2-
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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
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2-17
If the SECURITY light comes on for one minute and
then shuts off while the ignition is on, the security
system has detected a problem with itself. See your
dealer for service.
If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or remote
keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. It will
also go off if the trunk lock is damaged. Your vehicle's
lamps will flash and the horn will sound for one minute,
and then will go off in order to save battery power.
Remember, the theft
-deterrent system won't activate if
you lock the doors with a key or manual door lock. It
activates only if you use a power door lock switch with
a door open, or the remote keyless entry transmitter. You
should also remember that you can start your vehicle
with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set
off. You must still shut off the alarm by inserting the key
in the door lock, or by pressing the UNLOCK button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Here's how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you don't want to activate the theft
-deterrent
system, lock the door by using the door key or the
manual door lock switch.
Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry system transmitter. Unlocking a door
any other way will set off the alarm.If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with your key.
You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK
on the remote keyless entry transmitter, if you have it.
The alarm won't stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle's lamps flash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see
ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle's lamps do not
flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized
service center.
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2-43 Illuminated Entry (If Equipped)
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped) and the interior courtesy lamps
will turn on and stay on for up to one minute. The lamps
will turn off immediately by pressing the LOCK button
on the remote keyless entry transmitter, starting the
engine or activating the power door locks.
Delayed Entry Lighting
When you open the door, the interior lamps will turn on.
When you close the door with the ignition off, the
interior lamps will stay on for 25 seconds or until the
ignition is turned to an on position. Note that locking the
doors will override the delayed entry lighting feature
and the lamps will turn off right away.
Theater Dimming
This feature allows for a three to five-second fade out of
the courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn off.
Delayed Exit Lighting
With this feature, the interior lamps will turn on and stay
on for up to 25 seconds after you remove the key from
the ignition. This will give you time to find the door pull
handle or lock switches.
Perimeter Lighting (If Equipped)
When the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter is pressed, the headlamps, parking lamps,
back
-up lamps and cornering lamps will turn on if it is
dark enough outside according to the twilight sentinel.
If your vehicle is not equipped with twilight sentinel
and perimeter lighting is active, the lights will turn on
whenever the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
is pressed.
Personal Choice Programming
This feature can be programmed in the on or off mode
for each transmitter.
To turn the feature off:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch
throughout this procedure. All the doors will lock.
3. Press the instant alarm on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. Perimeter lighting remains on at this
time and the horn will chirp two times.
9-
First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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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
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .