2003 BUICK REGAL Owner's Manual

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control
system. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-21.
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. 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 vehiclefixed as soon as you can.
Shift Lock Release
Your vehicle is equipped with a shift lock release
system. It is designed to prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P) (with the shift lever
button fully released).It also prevents the shift lever from moving out of
PARK (P) when the ignition is in OFF or in LOCK. The
shift lock release 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 shift lock release system.
Thefirst access slot is located underneath the steering
column below the lock cylinder. To use this slot, do
the following:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P) with the
shift lever button released.
2. Remove the override access slot cap, which will
then show the override mechanism release
button.
3. Insert a key or tool into the access slot and then
press in and hold the override mechanism release
button.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
6. Put the override access slot cap back on.
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You will not be able to remove your key from the
ignition unless the shift lever is in PARK (P) with the
shift lever button fully released.
The second override
access slot is located on
the upper right side of
the console shift panel.
To use this slot, do the following:
1. Remove the override access slot cap.
2. Insert a key or tool into the access slot, press in
and hold the override mechanism release button.
3. Move the shift lever into the desired gear position.
4. Put the override access slot cap back on.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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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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
•
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 vehiclefixed immediately.
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Running Your Engine While You
Are 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
“Engine Exhaust.”
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan 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
“Winter Driving”in the Index.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brakefirmly 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. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-25.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a trailer,
also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-35.
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Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you
are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
To reduce glare from lamps behind you, pull the lever at
the bottom of the mirror toward you, to the night
position. To return the mirror to the day position, push
the lever away from you.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
If your vehicle is equipped with this mirror, it has a lever
located at the bottom between the two lamps. To
reduce glare from headlamps behind you while driving
at night, pull the lever towards you, to the night position.
To return the mirror to the day position, return the
lever to its original position.There are two lamps located on the bottom of the
mirror. Each lamp is turned on and off by pressing the
button next to the lamp.
There are also three OnStar®buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on page 2-34for more
information about the services OnStar®provides.
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Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror. Push the button in the center of the mirror to
turn this feature on. The mirror will darken gradually to
reduce glare from headlamps behind you.
To turn the automatic dimming feature off, press the
button in the center of the mirror again.
The mirror’s two outer buttons operate the lamps on the
bottom of the mirror.
One photocell on the front of the mirror senses when it
is becoming dark outside. Another photocell, facing
rearward, senses headlamps behind you.
To keep the photocells operating well, occasionally
clean them with a cotton swab and glass cleaner.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with the OnStar®System.
The automatic dimming feature is turned on or off by
pressing the far left button, located on the lower part of
the mirror, for up to three seconds. When turned on,
this mirror functions exactly like the automatic dimming
rearview mirror described previously. SeeAutomatic
Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 2-32.
There are two lamps located on the bottom of the
mirror. Each lamp is turned on and off by pressing the
button next to the lamp.
There are also three OnStar
®buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on page 2-34for more
information about the services OnStar®provides.
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Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
The power mirror controls
are located on the driver’s
door armrest.
To choose either the left or right outside mirror, move
the selector switch located above the control pad to the
left or the right. Then use the four-way arrows located
on the control pad to move the mirrors in the desired
direction.
Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
Outside Convex 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.
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OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information and convenience services. An OnStar
®
subscription plan is included in the price of your vehicle.
You can upgrade or extend your OnStar®services to
meet your needs.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in your vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com,
contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),
or press the blue OnStar®button to speak to an
OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
OnStar®provides a number of service plans. Some of
the services currently provided by OnStar®are:
•Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment
•Emergency Services
•Roadside Assistance Stolen Vehicle Tracking
•AccidentAssist
•Remote Door Unlock
•Remote Diagnostics
•Online and Personal Concierge Services
•Route Support
•RideAssist
•Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Personal Calling
With OnStar®Personal Calling, you have a safer way to
stay connected while driving. It’s a hands-free wireless
phone that’s integrated into your vehicle. You can place
calls nationwide using voice-activated dialing with no
contracts, no roaming charges and no access fees. To
find out more about OnStar
®Personal Calling, refer
to the OnStar®user’s guide in your vehicle’s glove box,
or call OnStar®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
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