1993 BUICK LESABRE wheel

F
I L
Take the simplest “car.” Suppose it’s just a seat on
wheels. Put
someone
on it.
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INFL.
REST.
You will see this light flash for a few seconds when you
turn your ignition to
“Run” or “Start.” Then the light
should
go out, which means the system is ready.
I a CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on
when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air
bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. ’
I I I
How The Air Bag System Works
Where is the air bag?
The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
When is an air bag expected to inflate?
The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will only
inflate if the velocity
of the impact is above the designed
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threshold level. When impacting straight into a wall that
does
not move or deform, the threshold level for most
GM vehicles is between 9 and 14 mph. However, this
velocity threshold depends
on the vehicle design and
may be several miles-per-hour faster or slower.
In
addition, this threshold velocity will be considerably
higher if the vehicle strikes an object such as a parked
car which will move and deform on impact. The air bag
is also not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts,
or rear impacts where the inflation would provide
no
occupant protection benefit.
In any particular crash, the determination of whether the
air bag should have inflated cannot be based solely
on
the level of damage on the vehicle(s). Inflation is
determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle’s
deceleration,
of which vehicle damage is only one
indication. Repair cost is not a good indicator of
whether an air bag should have deployed.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal impact of sufficient severity, sensors
strategically located on the vehicle detect that the
vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of
a crash. These
sensors complete an electrical circuit, triggering a
chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the
inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which
inflates the cloth bag. The inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware
are all part
of the air bag inflator module
packed inside the steering wheel.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel.
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 air bags would not
provide protection in many types
of collisions, including
rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags
should never be regarded as anything more than a
supplement to safety belt protection in moderate to
severe frontal and near-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflation?
After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly
deflate. This occurs
so quickly that some people may
not even realize that the air bag inflated. The air bag will
not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer the
vehicle, nor will it hinder the occupants from exiting the
vehicle. There will be small amounts
of smoke coming
from vents in the deflated air bag. Some components
of
the air bag module in the steering wheel hub may be hot
for a short time, but the portion
of the bag that comes
into contact with you will
not be hot to the touch. The
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nitrogen gas used to inflate the air bag will have vented
into the passenger compartment, and the bag will be
deflated within seconds after
the collision. Nitrogen
makes up about
80% of the air we breathe and is not
hazardous.
As the nitrogen vents from the bag, small
particles are also vented into the passenger
compartment.
A CAUTION:
’
0
I’
Don’t attach anything to the steering wheel
pad.
It might injure the driver if the air bag
inflates.
The air bag
is designed to inflate only once.
After
it 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 the air bag module and
possibly other parts. The service manual
has information about the need to replace
other
parts.
Let only qualified technicians work on your
air-bag system. Improper service can mean
I
.‘that your air bag system won’t work
properly.
See your dealer fgr service.
Servicing Your Buick with the Air Bag
System
Please tell or remind anyone who works on your Buick
that
it has the air bag system. There are parts of the air
bag system
in several places around your vehicle. You
don’t want the system to inflate while someone is
working on your vehicle. The air bag system does not
need regular maintenance, Your Buick dealer and the
1993 LeSabre Service Manual have information about
the air bag system, including repair or disposal.
A CAUTION:
For up t0.2 minutes after the ignitlon key is
turned off and the battery 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. Be sure
to follow the proper service
procedures.
When electrical work is done under the hood or inside
your vehicle, the ignition should be
in “Lock” if
possible.
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@ Part 2 Features & Controls I
I
L-
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Buick. 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
.. and what to do if you have a problem .
Part 2 includes:
Keys
........................................................................\
.... 58
DoorLocks ....................................................................... \
59
NewVehicleBreak-In .............................................................. 68
StartingtheEngine ................................................................. 70
ShiftingtheTransaxle .............................................................. 73
Windows ........................................................................\
. 82
Tilt Steering Wheel ................................................................ 84
Multi-Function Lever ............................................................... 85
TunrandLaneChangeSignals ................................................... 85
Headlight High-Low Beam Changer .............................................. 87
Windshield Wipermasher ...................................................... 87
CruiseControl ................................................................ 89
Instrumentpanel ................................................................... 104
Speedometer and Odometer ..................................................... 105
Warning Lights and Gages ...................................................... 106
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To cancel the rear door lock: Theft
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door
from the outside.
I
CHILD
SECURITY
LOCK
SET LEVER
REAR DOORS ON BOTH
2. Move the lever all the way down.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear door locks will now work normally. Vehicle theft
is big business, especially in
some cities.
Although your Buick has
a number of theft deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways
you can
help.
Kev in the ignition: If you walk away from your
vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy
riders or professional thieves
-- so don’t do it.
When
you park your Buick and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a tone 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.
Parking Lots:
If you park in a lot where someone will
be watching your vehicle, it’s best
to lock it up and take
your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition
key? What if you have
to leave something valuable in
your vehicle?
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Ignition Key Positions
I
Your square-headed key operates your ignition lock. This
lock gives you five different positions. Before
you
put the key in, your ignition will be in the “Lock”
position. This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft deterrent feature.
The other positions let you perform these functions:
ACC: Accessory lets you use things like the radio and
the windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To get into
“Acc”, push in the key and turn it toward
you. Your
steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before
you inserted the key.
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OFF: This position lets you turn off the engine but still
turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel like
“Lock.” Use “Off’ if you must have your car
in motion while the engine is off.
RUN: This is the position for driving.
START: This position starts your engine.
I
NOTICE:
IT your Key seems stuck In “Lock” and you can-
turn
it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is, then turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn
the key hard. But turn the key only with your
hand. Using
a tool to force it could break the key
or the ignition switch. If none
your vehicle needs service
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to “P’ (Park) or “N” (Neutral).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
-- that’s a
safety feature.
To restart when you’re already moving,
use “N” (Neutral) only.
n’t try to shift to “P” (Park) if your Buick is
ving.
If you do, Id damage the
nsaxle. Shift to
“ rk) only when you .. . . -
1.
2.
3.
Don’t push the accelerator pedal before starting your
engine. In some other vehicles
you might need to do
this, but because
of your vehicle’s computer systems,
you don’t.
Turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine
starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm.
If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in “Start”
for about three seconds at a time until your engine
starts. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery.
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