Top 10 2002 Buick Century Questions & Answers

i recently had this problem too, except i had all the lights on (ABS, service vehicle, trac-off, AND service engine) they are all easy to fix without spending more than 20-30$ for labour (depending how much your mechanic charges you) mine did it for free and he found out why the engine light is on afterwards too. so to fix all these lights (abs, trac-off, and service vehicle you MUST get another ABS cable (i went to a garage, they were towing a GM vehicle to the junk yard so i grabbed some scissors and cut BOTH abs cables on each side (good thing i did because one was bad) and braught them to my mechanic. the reason the lights come on is probably a defect or in my case my mechanic said it was salt buildup in the wires (on the drivers side) so he cut the wire off and rewired the new one and BOOM all the lights came off (service vehicle, abs, and trac-off) now for my service engine it says catalytic converter but im trying to put some fuel system cleaner to help it out i read somewhere that this is a defect of the car, so if you dont have that light yet, SELL your car ASAP for as much as you can get for it (after fixing the lights of course) and always google (car name+recalls) in the search bar to see what youre getting into, take care

yes,it could be a bad sensor.
You didn't say if you did a tap test on while the engine was idling,take a small hammer and tap on the sensor with the handle,don't be afraid to tap it medium.if it stalls out the engine,get another one.
Second thing to check is when engine is at operatring temp and in park running,remove the oil fill cap,notice if the engine picks up speed,this would be the intake gasket has slipped out and is common in 3.1 engines.
Third,Does the car get slower with more acceleration,
if it does check for whistle sound at tailpipe,possible converter plugging up

well there are 2 causes of this!!!
If its on the instrument panel your referring then

1. Check the neutrailising switch on the transmission (park neutral switch some people call it) It has 8 wires than run back to the car and 6 goes to the dash board to display these things .. Its not a bulb,, but electrical short between the neutalising switch and the dashboard.
2. Check for blown fuses

If its on the gear shifter itself
well yes its the bulb and there are 2 ways to fix it.

1.) remove the complete center console by unscrewing and prying up the top parts then unbolting it.
2.) unscrew the shifter display
3.) replace bulb
4.) re assemble

or

1.) pry up the plastic part of the gear shifter (with P R D 1 2 N on it)
2.) replace bulb.
3.) press it back in place

P0442 OBD-II Trouble Code - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)

What does that mean?
This indicates a fuel vapor leak in the EVAP control system. It means a very small leak has been detected. In fact, the leak can be from a hole as small as 0.04" in diameter. The (EVAP) emission control system prevents the escape of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running a purge control valve opens allowing intake vacuum to siphon the fuel vapors into the engine.


Symptoms
You likely won't notice any drivability problems.


Causes
A code P0442 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:
* A loose or improperly affixed gas cap
* A non-conforming gas cap (i.e. not factory/original brand)
* A small leak/hole in a fuel vapor hose/tube
* Other small leak in EVAP system
* Faulty vent o-ring seal


Possible Solutions
With a P0442, the most common repair is to:
* Remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the codes, and drive for a day and see if the codes come back.
* Otherwise, replace the gas cap, or
* Inspect the EVAP system for cuts/holes in tubes/hoses




Fig. EVAP vent solenoid (2) on 3.1L, 3.4L, 3.5L & 3.8L, showing the connector (1) and vapor line (2)




Fig. EVAP canister purge solenoid location on 3.1L & 3.4L




Fig. EVAP purge solenoid valve (3) location on 3.5L




Hope this help, good luck.

1. Step 1 Purchase a replacement bulb from an auto parts department or auto parts store. The bulb number is 4157NAK. You also can check the parts book or ask store employee for assistance.
   
2. Step 2 Open the hood of the vehicle. The hood release handle is located under the dash on the left side of the vehicle. Once you discharge it, you must free the second hood release under the hood of the vehicle in the center. Move it to the right and lift the hood.
   
3. Step 3 Locate two headlamp retainers (clamps) holding the headlamp in place. Pull up to remove them to discharge the tabs on the assembly.
   
4. Step 4 Detach the power to the headlamp. Now you can easily remove the assembly out of its position.
   
5. Step 5 Take off the rubber cover located in back of the turn signal light. This will allow access to the bulb socket.
   
6. Step 6 Turn the light socket counterclockwise to remove it from the assembly.
   
7. Step 7 Remove the old bulb by holding the bottom of it and pulling it gently up. Replace with new bulb.
   
8. Step 8 Once you have replaced the bulb, put the light socket back in the assembly and turn it clockwise to secure it.
   
9. Step 9 Replace the rubber covering on the back of the headlamp assembly.
   
10. Step 10 Put the headlamp assembly back in place by sliding it in the slot and attach the power supply.
    
11. Step 11 Replace the retainer clamps to hold the headlight assembly in place and close the hood of the vehicle.
    

Hi!!!

For step by step instructions and pictures to remove/install your radiator, click on the following link http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?pageId=0996b43f80370192
Good luck!!! Don't forget to rate this post!!

For 2002 Buick Century 3.1L SFI OHV 6cyl



Fig. The thermostat on this 3.1L is mounted horizontally and uses an offset housing/water outlet

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Partially drain the cooling system into a suitable container, to a level below the thermostat.
3. It is usually possible to leave the radiator hose attached and simply remove the thermostat housing (also called a water outlet) and flex the radiator hose enough to service the thermostat. It is good practice, however, to remove the radiator hose so the thermostat housing can be given a thorough cleaning. Debris on the thermostat housing sealing surface can cause leaks.
4. Some applications may have electrical connections to sensors which mount in the thermostat housing. Use care when detaching these connectors.
5. Unfasten the thermostat housing bolts and remove the housing.
6. Remove the thermostat by simply pulling out. Discard the gasket.
   

To install:

1. Clean all parts well. Make sure the sealing surfaces on both the thermostat housing gasket flange and the intake manifold are clean and free of corrosion damage. It is good practice to run a thread cutting tap or a clean bolt into the threaded holes in the manifold to clean out old sealer and dirt. The threads should be clean so the thermostat cover clamps the gasket evenly at assembly.
2. Position the thermostat in the intake manifold. Make sure it is seated.
3. Position a new gasket over the thermostat. If no gasket is used, apply a 0.125 in. (3mm) bead of RTV sealer to the thermostat housing and install the housing. Lightly lubricate the bolts with clean engine oil. Torque to 18-20 ft. lbs. (23-27 Nm).
4. If removed, attach the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
5. Refill the engine with the proper mix of DEX-COOL®and water. Connect the negative battery cable, start the engine and check for leaks.

Good luck (remember to rate this answer).

The fuse is located in the instrument panel fuse box. I have a picture of its location below. You have to open the passenger door to be able to see the cover. Below is also a diagram of the fuse layout and the fuse you want is the one marked "CIGAR LTR". It's in the 6th row up and the 6th one over from the left. This should be in your owners manual if you have one. If you don't and would like a copy, email me at [email protected] with your make, model and year. I will be happy to email you a copy & don't worry there is no cost for it. I hope this helps and good luck.

If I understand correctly, the same thing happened to me. It might just be the knob, if you can use pliers to rotate the metal piece where the knob connects then either buy a new knob or you could hot glue the old one in place. Just make sure you have it pointing in the right direction if you do.

The security light is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM (Theft Deterrent Module). These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car misinterperates this as an attempt at theft and goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. This is why the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. Remember too, the TDM controls the security light. Sometimes you can have ALL the symptoms and no lights.
This link may help you.
http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/