2-
yellowblue
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, 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.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-14 Trunk
2
-15 Theft
2
-16 Universal Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2
-18 PASS-Key II
2
-19 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-20 Ignition Positions
2
-21 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-27 Parking Brake
2
-28 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-30 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-31 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-31 Engine Exhaust
2
-32 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-33 Windows
2
-33 Horn
2
-34 Tilt Wheel
2
-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-40 Exterior Lamps
2
-43 Interior Lamps
2
-46 Mirrors
2
-51 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Sun Visors
2
-53 OnStar System
2
-54 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-59 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
yellowblue
2-4
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won't open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key or remote keyless
entry transmitter (if equipped). With your door key,
turning the key toward the rear of the vehicle will lock
the door. Turning the key toward the front of the vehicle
will unlock it.
If your vehicle has a theft
-deterrent system and it is
activated, unlock the doors only with the key or remote
keyless entry system. This will avoid setting off
the alarm.
To lock the door from the
inside, slide the manual
door lock control on the
door down. To unlock the
door, slide the manual door
lock control up.
yellowblue
2-14
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key
and turn it clockwise.
Remote Trunk Release
The TRUNK release button
is on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering
column. The transaxle
must be in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).
If the remote trunk release button does not open the
trunk, make sure the remote trunk release lockout switch
in the glove box is in the on position.
yellowblue
2-49
3. Press the COMPASS button on the bottom of the
mirror until the new zone number appears in the
display. After you stop pressing the button, the
display will show a compass direction within a few
seconds. (This is the automatic calibration mode.
Drive in a circle to calibrate the mirror. See
ªCompass Calibrationº explained previously.)
Manual Remote Control Mirror
To adjust the driver's side
outside mirror, rotate
the knob located on the
driver's door. The right
outside mirror must be
adjusted manually.
The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you
can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting
in a comfortable driving position.
To adjust your passenger's side mirror, sit in the driver's
seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you.
yellowblue
2-50 Power Remote Control Mirrors
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has the
outside power remote
mirrors, the control
is located on the
driver's door.
Move the switch in the middle of the control to choose
the right or left mirror. Push the arrow controls in the
direction you want to move the mirror.
Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger's side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from the
driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside
Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)
If you have this feature, the outside mirrors will adjust
for the glare of headlamps behind you. This feature is
controlled by the on and off settings on the automatic
electrochromic day/night rearview mirror. See
ªElectrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirrorº earlier in
this section.
When you operate the rear window defogger, a defogger
also warms the heated driver's and passenger's outside
rearview mirrors to help clear them of ice and snow.
9-
First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ir Bag 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-20, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Instant, Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Heated Backlite 3-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-62, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials Chart 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Armrest, Storage 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio, Steering Wheel Touch Controls 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-24
Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-5
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caliper/Knuckle 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-56, 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Features 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-7
Maintenance, Underbody 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maxifuse/Relay Center 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Programming 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day/Night Rearview with Reading Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
With Compass 2
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil, Engine 6
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Warning Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar System 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Temperature Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key II 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Programming 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .