Buick Century 2002 User Manual

2002 Buick Century

Owner’s Manual

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name CENTURY are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual.

Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

We support voluntary technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au:

Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

How to Use this Manual

Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly . But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.

You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols

Your vehicle may be equipped with components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.

If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage or indicator reference the following topics in the Index:

“Engine Compartment Overview”

“Instrument Panel”

“Comfort Controls”

“Audio Systems”

Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

-6 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-10 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

Safety Belts

-11 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1 1

-12 Driver Position

-19 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-20 Right Front Passenger Position

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-20 Air Bag Systems

-28 Center Passenger Position

-- and the Answers

-30 Rear Seat Passengers

1 1

-33 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults

1-35 Children

-39 Restraint Systems for Children

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-55 Older Children

-58 Safety Belt Extender

-58 Checking Your Restraint Systems

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-58 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

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Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you how to adjust the seats and explains the reclining seatbacks and head restraints.

Two-Way Manual Front Seats

CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Lift the bar located under the front of the driver’s and the passenger’s seat. This will unlock the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked into place.

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Six-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, the driver’s and passenger’s controls are located on the outboard sides of the seat cushions.

T o move the seat forward or rearward, push the control forward or rearward.

T o raise or lower the entire seat, push the control up or down.

T o raise or lower the front of your seat, push the front of the control up or down.

T o raise or lower the rear of your seat, push the rear of the control up or down.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback, then move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback into place. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will move forward.

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But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

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Head Restraints

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to have access to the trunk from inside of your vehicle.

Pull forward on the seat tab, located on the front of the rear seat, to fold the seatback down.

T o return the seatback to its original position, push it back up and make sure it latches.

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.

And it explains the air bag system.

CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.

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In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away . Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider

doesn’t stop.

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The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel ...

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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.

You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a

safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have

to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will

be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver , but if you’re in an

accident and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

-- even one that isn’t your fault -- you

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about

safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has.

We’ll start with the driver position.

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Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. T o see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. T o make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

T o move it down, squeeze the release lever and the shoulder belt guide as shown and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release lever to make sure it has locked into position.

Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way . If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Right Front Passenger Position

T o learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

-- except for one thing.

Air Bag Systems

This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems.

Your vehicle has air bags driver and another frontal air bag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact air bag for the driver.

-- a frontal air bag for the

If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the driver it will say AIR BAG on the air bag covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door .

Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

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Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them.

Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear or low or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past.

-speed frontal crashes,

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- even if you

CAUTION: (Continued)

The side impact air bag for the driver is designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the driver’s side of the vehicle. It isn’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly there’s an air bag for that person.

-- whether or not

CAUTION:

Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not lean on the door.

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CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.”

-shoulder belts offer

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

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How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door .

CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.

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When should an air bag inflate?

The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near

-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.”

If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 12 to 18 mph (19 to 29 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not help the occupant.

The driver’s side impact air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes involving the driver’s door. The side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design.

The driver’s side impact air bag is not designed to inflate in frontal or near or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For the side impact air bag, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.

What makes an air bag inflate?

In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel, instrument panel and the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

-frontal impacts, rollovers

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How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. The side impact air bag would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward that air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s side impact air bag.

-frontal

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver’s side impact air bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

CAUTION:

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door.

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag covering on the driver’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

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Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. T o purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

Center Passenger Position

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag systems. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

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Lap Belt

If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

T o make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough,

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Rear Seat Passengers

It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The positions next to the windows have lap belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

-shoulder

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the

latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

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When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. T o make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. T o provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

1. Pull the elastic cord out from the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip.

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2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.

Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

Infants and Young Children

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by the appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.

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CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much

-- until a crash. During a crash a baby will

become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.

CAUTION: (Continued)

For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12

-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a

240

-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby

should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

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CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.

-shoulder belts offer

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased

by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

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CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear

-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the

crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.

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The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

Restraint Systems for Children

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

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A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T

-shaped or shelf-like shields.

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A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high

-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A

booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

Q: How do child restraints work?

A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

For many years, add used the adult belt system in the vehicle. T o help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add vehicle, and the add system holds the child in place within the restraint.

One system, the three that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf

-like shield that swings up or to the side.

-in child restraint system is a

-on

-on child restraints have

-on child restraint in the

-on child restraint’s harness

-point harness, has straps

-point

-shaped shield has shoulder

- or armrest-type

When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

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Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant riding in a rear forward booster seat. Never put a rear the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

-facing infant seat, a child riding in a

-facing child seat and an older child riding in a

-facing child restraint in

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear

-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

-facing child restraint would be

CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle

-facing child restraint

-- even when no child is in it.

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Top Strap

Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is anchored properly.

If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

-equipped child restraints

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.

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Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.

Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the rear seat filler panel.

In order to get to a bracket, you’ll have to open the trim cover.

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Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll find anchors (A) in all three rear seating positions.

T o assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a dot on the seat back.

In order to use the system, you need either a forward points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B), as shown here.

-facing child restraint that has attaching

A. Vehicle anchor B. LATCH system attachment points C. Top strap

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A. Vehicle anchor B. LATCH system attachment points With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the

vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.

CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Child Restraints” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belts.

-type child restraint is

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. If the child restraint is forward strap to the top strap anchor. See “Top Strap” in the Index. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

T o remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points.

-facing, attach the top

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see “Lower Anchorages and T op Tethers for Children (LATCH)” in the Index.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or

neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-48

4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

5. T o tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see “Lower Anchorages and T op Tethers for Children (LATCH)” in the Index.

You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

CAUTION:

See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

-facing child restraint

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1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. T o tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

-facing child restraint, you may find it

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T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

CAUTION:

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear

-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

1-52

-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward

You’ll be using the lap part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward See “Seats” in the Index.

-facing child restraint would be

-shoulder belt. See the earlier

-facing child restraint.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or

neck, put it behind the child restraint.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

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6. T o tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

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Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

-shoulder belt and

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?

A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap

-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a

shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.

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CAUTION:

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt.

The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,

but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.

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CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a

lap

-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is

behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

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Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. T o wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.

T orn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time of the collision.

If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

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Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly

-2 Windows

-4 Keys

-6 Door Locks

2 2

-10 Remote Keyless Entry

-17 Trunk

2 2

-22 Theft

-23 PASS-Key

-24 New Vehicle “Break-In”

2 2

-24 Ignition Positions

-26 Starting Your Engine

2 2

-27 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

-28 Automatic Transaxle Operation

-32 Parking Brake

2 2

-33 Shifting Into PARK (P)

-35 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2 2

-35 Parking Over Things That Burn

-36 Engine Exhaust

-- and what to do if you have a problem.

-36 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2 2

-37 Horn

-37 Tilt Wheel

2 2

-38 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

-43 Exterior Lamps

2 2

-46 Interior Lamps

-48 Mirrors

-52 Storage Compartments

2 2

-54 Sun Visors

-54 Auxiliary Power Outlet (If Equipped)

2 2

-56 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)

-57 OnStar

-61 Sunroof (Option)

2 2

-62 The Instrument Panel -- Your

2-64 Instrument Panel Cluster

-66 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

System (If Equipped)

Information System

2-1

Windows

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

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Power Windows

The switches on the driver’s door armrest can be used to control each of the windows when the ignition is on. In addition, each passenger’s door has a window switch for its own window.

Express

The driver’s window switch has an express feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of the switch and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the rear of the switch is pressed all the way down, the window will go all the way down.

T o stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. T o raise the window, press and hold the front of the switch.

The driver’s window controls also include a lock switch. Press LOCK to stop front and rear passengers from using their window switches. The driver can still control all the windows with the lock on. Press the other side of the LOCK switch for normal window operation.

-Down Window

-down

-out

2-3

Keys

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed.

They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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The ignition key is for the ignition only.

The door key is for the doors and all other locks.

The ignition and door keys don’t have plugs. Your dealer or Buick Roadside Assistance has the code for your keys.

If you need a new ignition or door key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Also, see “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStarR system with an active subscription and you lock your keys inside the vehicle, OnStar may be able to send a command to unlock your vehicle. See “OnStar” in the Index for more information.

2-5

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.

Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key or remote keyless

entry transmitter.

From the inside, to manually lock the door, push the lever forward. T o unlock, push the lever rearward.

2-6

Power Door Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with front power door lock switches. Press a power door lock switch to lock or unlock all doors.

The rear doors do not have power door lock switches. Use the manual lock levers to lock or unlock each rear door.

Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks

Programmable automatic power door locks are intended to provide enhanced security and convenience by automatically locking and unlocking doors. This feature provides four operating modes.

Programmable Modes

Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes.

Mode 1: No automatic door lock or unlock. Mode 2:

Automatic all shifted out of PARK (P); no automatic door unlock.

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked, opened and then all doors are again closed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

Mode 3:

Automatic all out of PARK (P).

Automatic all shifted into PARK (P).

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked, opened and then all doors are again closed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

-door lock when the transaxle is

-door lock when the transaxle is shifted

-door unlock when the transaxle is

2-7

Mode 4:

Automatic all shifted out of PARK (P).

Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK (P).

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked, opened and then all doors are again closed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the programmable mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following:

1. Turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Close all of the doors.

-door lock when the transaxle is

3. Apply your regular brakes.

4. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the lock position. While holding the door lock switch in the lock position, move the shift lever out of and back into PARK (P).

After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle will advance the operating mode by one, starting from the current operating mode. During this procedure, the automatic door lock and unlock functions will operate as defined by each mode listed previously, providing the driver with feedback of the current operating mode. If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle will enter operating Mode 1. When the door lock switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent operating mode.

Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will not change the programmed mode for the programmable automatic power door locks.

2-8

Rear-Door Child Security Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with rear-door child security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. T o use one of these locks:

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. On the inside of the rear door will be a lock. Insert your door key into this lock and turn it upward. This will engage the safety lock. T o disengage the feature, turn the lock downward.

3. Close the door.

4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from

the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the rear door when the security lock is on, unlock the door from the inside and then open the door from the outside.

Lockout Protection Feature

This feature prevents a driver who has left the key in the vehicle’s ignition from locking the doors by using the power door locks while any door is open. The feature works by disabling the power door locks when a key is in the ignition and any door is open.

You may override the lockout protection feature by holding the power door lock switch in the lock position for more than three seconds while the key is in the ignition and any door is open.

Remember, this feature can’ t guarantee that you’ll never be locked out of your vehicle. If you use the manual door lock or if you don’t leave the key in the ignition, you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. (Also see “Delayed Locking” in this section for more information.)

2-9

Remote Keyless Entry

With this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

-210 of Industry Canada.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. T ake a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions that follow.

If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

2-10

Operation

Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver’s door and to turn on the interior lamps (see “Illumination on Remote Activation” in the Index for more details).

Press UNLOCK again within five seconds to unlock all the doors. T o lock all doors, press LOCK. To unlock the trunk, press the button with the trunk symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The trunk will only unlock if your transaxle is in PARK (P).

Panic Alarm

This feature allows you to activate an alarm by pressing the panic button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Your ignition must be off for the panic alarm to work. When you press the panic button with the horn symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the headlamps will flash, the horn will honk repeatedly, and the interior lamps will illuminate, attracting attention if you need it. The alarm will continue until one of the following occurs:

You press the panic button on the remote keyless entry transmitter a second time,

the ignition is moved to RUN, or

an alarm period of about two minutes has elapsed.

Security Feedback

Security feedback provides audible and/or visible feedback that a remote keyless entry lock or unlock command has been received and executed. The ignition must be off for this feature to work.

You may select one of four operating modes for reception of a lock command. You may also select one of four operating modes for reception of an unlock command. The selection and programming of the lock and unlock operating modes are independent of each other.

2-11

Programmable Modes

Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes.

Mode 1: No Verification Mode 2: Horn Chirp only Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash

Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the security feedback lock mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following:

1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the lock position.

3. While holding the door lock switch in the lock position, press and release the remote keyless entry transmitter LOCK button. This will start the customization mode. While in the customization mode, the feature will sound the number of chimes corresponding to the current lock mode. (If you do not wish to change the current mode, you can either exit the programming mode by following the instructions listed here or program the next feature available on your vehicle.)

4. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry transmitter LOCK button will cause your vehicle to advance the lock mode by one, starting from the current lock mode.

5. If cycled beyond lock Mode 4, the vehicle will enter Mode 1. When the door lock switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent lock mode.

2-12

Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the security feedback unlock mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following:

1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the unlock position. While holding the door lock switch in the unlock position, press and release the remote keyless entry transmitter UNLOCK button. This will start the customization mode. While in the customization mode, the feature will sound the number of chimes corresponding to the current unlock mode. (If you do not wish to change the current mode, you can either exit the programming mode by following the instructions listed here or program the next feature available on your vehicle.)

3. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry transmitter UNLOCK button will cause your vehicle to advance the unlock mode by one, starting from the current unlock mode.

4. If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle will enter Mode 1. When the door lock switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent unlock mode.

The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit the programming mode by following the previous instructions or program the next feature available on your vehicle.

Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will not change the programmed mode for the lock and unlock security feedback features.

2-13

Delayed Locking

Delayed locking allows the doors to be locked while passengers are exiting the vehicle. This feature also allows for you to re have been closed and locked. Delayed locking is user programmable for enabling or disabling the feature.

Delayed locking is activated when a door lock switch is pressed while the key is not in the vehicle’s ignition, and a door is open. The door lock switch may be either the lock switch on the door or on the remote keyless entry transmitter (see “Remote Keyless Entry” earlier in this section for more details). The doors do not lock when the lock switch is pressed, but instead, three chimes are heard. These chimes indicate that the delayed locking feature has been activated.

You have three actions possible once delayed locking is activated:

Cancel the delayed locking by pressing the unlock switch or by fully inserting the key in the ignition.

Override the delayed locking feature and lock the doors immediately by pressing the lock switch a second time.

Let the delayed locking feature complete the locking of the vehicle.

-enter the vehicle after the doors

If you wish to let the delayed locking feature complete the locking of the vehicle, no additional action is required. The delayed locking feature will lock the doors automatically after all the doors have been closed for a period of five seconds. During this five second period, any door may be reopened, at which time the three possible actions shown above are again available.

You may also customize your vehicle to activate the delayed locking feature as described previously, or you may choose to completely disable the feature at all times. If disabled, the power door locks will activate immediately when a power door lock switch is pressed. The enabled/disabled state of the delayed locking feature will be toggled when you perform the following sequence:

1. Close the doors.

2. The ignition key should be in RUN.

3. Apply your regular brakes.

4. Press and hold the power door unlock switch. While holding the door unlock switch, move the shift lever out of and back into PARK (P).

After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle will toggle the enable/disable state of the delayed locking feature.

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During this procedure, the chime will sound, providing you with feedback. In Mode 1, a single chime will be heard if the delayed locking feature is disabled. In Mode 2, two chimes will be heard if the feature is enabled. When the door unlock switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent operating mode.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to a year will not change the programmed mode for the delayed locking feature.

Illumination on Remote Activation

This feature provides interior lighting when a remote keyless entry door unlock command is received and executed by your vehicle. Your ignition must be off for the illumination on remote activation feature to work. The interior lamps will light until either the ignition is turned to RUN or a period of 40 seconds has elapsed. If a door is opened during this period, the timed lighting will be canceled, and the interior lamps will remain on.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

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Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about three years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

T o replace the battery do the following:

1. Insert a flat object like a thin coin into the slot on the back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front and back.

2. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new one. (Use type CR2032 or an equivalent.) Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down. Do not use a metal object to remove the old battery.

3. Snap the top and bottom together, making sure the halves are together tightly so water won’t get in.

4. Test the operation of the transmitter with your vehicle.

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Trunk

CAUTION:

Trunk Lock

T o unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key and turn it. You can also press the trunk symbol on your remote keyless entry transmitter.

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Remote Trunk Release

Press the button located inside of the glove box door to unlock the trunk from inside the vehicle. The shift lever must be in PARK (P) for the remote trunk release button to work.

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Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)

Your vehicle may have an assist handle located on the inside of the trunk lid toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then close the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is not properly closed, the DOOR/TRUNK light will appear in the message center of your instrument panel cluster. See “DOOR/TRUNK Light” in the Index for more information.

NOTICE:

The trunk assist handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk assist handle could damage it.

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Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)

NOTICE:

The trunk release handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk release handle could damage it.

There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside.

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Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlertt System (If Equipped)

Your vehicle may have a sensor located on the underside of the filler panel inside the trunk.

The sensor is designed to open the trunk automatically. If the sensor detects motion and a difference in temperature in the trunk, the sensor will sound the horn if the ignition is in OFF. There will be three short chirps and a pause repeated for up to two minutes. After one minute, the trunk latch will release. If the ignition is not in OFF, the trunk latch will not release automatically and the horn will not sound.

T o cancel the horn alarm and automatically release the trunk lid before two minutes are up, turn the ignition to ON.

Do not cover the sensor with items you put into the trunk or with add sensor’s field of view is blocked, it will not detect motion and will not function properly.

Be sure to secure items in your trunk so that they won’t move around and cause the trunk to open.

-on accessory equipment. If the

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Disabling the T runk Release Sensor

Next to the sensor lens, there is a disable switch you can use to turn off the trunk release sensor. To turn off the sensor, turn the ignition to ON and press the switch next to the lens for two seconds. The horn will chirp once when the sensor is turned off. When the sensor is off, the light in the switch will flash. The DOOR/TRUNK light will flash for one minute each time the ignition is turned on as a reminder that the sensor is turned off. See “Door/Trunk Light” in the Index.

T o turn the sensor on again, press the switch again or open the trunk. When the trunk is opened, the sensor is automatically turned back on. If the sensor is turned back on with the disable switch, the horn will chirp twice.

A. Sensor Lens B. Disable Switch Because the sensor detects motion, there are times when

you may want to turn off the trunk sensor so that the motion of your vehicle or items in the trunk won’t cause the trunk to open, such as the following:

When your vehicle is transported on a car ferry,

when your vehicle is towed, or

when you will be loading items through the opening in the split folding rear seat (if equipped).

Servicing the T runk Release Sensor

The sensor lens should be inspected periodically. If the lens is dirty, wipe it gently with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

If there is an electrical problem with the sensor, the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light will appear in the instrument panel cluster . There are other possible reasons for this light to appear. Be sure to see your dealer as soon as possible. See “Service Vehicle Soon Light” in the Index for more information.

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Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves don’t do it.

When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

-deterrent

-- so

Parking Lots

Even if you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box.

Be sure to close and lock the storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry transmitter with you.

-lit area.

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PASS-KeyR II

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS (Personalized Automotive Security System)

-deterrent system.

theft PASS

-Key II is a passive

theft

-deterrent system.

It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key

PASS that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

When the PASS using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light is flashing, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.

-Key II system senses that someone is

-Key II

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS

If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The SECURITY light will then come on. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the

-Key II to have a new key made.

PASS If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes

on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS

If you lose or damage a PASS your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS to have a new key made. Also, see “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.

-Key II system, however, is not working

-Key II.

-Key II system.

-Key II ignition key, see

-Key II

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New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break

-in.” But it will perform better in

the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow

-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don’t make full

Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking time you get new brake linings.

Don’t tow a trailer during break See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

-in.

Ignition Positions

With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the key to five different positions:

A (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will stay locked.

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B (LOCK): This is the only position in which you

can insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft

-deterrent feature.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine but

still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle pushed or towed.

D (RUN): This position is where the key returns to after you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you can use RUN to display some of your warning and indicator lights.

E (START): This position starts your engine. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s

door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) (If Equipped)

With Retained Accessory Power (RAP), your power windows, audio system and sunroof (if equipped) will continue to work for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and before any of the doors are opened.

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Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position safety feature. T o restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

-- that’s a

NOTICE:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to STAR T. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in STAR T for not more than 15 seconds at a time. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

NOTICE:

Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly.

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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32_F (0_C), use of the coolant heater is not required.

-up.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is attached to the underside of the vehicle’s

diagonal brace, which is located above the engine air cleaner/filter assembly.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three 110

-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

-prong

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4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle will have a shift lever on the steering column.

The graphic shown above is displayed on your instrument panel cluster in reference to your steering column shift lever.

Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle vehicles when you’re in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation.

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There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It’s

the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.

Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”

in the Index.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P). See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in the Index.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

T o rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

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NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine

doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION:

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out of P ARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): This position is

for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.

NOTICE:

If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens, have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B) for higher speeds.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B).

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Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears.

When going down a steep hill.

When driving in no streets, etc.)

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.

-highway scenarios (i.e. city

NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B) or THIRD (3) as much as possible.

Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage your engine.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power

(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transaxle.

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

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Parking Brake

T o set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot.

T o release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the released position.

A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and the shift lever is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see “T owing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

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Shifting Into PARK (P)

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake with your left foot.

2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and then pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. Then turn the ignition key to LOCK.

3. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever out of PARK (P) without first pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. T o find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)

Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transaxle Operation” in the Index.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P).

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Start the engine and shift to the drive gear you want.

5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.

Parking Over Things That Burn

CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

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Engine Exhaust

CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren’t done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust.”

Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust CO

-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a

garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.

See “Blizzard” in the Index.

-- with

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Buick Century 2002 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

How to Use this Manual

Safety Warnings and Symbols

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Vehicle Symbols

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Seats and Seat Controls

Two-Way Manual Front Seats

Six-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Head Restraints

Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)

Why Safety Belts Work

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

Driver Position

Lap-Shoulder Belt

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Right Front Passenger Position

Air Bag Systems

How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

When should an air bag inflate?

What makes an air bag inflate?

How does an air bag restrain?

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

Rear Seat Passengers

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

Children

Infants and Young Children

Restraint Systems for Children

Where to Put the Restraint

Top Strap

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Older Children

Safety Belt Extender

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Section 2 Features and Controls

Windows

Power Windows

Keys

Door Locks

Power Door Locks

Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks

Programmable Modes

Rear-Door Child Security Locks

Lockout Protection Feature

Leaving Your Vehicle

Remote Keyless Entry

Operation

Panic Alarm

Security Feedback

Delayed Locking

Illumination on Remote Activation

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Battery Replacement

Trunk

Trunk Lock

Remote Trunk Release

Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)

Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)

Disabling the T runk Release Sensor

Servicing the T runk Release Sensor

Theft

Key in the Ignition