|
Introduction
|
|
Market Position
|
|
Segment:
|
Mid-size sedan
|
|
Target Audience:
|
Families and individuals seeking comfortable, reliable, and practical transportation.
|
|
Competitive Analysis
|
|
Competitors:
|
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
|
|
Key Features
|
|
Comfort Focus:
|
Known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, a hallmark of Buick's positioning.
|
|
Practicality:
|
Designed for everyday use with a focus on practicality and ease of operation.
|
|
Value Proposition:
|
Offered a good balance of features, comfort, and price in the mid-size segment.
|
|
Manual Coverage
|
|
Systems Covered
|
|
Interior Controls:
|
Detailed explanation of all interior controls, including lighting, climate control, audio system, power accessories, and seating adjustments.
|
|
Instrument Panel:
|
Comprehensive guide to all gauges, warning lights, indicator lights, and driver information center functions.
|
|
Restraint Systems:
|
In-depth information on seat belts (operation, adjustment, usage), airbags (system operation, warnings, maintenance considerations), and child restraint systems (LATCH/ISOFIX compatibility, installation guidance).
|
|
Driving Operations:
|
Guidance on starting, driving, parking, and general vehicle operation, including considerations for various road and weather conditions.
|
|
Maintenance Care:
|
Instructions for routine maintenance, cleaning, appearance care, and basic troubleshooting.
|
|
Customer Assistance:
|
Information regarding warranty, roadside assistance, dealer services, and customer support contacts.
|
|
Procedures Included
|
|
Basic Maintenance:
|
Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure, and general vehicle inspection.
|
|
Lighting Operation:
|
Instructions for operating headlights, taillights, interior lights, and hazard lights.
|
|
Climate Control Use:
|
Detailed explanation of HVAC system operation, including air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and recirculation modes.
|
|
Seat Adjustment:
|
Instructions for adjusting manual and power seats, lumbar support, and headrests.
|
|
Child Seat Installation:
|
Recommendations and guidance for securely installing child safety seats.
|
|
Tire Maintenance:
|
Information on tire pressure, rotation, and general tire care for optimal performance and safety.
|
|
Technical Depth
|
|
Depth:
|
Owner-level information, focusing on understanding and operating the vehicle's features and performing basic checks. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or diagnostic procedures typical of a service manual.
|
|
Engine Specifications
|
|
Primary Engine
|
|
Engine Code:
|
L36
|
|
Engine Type:
|
3.8L V6 (Series II)
|
|
Displacement:
|
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
|
|
Configuration:
|
Overhead Valve (OHV), Naturally Aspirated
|
|
Bore X Stroke:
|
3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)
|
|
Compression Ratio:
|
9.4:1
|
|
Horsepower:
|
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
|
|
Torque:
|
225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
|
|
Fuel System
|
|
Fuel Delivery:
|
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
|
|
Fuel Type:
|
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane Minimum
|
|
Engine Cooling
|
|
Coolant Type:
|
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
|
|
Coolant Capacity:
|
Approximately 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) with heater
|
|
Engine Oil
|
|
Oil Type:
|
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API certified)
|
|
Oil Capacity:
|
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
|
|
Safety Features
|
|
Ratings
|
|
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
|
4 Stars (1999 model year ratings are often less granular than modern standards)
|
|
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
|
4 Stars (1999 model year ratings are often less granular than modern standards)
|
|
IIHS Frontal Offset:
|
Good (for vehicles tested at the time, though specific 'Good' ratings for this exact year might vary in documentation).
|
|
Active Features
|
|
ABS:
|
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
|
|
Traction Control:
|
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
|
|
Passive Features
|
|
Airbags:
|
Driver and front passenger airbags.
|
|
Seatbelts:
|
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
|
|
Child Seat Anchors:
|
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
Service Intervals
|
|
Oil Change Interval:
|
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil and appropriate filter).
|
|
Tire Rotation Interval:
|
Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil change recommended).
|
|
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
|
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on driving conditions).
|
|
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
|
Not equipped on all models; if present, inspect and replace as needed (typically every 15,000-20,000 miles).
|
|
Spark Plug Replacement:
|
Recommended at 100,000 miles with ACDelco Platinum Spark Plugs.
|
|
Coolant Flush:
|
Initial change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years thereafter (Dex-Cool).
|
|
Fluid Specifications
|
|
Brake Fluid Type:
|
DOT 3
|
|
Power Steering Fluid Type:
|
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
|
|
Known Issues
|
|
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
|
Common issue on the 3.8L V6 engine where the plastic intake manifold gasket can degrade and leak coolant, leading to overheating. Requires replacement of gasket.
|
|
Transmission Issues:
|
The 4T65-E transmission can experience issues such as torque converter shudder, solenoid failures, or planetary gearset wear. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
|
|
Window Regulator Failure:
|
Power window regulators are known to fail, often due to plastic components breaking. Replacement of the regulator assembly is typically required.
|
|
Wheel Bearing Wear:
|
Front wheel bearings can wear prematurely, leading to humming or grinding noises. Often replaced as a hub assembly.
|
|
Vehicle History
|
|
Brand Heritage
|
|
Buick Legacy:
|
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable and upscale vehicles.
|
|
Model Evolution
|
|
Century Lineage:
|
The Century nameplate has been used by Buick for various models since the 1930s. The 1997-2005 generation marked a significant update on the W-body platform.
|
|
Production
|
|
Generation:
|
Third Generation (1997-2005)
|
|
Manufacturing Location:
|
Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
|
|
Production Years For This Generation:
|
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
|
