2001 BUICK LESABRE ignition

2-21
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and
Circuit Breakersº in the Index). If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty.
See your dealer who can service the PASS
-Key III to
have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS
-Key III decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for
the vehicle. This procedure is for learning additional
keys only.
Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS
-Key III to have
new keys made. To program additional keys you will
need two current driver's keys (black in color). You add
a step to the following procedure. After Step 2 repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver's key.
Then continue with Step 3.To program the new key, do the following:
1. Insert the current driver's key (black in color) in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
2. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF, and
remove the key.
3. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
4. The SECURITY telltale light will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not be apparent
that the SECURITY light went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine
if you turn it off. Your PASS
-Key III system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key
III system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key III key, see your
dealer to have a new key made.

2-22
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
five different positions.
ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use your
electrical power accessories such as power windows,
power sunroof (option), radio and the windshield
wipers. To use, push in the ignition 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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LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you
can remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it 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 of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any electrical
power to the accessories. The instrument panel cluster
will remain powered in LOCK to illuminate the gear
shift indicator. The cluster will also activate the parking
brake light when the parking brake is set. Use UNLOCK
if you must have your vehicle in motion while the
engine is not running.RUN (D): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. This is also
the position for normal driving. Even when the engine is
not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.
Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in OFF, you will hear a warning
chime when you open the driver's door.
Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave it in any
other position, you will drain your battery power.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key,
you will still have electrical power to such accessories
as the power windows, audio steering wheel controls
(if equipped), clock, sunroof (option) and the radio
for up to 10 minutes. The instrument panel cluster
lights will stay on for a few seconds, then will go out.
Once you open a door, the power will shut off.

2-24
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's
a safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, 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.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, hold your
key in START for about 10 seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing. This time keep the pedal down for five or
six seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the
engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat
the normal starting procedure.

2-27
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of
PARK (P)º in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle,
see ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed)
is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.

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FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle
won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your front wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a
solid object. You could damage your transaxle.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
Parking Brake
This vehicle has a PUSH
TO RELEASE parking
brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down
with your right foot. Push
down the parking brake
pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is in RUN or OFF, the brake system
warning light will turn on while the parking brake is set.
The parking brake uses the brakes on the rear wheels.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down and push the parking brake pedal with
your left foot. This will release the parking brake pedal.
When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal
will follow it to the released position.

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1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:

Pull the lever toward you.

Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transaxleº in
the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF. Open and close the driver's
door to turn off the retained accessory power feature.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
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.