag Systems
26
How the Air Bag Systems Work
29
Where are the air bags?
29
When should an air bag inflate?
31
What makes an air bag inflate?
31
How does an air bag restrain?
32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
34
Center Passenger Position
34
Lap Belt
34
Rear Seat Passengers
36
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
36
Lap-Shoulder Belt
36
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
39
Children
41
Infants and Young Children
41
Restraint Systems for Children
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
51
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
53
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
58
Older Children
61
Safety Belt Extender
64
Checking Your Restraint Systems
64
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
64
Section 2 Features and Controls
65
Windows
66
Power Windows
67
Express-Down Window
67
Keys
68
Door Locks
70
Power Door Locks
71
Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks
71
Programmable Modes
71
Rear-Door Child Security Locks
73
Lockout Protection Feature
73
Leaving Your Vehicle
73
Remote Keyless Entry
74
Operation
75
Panic Alarm
75
Security Feedback
75
Delayed Locking
78
Illumination on Remote Activation
79
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
79
Battery Replacement
80
Trunk
81
Trunk Lock
81
Remote Trunk Release
81
Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)
82
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
83
Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlert_ System (If Equipped)
84
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor
85
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor
85
Theft
86
Key in the Ignition
86
Parking at Night
86
Parking Lots
86
PASS-Key II
87
New Vehicle \Break-In\
88
Ignition Positions
88
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) (If Equipped)
89
Starting Your Engine
90
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
91
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
91
Automatic Transaxle Operation
92
Parking Brake
96
Shifting Into PARK (P)
97
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
98
Torque Lock
98
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
99
Parking Over Things That Burn
99
Engine Exhaust
100
Running Your Engine While You're Parked
100
Horn
101
Tilt Wheel
101
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
102
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
102
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
103
Flash-to-Pass Feature
103
Windshield Wipers
103
Windshield Washer
104
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
105
Setting Cruise Control
105
Resuming a Set Speed
106
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
106
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
106
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
106
Using Cruise Control on Hills
106
Ending Cruise Control
107
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory
107
Exterior Lamps
107
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control
108
Delayed Headlamp Illumination
109
Interior Lamps
110
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
110
Courtesy Lamps
110
Illuminated Entry
110
Delayed Entry Lighting
110
Delayed Exit Lighting
111
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps
111
Dome Lamp (If Equipped)
111
Battery Rundown Protection
111
Mirrors
112
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
112
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)
112
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)
113
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (If Equipped)
113
Power Outside Foldaway Rearview Mirrors
114
Convex Outside Mirror
115
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)
115
Storage Compartments
116
Glove Box
116
Front Storage Armrest
116
Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)
116
Center Console (Option)
116
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
117
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
117
Sun Visors
118
Visor Vanity Mirrors
118
Lighted Vanity Mirrors (Option)
118
Auxiliary Power Outlet (If Equipped)
118
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
120
OnStar System (If Equipped)
121
Cellular Antenna
122
OnStar Services
122
OnStar System Limitations
124
Sunroof (Option)
125
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
126
Instrument Panel Cluster
128
Speedometer and Odometer
129
Trip Odometer
129
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
130
Safety Belt Reminder Light
130
Air Bag Readiness Light
131
Charging System Light
132
Brake System Warning Light
132
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
133
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
134
Low Traction Light
135
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
135
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
136
Low Coolant Warning Light
136
Low Tire Light
137
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)
137
If the Light Is Flashing
138
If the Light Is On Steady
139
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
140
Oil Pressure Light
140
Low Oil Level Light
141
Change Oil Soon Light
142
Security Light
142
Cruise Light
143
Service Vehicle Soon Light
143
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
143
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light
143
Fuel Gage
144
Low Fuel Light
144
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
145
Comfort Controls
146
Dual ComforTemp_ Climate Control
146
FAN:
146
DRIVER (Driver's Side Temperature):
146
PASSENGER (Passenger's Side Temperature):
146
Mode Knob
147
Dual Automatic ComforTemp_ Climate Control (If Equipped)
148
Manual Control
148
Heating
150
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)
151
Air Conditioning
151
Defogging and Defrosting
151
Rear Window Defogger
152
Ventilation System
153
Ventilation Tips
153
Audio Systems
154
Setting the Clock
154
AM-FM Stereo
154
Playing the Radio
154
Finding a Station
155
Setting Preset Stations
155
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
156
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
156
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)
156
Playing the Radio
156
Finding a Station
157
Setting Preset Stations
157
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
158
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
158
Playing a Cassette Tape
158
Cassette Tape Messages
160
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
160
Playing the Radio
161
Finding a Station
161
Setting Preset Stations
162
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
162
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
163
Playing a Cassette Tape
163
Cassette Tape Messages
164
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
165
Playing the Radio
165
Finding a Station
165
Setting Preset Stations
166
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
167
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
167
Playing a Cassette Tape
167
Cassette Tape Messages
169
Playing a Compact Disc
169
Compact Disc Messages
170
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
171
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
171
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss
172
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature
172
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
173
Understanding Radio Reception
174
AM
174
FM Stereo
174
Tips About Your Audio System
174
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
175
Care of Your Compact Discs
176
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
176
Fixed Mast Antenna
176
Backglass Antenna (If Equipped)
176
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped)
177
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
178
Defensive Driving
179
Drunken Driving
180
Control of a Vehicle
183
Braking
183
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
184
Using Anti-Lock
186
Braking in Emergencies
186
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
186
Steering
188
Power Steering
188
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)
188
Steering Tips
188
Driving on Curves
188
Steering in Emergencies
189
Off-Road Recovery
190
Passing
190
Loss of Control
192
Skidding
192
Driving at Night
193
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
194
Hydroplaning
196
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
196
Driving Through Flowing Water
197
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
197
City Driving
197
Freeway Driving
198
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
199
Highway Hypnosis
200
Hill and Mountain Roads
201
Winter Driving
203
Driving on Snow or Ice
204
If You're Caught in a Blizzard
205
Recreational Vehicle Towing
207
Dinghy Towing
207
Dolly Towing
208
Loading Your Vehicle
208
Towing a Trailer
210
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
211
Weight of a Trailer
212
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
213
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
213
Hitches
214
Safety Chains
214
Trailer Brakes
214
Driving with a Trailer
215
Following Distance
215
Passing
215
Backing Up
215
Making Turns
216
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
216
Driving On Grades
217
Parking on Hills
217
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
218
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
218
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
218
Section 5 Problems on the Road
219
Hazard Warning Flashers
220
Other Warning Devices
220
Jump Starting
221
Towing Your Vehicle
227
Engine Overheating
227
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
227
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
228
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
229
Cooling System
230
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
232
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
Removing the Wheel Center Caps
241
Removing the Wheel Covers (If Equipped)
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
Gasoline Octane
253
Gasoline Specifications
254
California Fuel
254
Additives
254
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 (GM Oil Life System)
264
How to Reset the CHANGE OIL SOON Light
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
269
Checking the Fluid Level
270
How to Add Fluid
271
Engine Coolant
272
What to Use
273
Checking Coolant
274
Adding Coolant
274
Radiator Pressure Cap
275
Power Steering Fluid
275
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
276
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
276
What to Use
276
Windshield Washer Fluid
277
What to Use
277
Adding Washer Fluid
277
Brakes
278
Brake Fluid
278
What to Add
279
Brake Wear
280
Brake Pedal Travel
280
Brake Adjustment
281
Replacing Brake System Parts
281
Battery
281
Vehicle Storage
282
Bulb Replacement
282
Halogen Bulbs
282
Headlamps
283
Headlamp Aiming
284
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps
286
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
287
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps
288
Back-Up Lamps
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
298
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
298
Wheel Replacement
298
Used Replacement Wheels
299
Tire Chains
300
Appearance Care
300
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
301
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
301
Using Cleaner on Fabric
301
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
302
Cleaning Vinyl
302
Cleaning Leather
302
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
303
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
303
Care of Safety Belts
303
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
303
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
304
Weatherstrips
304
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
304
Washing Your Vehicle
304
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
305
Finish Care
305
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
306
Cleaning Tires
306
Sheet Metal Damage
306
Finish Damage
307
Underbody Maintenance
307
Chemical Paint Spotting
307
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
308
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
309
Engine Identification
309
Service Parts Identification Label
309
Electrical System
310
Add-On Electrical Equipment
310
Headlamp Wiring
310
Windshield Wipers
310
Power Windows and Other Power Options
310
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
311
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
311
Underhood Fuse Block
314
Replacement Bulbs
316
Capacities and Specifications
316
Engine Specifications
316
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
317
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
317
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
318
Introduction
319
Your Vehicle and the Environment
319
Maintenance Requirements
319
How This Section is Organized
320
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
321
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
321
Scheduled Maintenance
322
Footnotes
322
Scheduled Maintenance
323
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
323
Scheduled Maintenance
324
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
332
At Each Fuel Fill
332
Engine Oil Level Check
332
Engine Coolant Level Check
332
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
332
At Least Once a Month
332
Tire Inflation Check
332
Cassette Deck Service
332
At Least Twice a Year
333
Restraint System Check
333
Wiper Blade Check
333
Weatherstrip Lubrication
333
Automatic Transaxle Check
333
At Least Once a Year
333
Key Lock Cylinders Service
333
Body Lubrication Service
333
Starter Switch Check
334
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
334
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
335
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
335
Underbody Flushing Service
335
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
336
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
336
Exhaust System Inspection
336
Fuel System Inspection
337
Engine Cooling System Inspection
337
Throttle System Inspection
337
Brake System Inspection
337
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
338
Part E: Maintenance Record
340
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
346
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
347
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
349
Customer Assistance Offices
349
United States
349
Canada
350
All Overseas Locations
350
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
350
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
350
Roadside Assistance
351
Canadian Roadside Assistance
352
Courtesy Transportation
353
Plan Ahead When Possible
353
Transportation Options
353
Shuttle Service
353
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
354
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
354
Additional Program Information
354
Warranty Information
355
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
355
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
356
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS
356
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
357
Service Manuals
357
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual
357
Service Bulletins
357
Owner's Information
357
Current and Past Model Order Forms
357
2002 Buick Century Overview
Introduction
The 2002 Buick Century is a well-crafted mid-size sedan that combines classic American styling with a focus on comfort and reliability. Designed to cater to families and individuals seeking a practical vehicle, the Century is known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and a reputation for durability. It serves as a perfect option for those who value both tradition and performance in their daily driving experience.
Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2002 Buick Century is equipped with a capable 3.1-liter V6 engine that delivers a respectable 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring an effortless driving experience whether you're commuting around town or cruising on the highway. The engine provides a commendable balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a sensible choice for those looking to minimize their fuel expenses.
Trims
The 2002 Century is available in two primary trims: the base model and the upscale Limited. The base model offers essential features such as power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, and a comfortable seating layout for up to six passengers. The Limited trim elevates the experience with added luxuries such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and enhanced technological conveniences, allowing owners to enjoy additional comforts during their travels.
Features
Standard features of the 2002 Buick Century include dual-zone climate control, a spacious trunk, and safety components like anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags, making it a practical choice for families. Optional features like a digital sound system and satellite radio are also available, allowing drivers to customize their experience behind the wheel further.
Owner's Manual
The 2002 Buick Century comes with a comprehensive owner’s manual that provides vital information on vehicle maintenance, safety features, and operational guidelines. This manual serves as an essential resource for owners, ensuring they can make the most of their Buick experience while keeping the vehicle in peak condition.
User manual download
The Buick Century owner manual for the 2002 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2002 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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