light BUICK LESABRE 1999 Owner's Manual

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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1-5
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.
And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), or air bag system.
CAUTION:
Don't let anyone ride where he or she can't wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you're not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers' belts
are fastened properly too.
CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
X±01±2041±T
Your vehicle has a light that
comes on as a reminder to
buckle up. (See ªSafety
Belt Reminder Lightº in
the Index.)

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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1-20
X±01±0001±T
There is an air bag readiness
light on the instrument
panel, which shows
AIR BAG.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See ªAir Bag Readiness Lightº in the Index
for more information.How the Air Bag System Works
AV130037
Where are the air bags?
The driver's air bag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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1-27
AV147187
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don't let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
AV147188
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see ªSafety Belt
Extenderº at the end of this section. Make sure the
release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if
you ever had to.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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1-50
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If your seat adjuster won't work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in
this section.

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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2-11

Security Feedback: This feature provides feedback
to the driver when the vehicle receives a command
from the remote keyless entry transmitter.

Delayed Locking: This feature lets the driver delay
the actual locking of the vehicle. When all doors
have been closed, the doors will lock automatically
after five seconds.

Perimeter Lighting: When the UNLOCK button on
the key transmitter is pressed, the headlamps,
parking lamps, back
-up lamps and cornering lamps
will turn on.
For more detailed information and programming
instructions, refer to the Index for each individual
feature listed above.
Security Feedback
This feature provides feedback to the driver when the
vehicle receives a command from the remote keyless
entry transmitter. One of the following modes may be
selected for each transmitter:
Mode Security Feedback
0 No feedback when locking or
unlocking vehicle.Mode Security Feedback
1 No feedback when locking; headlamps,
parking lamps and cornering lamps (if
equipped) flash when unlocking vehicle.
2 Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering
lamps (if equipped) flash when locking; no
feedback when unlocking vehicle.
3 Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering
lamps (if equipped) flash when locking and
unlocking vehicle.
4 Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering
lamps (if equipped) flash and horn chirps
when locking; no feedback when
unlocking vehicle.
5 Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering
lamps (if equipped) flash and horn chirps
when locking; headlamps, parking lamps
and cornering lamps (if equipped) flash
when unlocking vehicle.
Feedback will be provided according to the mode that
has been selected.

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2-15 Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The trunk release lockout
switch in the glove box
must be on for the TRUNK
button to work. This feature
allows you to secure items
in the trunk when you must
leave the ignition key with
an attendant.
To secure the trunk, turn off the TRUNK RELEASE
switch, lock the glove box, then take the door key with
you. Now the trunk button to the left of the steering
column will not open the trunk.
Trunk Security Override
The remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped), will
open the trunk even if the trunk release lockout switch
is OFF.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
With the ignition off and the driver's door open, you'll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

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2-16 Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

Close all windows.

Turn off the TRUNK RELEASE lockout in the
glove box.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
Universal Theft-Deterrent
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has
this option, it has a
theft
-deterrent alarm
system. With this system,
the SECURITY light will
flash as you open the door
(if your ignition is off).
This light reminds you to activate the theft
-deterrent
system when leaving your vehicle.
Activating the system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch while
the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The SECURITY light should turn on and
stay on.
3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off
after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until
the SECURITY light goes off.

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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.