1999 BUICK REGAL Owners Manual

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2-29 Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the
engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you've moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever out of PARK (P) without first pushing the
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn't
fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's
seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in
the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
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2-30
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a
Trailerº in the Index.
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You must fully apply your regular brakes before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in
RUN. See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº in
the Index.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the
shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out of
PARK (P).
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and shift to the drive gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
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2-31 Shift Lock Release
Your vehicle is equipped
with an electric park lock
system. The system is
designed to prevent ignition
key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) (with
the shift knob button
fully released).
The system also prevents the shift lever from moving
out of PARK (P) when the ignition is in OFF or in
LOCK. The park lock system is always functional
except in the case of a dead or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If your vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low
voltage, there are two override access slots that will
allow you to override the park lock system.The first slot is located underneath the steering column
below the lock cylinder. To use this slot:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P) (with the
shift knob button released.)
2. Locate the override access slot below the
lock cylinder.
3. Remove the override access slot cap, which will then
show the override mechanism release button.
4. Insert a key or screwdriver into the access slot and
then press in and hold the override mechanism
release button.
5. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
6. Remove the key or screwdriver from the slot.
7. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
8. Replace the override access slot cap.
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2-32
The second override access slot is located on the upper
right hand side of the console shift panel. To use
this slot:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P) and that the
shift knob button is fully released.
2. Locate the override access slot on the upper right
hand side of the shift panel.
3. Remove the override access slot cap, which will then
show the shift lock release button.
4. Insert a key or screwdriver into the access slot and
press in and hold the shift lock release button.
5. Press the shift knob button in and hold.
6. Remove the key or screwdriver from the slot.
7. Pull the shift lever into the desired gear position.
8. Replace the override access slot cap.
You will not be able to remove your key from the
ignition unless the shift lever is in PARK (P) with the
shift knob button fully released.Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
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2-33
Engine Exhaust
CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can't see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren't done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
Running Your Engine While
You're Parked
It's better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under
ªEngine Exhaustº).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust
-- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See
ªBlizzardº in the Index.)
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2-34
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you're pulling a
trailer, also see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
Windows
Power Windows
Switches on the driver's door armrest control each of the
windows when the ignition is on. In addition, each
passenger's door has a switch for its own window.
The driver's window switch has an express
-down
feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of
the switch, and the driver's window will open a small
amount. If the rear of the switch is pressed all the way
down, the window will go all the way down.
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2-35
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the
front of the switch.
The driver's window controls also include a lock
-out
switch. Press LOCK to stop front and rear passengers
from using their window switches. The driver can still
control all the windows with the lock on. Press the other
side of the LOCK button for normal window operation.
Horn
Press anywhere near the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
TILT-WHEEL
Adjustable
Steering Column
A tilt steering wheel allows
you to adjust the steering
wheel before you drive. You
can also raise it to the
highest level to give your
legs more room when you
exit and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level,
then release the lever to lock the wheel into place.
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2-36
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes your:

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

Windshield Wipers

Windshield Washer

Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Flash
-to-Pass
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
The turn signal has the following positions: two upward
(for right) and two downward (for left). These positions
allow you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
If the arrow flashes faster than normal as you signal a
turn or a lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out
and other drivers won't see your turn signal.
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