1999 BUICK LESABRE traction control

yellowblue
4-26 Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You'll
have a lot less traction or ªgripº and will need to be
very careful.
What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32
F; 0
C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction
control system, you'll want to slow down and adjust
your driving to the road conditions. See ªTraction
Control Systemº in the Index.
If you don't have the traction control system, accelerate
gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you
accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish
the surface under the tires even more.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
5-34
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the system off.
(See ªTraction Control Systemº in the Index.) Then
shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in
gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and
reverse directions, you will cause a rocking motion that
may free your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a
few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need
to be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

yellowblue
6-44 Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire
-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all
-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an ªMSº
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It's all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial
-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.

yellowblue
6-45 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter
-type snow
tires, space
-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited
-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight
-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-6
Labels
Certification 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entry Lighting, Delayed 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting, Delayed 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theater Dimming 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-29 . . . . . . .
Light Sensor, Twilight Sentinel 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-20, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning. 2-62, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Warning 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Level 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Belt Reminder 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-63, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Off Warning 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Protection 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Protection 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnasteer
4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-10
Starter Switch Check 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnasteer
4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Touch Controls 3-11, 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . .
Temperature Control, Passenger 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theater Dimming 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Alarm System 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tires 6
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-29, 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Recreational Vehicle 4
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction
Control System 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Warning Light 2-63, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Warning Light 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .