2002 Buick Century Consumer Discussions

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• shift solenoid/tps

  Written by: mikem11221 on Jan 14, 2012 2:58:36 PM

  i have a 2002 buick century and it has been acting up by surging from a dead stop and i have shifting problems. its almost as if the motor has no power. it doesnt want to accelerate and takes forever to get up to speed. but it didnt thro any codes. it did throw a high voltage code but i was thinking wouldnt it trip the check engine light? also i ... Read More

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• fuse box query

  Written by: meb28 on Jul 10, 2010 4:15:13 PM

  Hi, I have a 2002 Buick Century that will not start. My friend has looked at it and checked the fuses themselves and says that they are good. He believes the problem is something to do with the the fuse box itself going bad. Can this happen? He knows more about cars then I do but this has both of us stumped. Something about an electrical low? (not sure about this ... Read More

Buick Century

• Re: 2002 Century manifold leaks! [london_bridge]

  Written by: 02buick on Jan 12, 2011 5:13:30 PM

  Agree about contacting Buick customer care but probably useless. Buick has known about this issue for years and have done nothing. And why are US cars in trouble?

• Re: 2002 Century manifold leaks! [vicmat]

  Written by: london_bridge on Jan 12, 2011 4:31:58 PM

  Mine failed at 32,000 miles. We all need to contact Buick Customer Care. Paying thousands for replacing parts they KNEW were defective borders on being criminal. They never recalled the car, but quietly changed the known defective part, when it should have been recalled. It's as though they're in the business of keeping their service departments in business with $1000 labor costs for each repair. I am so scared that something ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2002 Buick Century [qwerty57]

  Written by: dbenko13 on Aug 31, 2010 4:13:17 PM

  Sorry for getting in on this so late, but I just found this website. I am not a mechanic by any means, but I have had problems with my windows for years. I finally took it to a dealer to have it diagnosed. The verdict: a short in the right passenger door lock actuator. I can only raise/lower my windows with the right passenger door open because of this. I have ... Read More

• Re: 1998 Buick Century Digital odometer [borisbuick]

  Written by: bcudadriver on Feb 28, 2010 12:22:26 PM

  Well today, Feb 28, 2010, I replaced the Headlight switch. This DID NOT fix the problem. But the black connector plug that plugs into the headlight switch is burnt and melted. Looks like the Black with white stripe wire and the brown wire got hot and melted the plastic. I have a Haynes Manual that covers 1997 to 2002 Century’s and the wiring diagrams are not specific enough for just a ... Read More

• Re: 2000 Buick Century Code P0401 [edbeard]

  Written by: 2002_buick on Aug 16, 2009 12:57:54 PM

  Remove the O2 sensor before the catalytic converter. This will remove extra pressure off the catalytic converter and your engine should run smother if you have a "going bad catalytic converter" If your performance improves change catalytic converter and have all faults reset.

• Re: 2002 Buick Century [qwerty57]

  Written by: mfacdgba33 on Jul 4, 2009 8:29:50 AM

  yes the contacts go out often and the only fix ive found is to get new switches at an auto parts store that match size and use. I got lucky and found some now they work good. the originals were all made by the lowest bidder.

• Re: 2002 Buick Century [qwerty57]

  Written by: 00buickcentury on Apr 30, 2009 7:30:14 PM

  Yeah, my driver side rear window works when it wants to. Mostly works in the winter time when its snowing and is likely to be the only one that works when the others are frozen shut. In the summer there is no chance of it working.

Buick Century Brakes

• 2002 Buick Century Rusted Brake Line

  Written by: jbak1961 on Apr 25, 2009 7:02:34 AM

  Mom's car has only 45,000 miles.The brake line rusted out.Anyone else have this problem?

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Low mpg on short drives

  Written by: lyainna on Feb 7, 2009 9:56:43 AM

  Hi, I have a 2002 Buick Century. The last few months, I noticed my mpg going down. I used to get about 400 miles to the tank either short or long distance drives. Now, I still get about 400/tank on long distance drives, but my short has dropped drastically down to 180-200 miles a tank. What would be a cause of this?

Buick Century Brakes

• Re: brake problem [frogger14]

  Written by: jennd09 on Sep 27, 2008 6:21:20 AM

  I also have a 2002 Buick Century with a "No traction" light warning. Ater 3 tries of taking it to a Service center, who advised me that it was in the wheel bearing sensor.(which they supposedly replaced). The problem keeps reappearing.When I make a slow left turn, I hear a buzzing noise and it seems like the brakes want to lock up. I am afraid to drive it in the city. ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• NHTSA

  Written by: 52132 on Jun 20, 2008 4:09:52 PM

  I'm new to this forum (I'm usually at Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee). Does anybody know what component(s) are at fault in NHTSA TSB 10004775? I have all the problems listed in this TSB. Please help!!! I have a 2002 Buick Century.

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• Buick power window problem

  Written by: hmcfly on Jun 20, 2008 9:35:19 AM

  I have a 2002 Buick Century and I'm having trouble with one of my power windows. It's the front passenger side, I have replaced the motor and regulator 3 times now in a 12 month period. I have a lifetime warranty on it but they are looking at me funny now when I return it. They seem to think that I'm getting power surges when I use it. I get about ... Read More

• Re: Buick Century Headlights [mbaldock]

  Written by: marie7777777 on Mar 31, 2008 4:54:30 PM

  2 Quotes: My wife has a 2004 Buick Century. Lately, (and I confirmed this last night when I was driving it), her headlights have been going out. They went out last night, and I hit the bright switch and they came back on. I switched back to low beams, and they stayed on. The problem didn't occur again. Obviously, this is a nerve-wracking thing, thinking this could happen at any moment. ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Loud Clanking sound at low idle

  Written by: hvaughn on Sep 2, 2007 9:59:26 AM

  My 2002 Buick Century has just developed a new problem. For the last week we get a loud clanking sound while the car is in idle. Giving it just a little gas causes the noise to disappear. In addition, the car operates smoothly on the road with no noise or problem. The car has 120,000 miles with normal maintenance and no major problems. We have had the car to two local ... Read More

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• Re: security light [siouxsqaw]

  Written by: ken68 on Dec 12, 2007 5:38:25 PM

  Hmm.. seen that light before got the ignition key with a chip in it? Did the car start and keep running? My 2002 Buick Century has a key with a chip on the shank. It surounded by a black rectangle. It means your key(chip didn't read)..... That could be a bad thing if the ignition switch is failing cuase it will quit and not start at all.

Buick Century Brakes

• Re: brake problem [frogger14]

  Written by: joelsr on Apr 20, 2007 3:32:09 PM

  Hey Frogger, what did you finally do to fix your problem with the brakes on your 2002 buick century ? What was the problem? I am having the same brake problems with my 2002 buick century. Help..... Thanks, Joel

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2002 Buick Century custom low tire pressure light on [buickmomma]

  Written by: asmog13 on Feb 13, 2007 2:06:59 PM

  I'm sure you found the reset button by now, but this may help others. The reset button for a Buick Century 2000> is located in the fuse box inside the car. It must be held for 3 sec.

• Re: 2002 Buick Century [qwerty57]

  Written by: drumaro on Jan 30, 2007 10:16:20 AM

  yea man thats just gm

• Re: Century 2000 Limited sedan [nancy2]

  Written by: sbarker on Jan 16, 2007 2:01:34 AM

  Hi, I also have that problem and had it checked by a transmission expert. He said it's a common problem with the 2000-2002 buick century's and other gm cars that use the same transmission. The only real fix is to remove and replace the transmission with an upgraded unit. The cost is 2500.00 but comes with a 100,000 warrenty. I know it's a big cost but 2500 is cheaper than 20,000 ... Read More

• Re: 2002 Buick Century custom low tire pressure light on [mitech]

  Written by: buickmomma on Dec 29, 2006 12:48:41 PM

  I have the same problem with my 1999 Buick Century whenever I have my tires changed or rotated. I was told that this was a "typical kink" with the Century models. To resolve your issue, you just have to get your system reset. The major issue is finding a mechanic who know how to reset it. The reset is not "common" knowledge.

• 2002 buick century do not start properly when the engine is hot

  Written by: jackcc on Dec 2, 2006 7:19:01 AM

  Recently, I find my car (2002 buick century) don't start properly after I just turned off the engine. when the engine is cold, every thing is OK. anyone has this problem? How to solve it?

Buick Century Brakes

• brake problem

  Written by: frogger14 on Nov 17, 2006 6:55:28 PM

  2002 buick century just bought it used 83000 mls step on the brakes and i feel the pedal fluter also can hear what sounds like some type of motor noise consitant with the jittery pedal...someone please help.

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2002 Buick Century custom low tire pressure light on [mitech]

  Written by: hoodlatch on Nov 4, 2006 3:34:37 PM

  I use to have to keep re-setting my 2000 century all the time. After I had my tires re-balanced and rotated it stopped. :)

• 2002 Buick Century custom low tire pressure light on

  Written by: mitech on Nov 4, 2006 9:42:26 AM

  My low pressure light came on about 7 months ago but my tire pressure is all within spec. does anyone have any ideas?

Buick Century

• Re: 2002 Century manifold leaks! [vicmat]

  Written by: hoodlatch on Jun 5, 2006 6:56:29 PM

  Another chronic problem buick has is the transmission. My 2000 Century at 56k started shifting hard. From what I read, the valve body is made of softer material than the piston that controls pressure. After a while the piston seal leaks pressure and requires a repair kit with sleeve. Like you said, GM needs to start taking responsibility for poor engineering and do the right thing. Or maybe they plan on ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2002 Buick Century Running Hot [redbird48]

  Written by: new2buicks on May 9, 2006 6:58:17 AM

  thanks redbird! i'll go and have it checked out. hopefully it won't be too costly. i'll let you know what happens.

• Re: 2002 Buick Century Running Hot [new2buicks]

  Written by: redbird48 on May 3, 2006 9:28:02 PM

  The normal position for the temp gauge on my 2002 century is the first mark to the left of center. Some times in heavy traffic here in Texas during the summer at 100+ degrees it may run in the middle while going slow. Then as soon as you get back to normal speed it will go back to the left mark from center again. The car has 2 electric fans that ... Read More

• 2002 Buick Century Running Hot

  Written by: new2buicks on Apr 26, 2006 11:59:12 AM

  I recently bought a 2002 Buick Century Custom with 49,000 miles. The temperature gauge goes to the notch past the halfway mark when I drive continuously for about an hour. But it gradually goes back down to the notch before the halfway point. Should I get the cooling system checked or is this normal for this car? May it just be a case of a floating needle or is it a ... Read More

• Input from Century owners

  Written by: vegaslady on Apr 21, 2006 9:01:24 PM

  I currently own a 2002 Honda Accord, I'm not impressed with the Honda cars and I'm thinking of selling it and buying a 2000 or up Buick Century. I looking for words of satisfaction from current owners. Gas milage for one and reliability for another. Appreciate your input.

Buick Century

• 2002 Century manifold leaks!

  Written by: vicmat on Apr 8, 2006 1:04:06 PM

  My 2002 with only 90,000 km (approx. 55,000 miles) lost it's coolant, so I filled it up, but now it's low again...talked to my corner mechanic, who laughed and said it's the intake manifold leaking into the engine... he does 4 or 5 a month (all Buick Centuries with 80-110 km on them)for about $800. This is CRAP! I think GM should take some responsibility...No wonder their stock is plummeting...I'll bet ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• blown rod 2002 buick centry

  Written by: accord2 on Jan 24, 2006 6:52:36 PM

  A rod in my mom's 2002 Century blew yesterday. She got it to the Buick dealer and is having an engine put in for $2000.00 w/40,000 warranty on it. The car has 56,000 miles and she has changed the oil every 3,000 miles. The service manager told her it just was a "freaky" thing that happened-no other explanation. I think that's a lot of BS. It seems to me that at ... Read More

• 2002 Century: Low Coolant light stays on all the time

  Written by: scoandr on Mar 6, 2006 9:35:29 AM

  I have a 2002 Buick Century. The Low Coolant light stays on all the time. I've had the car flushed/refilled, new thermostat and that fixed the problem temporarirly. But now i'm being told it's an issue with teh central computer? Has anyone else had issues like this before? The temp gauge never goes above the halfway point and the car isn't running hot. Just the light stays on. Any information woudl ... Read More

• lacks power

  Written by: molerj on Dec 19, 2005 7:46:17 AM

  Same car with headlight problem 2002 Buick Century 3.1. 78,000 miles. Noticed lately that it lacks power going up hills. It won't much go above 35 unless I kick it into overdrive. Also a slight miss is sometimes noticeable when driving on highway. Fuel filter? Spark plugs? Also researching the plugs I found the iridium plug is the OEM plug? Should I stay with that or go platinum or regular? One ... Read More

• Highbeams go out

  Written by: molerj on Dec 19, 2005 5:09:47 AM

  2002 Buick Century. The highbeams go out completly. If I switch to lowbeams they stay on. Switch back to highbeams & they may stay on for a while but in time will go out again. This problem started about a yr. ago & only happened a few times. Now it is becoming a real problem. Any ideas on the fix?

• Re: 1994 Buick Century [myervin]

  Written by: wferguson on Dec 14, 2005 3:12:45 AM

  my headlights wentout suddenly. all other lights worked. whalf hour or so later they came back on. It happened again last night. Someone suggusted a bad on off switch. 2002 buick century. any ideas? Thanks, W Ferg.

• Re: Oil Leaking into the Antifreeze [redwood_girl]

  Written by: redbird48 on Feb 10, 2006 4:13:43 AM

  I HAD THIS PROBLEM ALSO ON MY 2002 BUICK CENTURY AT ABOUT 58,000 MILES. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING OR ENGINE MISS OR POWER. THE WAY I TOOK CARE OF THIS PROBLEM WAS TO DRAIN ABOUT 1 GALLON OF COOLENT FROM THE SYSTEM AND POUR ABOUT A QUART OF LIQUID CASCADE AUTOMATIC DISH WASHING SOAP IN THE RADIATOR . YOU NEED TO REFIL THE SYSTEM WITH PLAIN WATER AND BLEED ... Read More

• Re: 1999 Buick Park Avenue [maryh2]

  Written by: pat4733 on Feb 7, 2006 11:17:45 PM

  I had the same problem after buying a new battery. you might want to try removing your battery cables and making sure they are getting a good connection. I am adding to this what I wrote to someone else concerning my problem with the flopping gauges and no-start, that may have been all they did the first time they fixed the problem. Regarding the problems concerning no start, poor battery cables ... Read More

• Oil Leaking into the Antifreeze

  Written by: redwood_girl on Feb 1, 2006 7:06:03 AM

  what started out as particles in my rad fluid has become a nightmare. I have a 2002 Buick Century with 117,000 km (highway)and now I have a huge repair bill coming. I have oil leaking into the antifreeze which requires a head gasket repair. Has anyone heard of this before?

Buick Century

• Re: Used Century - recommendations? [barnee61]

  Written by: tsu670 on Dec 30, 2005 1:56:46 PM

  We have both the Century and the Regal in my family (I've got the Regal, of course!). The Regal is sportier and has more standard equipment, but if you find a Century Limited you'll have the same stuff with a softer ride. The Century is a solid car, no doubt about it. Be advised, however, that Buick has been "de-contenting" their cars over the last few years, so things you thought ... Read More

• Used Century - recommendations?

  Written by: barnee61 on Dec 30, 2005 7:59:28 AM

  Hi everyone. I'm considering buying a used Century, in the 2002 - 2005 range. Any recommendations as to what things to look for, or avoid? Also, I wonder if I could get some feedback regarding reliability and durability (long-term) of the 3.1 engine. I know that the 3.8 in the Regal is a solid, workhorse Buick engine, but I'm not really familiar with the 3.1. Isn't the 3.1 a Chevy design, ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Car won't start after gas fill up???

  Written by: flamingokid on Jul 13, 2005 7:17:24 AM

  On three occasions now, my 2002 Buick Century would not start after I filled the gas tank. The engine would crank but would not start (almost like a vacuum lock). After waiting 10-15 minutes, the car starts and runs normally. The only thing the dealer could suggest was that there was a theft-deterrent device that would not allow the car to be started for 10-15 minutes. They made a new ignition ... Read More

• 2000 Centry Low / High Problem

  Written by: jsharrow on Feb 19, 2005 8:20:18 AM

  I have a 2000 Buick Century that has an electrical problem that is causing the low/high beam light not to work. I have taken the headlight out of this car and tested them on my 2002 Buick Century. The light worked good on my 2002 Buick. I also took the headlight switch out of my 2000 Buick and put it in my 2002 Buick and it worked correctly. I have checked ... Read More

Buick Century

• '05 Century - Special Edition

  Written by: nickper on Aug 1, 2004 8:27:32 PM

  I think the 16" chrome rims for the 2005 Buick Century special edition are the same chrome rims from the 2000-2002 Olds Intrigue. I was driving in Lansing, Mich. this evening (on s.b. Waverly Rd @ St. Joseph for those in the area) and pulled up next to a silver Century and though it was an Intrigue until I looked closer. The center lug cap has the Buick shield instead of ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• 2002 Buick Century

  Written by: qwerty57 on Nov 3, 2003 12:20:17 PM

  Anyone else having problems with electric window switches? I have replaced 2 on the driver's window already, with only 7000 miles.

Buick Century

• Buick Century CD Player model#

  Written by: masonmi on Aug 5, 2003 6:56:04 PM

  I'm looking to replace my original am/fm cassette player with a Delco CD player, does anyone happen to know the model #'s for the Combo Cassette/CD Player and just the CD player itself for a 2002 Buick Century?

• 2002 Buick Century Pulsating at 70 mph

  Written by: masonmi on Jul 20, 2003 7:20:13 PM

  I have a 2002 Buick Century with almost 33,000 miles on it and i've been noticing a pulsation on and off from time to time when going 70 mph, would this be in the fuel filter or would the fuel injectors would need to be cleaned? If so would a fuel injector cleaner work from an auto parts store? Please advise MasonMI

• Some minor damage

  Written by: drue on Apr 13, 2003 12:25:21 AM

  I wanted to see if anyone can help me with some minor damage with a 2002 Buick Century. Essentially, the car was being driven in reverse and the right front door and mirror clipped a pine tree. The heated mirror shattered and the door sustained some minor cosmetic damage. Heres my questions: 1) The dealer wants to replace the whole heated power mirror assembly at $131, but only the mirror itself ... Read More

Buick Century Problems

• RE: 2002 Century Bbrinley

  Written by: masonmi on Jul 18, 2002 2:45:25 AM

  Are they saying whats wrong with your 2002 Buick Century? how did it die actually?

Buick Century

• 1999 Buick Century Limited

  Written by: bsapp on Jul 9, 2002 7:08:28 PM

  I purchased a 1999 Century Limited new in Feb of 99 that had every factory option, leather,sunroof,dual power seats,electronic climate control, cd/cassette, concert 111, Onstar,self dimming rear view mirror and outside left mirror, well, everything and it was a major disappointment. The dashboard squeaked and rattled as well as the sunroof. One day going to work another car pulled in front of me and I braked hard enough to engage the ... Read More

Buick Century Problems

• reply to #2

  Written by: masonmi on Jun 9, 2002 3:52:17 AM

  I think i've been through both 1 & 2 it seems they'll tell me they've cleaned and adjusted the brakes and I should be all set however later in the day the squeal returns, is it possible that the brake shoes or the drums themselves could have a manufactor defect to cause such squeal? Should I have the dealer replace the brake shoes? I was even told to do a few ... Read More

• Help 2002 Buick Century Problems

  Written by: masonmi on Jun 8, 2002 11:00:31 AM

  This may be the first ever posting of Buick Century problems or concerns, the problems i've been experiencing is brakes and interior noise, i've been to 3 dealerships and they can't duplicate the brake issue which is when the car has been driven for a long period of time (city Driving) the rear drum brakes start to squeak and squeal when you lightly depress them for a stop, if i make ... Read More

Buick Century

• Century

  Written by: jpelder on May 14, 2002 4:52:54 PM

  You are right about the Century being a stable car. They are a very well kept secret, mostly because they are dismissed as an old person's car. I am 35 and almost bought one this year. It seems that they changed the radio knobs on the 2002, but the Fader control should still be labeled. I really miss the quiet buick ride. Let us know how you make out.

• 2002 Buick Century Stereo Help

  Written by: masonmi on May 14, 2002 2:29:35 PM

  Hi, I purchased a 2002 Buick Century and I have the concert sound II system with a cassette player am/fm when I use the radio it seems that i'm not hearing anything from anywhere but the front speakers, is there a button to get the rear speakers on? i checked the manual though it didn't seem to helpful. Also I didn't see many postings about the Buick Century, I take that ... Read More

• Ticking..

  Written by: artwis on Mar 29, 2002 7:07:50 PM

  The ticking is common on the 3.1 and 3.4 engines. Our 95 Lumina and also our 99 Venture did the ticking thing. The wife just bought a 2002 Century and it doesn't tick yet but it probably will. The ticking should only be there for a few seconds when the weather is cold. The colder the weather the longer the tick but in no case have any of our vehicles ticked ... Read More

• Paint problem

  Written by: sharyn238 on Mar 14, 2002 4:44:08 PM

  My father bought a 2002 Century about 3 weeks ago. He just noticed there are some scratches in the paint. They are very deep and extremely fine. It's hard to tell if its a defect in the paint or not. Has anyone had this problem or knows of paint issues with the Buick's. Thanks

2002 GM oil change interval.

• 2002 GM oil change interval.

  Written by: artwis on Mar 4, 2002 2:56:03 PM

  Wife just purchased a 2002 Buick Century. While reading through the manual I found that GM recommends changing the oil within two tanks of fuel from when the "change oil" light comes on. No regular or severe service mileage intervals listed at all. I haven't talked to the dealer service dept about this yet but think I will have the oil changed at 3000 and 6000 miles and then change to ... Read More