2004 BUICK LESABRE transaxle

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-9
Door Locks....................................................2-9
Central Door Unlocking System......................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-13
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III ..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation...............................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-23
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-24
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-25
Parking Brake..............................................2-27
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-30
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-31
Engine Exhaust............................................2-31
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-32
Mirrors...........................................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-35
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror.....................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-36
Outside Automatic Dimming
Heated Mirror...........................................2-36
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

If your vehicle is equipped with the DIC, the numbers on
the back of your transmitter correspond to DRIVER #1
and DRIVER #2 on the DIC. For more information
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45.
W(Unlock):Press this
button to unlock the
driver’s door. Press it again
within ve seconds to
unlock all of the doors. See
“Security Feedback”
later in this section.
Pressing the unlock button may also illuminate the
interior lamps. See “Entry Lighting” underInterior Lamps
on page 3-17.
Q(Lock):Press this button to lock all doors.
V(Trunk):Press this button to unlock the trunk
when the ignition is in OFF. It will also work when the
ignition is on, but only while the transaxle is in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N).
L(Instant Alarm):Press this button to make the
horn sound and the headlamps and taillamps ash for
up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the
instant alarm button again or by turning the ignition
on. If your vehicle is equipped with the content
theft-deterrent feature, you may also turn off the instant
alarm by unlocking the vehicle with a key.
Personalization Features
The following features, if available on your vehicle, can
be programmed to each driver’s preference.
Automatic Door Locks:This feature programs
your door locks to automatically lock or unlock
when shifting in and out of PARK (P).
Security Feedback:This feature provides feedback
to the driver when the vehicle receives a command
from the remote keyless entry transmitter.
2-6

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 and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See “Climate Control
System” in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Trunk Lock Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master
key and turn it clockwise.
Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The TRUNK release button
is located on the driver’s
door trim map pocket.
Push this button to open the trunk. The transaxle must
be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) for the remote
trunk release button to work.
To lock the trunk from inside your vehicle, insert the
master key and turn it clockwise to LOCK. The VALET
key will not work in this procedure.
2-14

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn to ve
different positions.
(A) ACCESSORY:This position lets you use your
electrical accessories such as power windows, power
sunroof (if equipped), 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.
(B) LOCK:This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It is 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.
Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool
to force it could break the key or the ignition switch.
If none of these works, then your vehicle needs
service.
(C) OFF:This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It does not lock the
steering wheel like LOCK and it does not 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 OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is not running.
(D) RUN: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 accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights.
(E) START:This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.
2-22

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 while the engine is off.
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 power to such accessories as the
power windows, audio steering wheel controls (if
equipped), clock, sunroof (if equipped) 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.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
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 does not 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 will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing.
This time keep the pedal down for ve or
six seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the
engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the
normal starting procedure.
2-23

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on
the steering column.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It’s the
best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can’t move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-39.
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)
while 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 want. SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on
page 2-30.
2-25

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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 If
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30.
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 into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting
your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X):This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and
you’re:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
2-26

SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
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
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift
into rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.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. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake
pedal will follow it to the released position.
If you try to drive with the parking brake on, after about
20 feet (6.1 m) a chime will sound continuously until
you release the parking brake. Also, the brake light will
stay on until the parking brake is released.
2-27