service BUICK LESABRE 2003 Owners Manual

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-10

Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern
Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-11

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-19
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-21
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-25
B
Backing Up....................................................4-40
Battery Load Management...............................3-20
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Warning Light......................................3-37
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-18
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brake............................................................2-27
Parking......................................................2-27
System Inspection.......................................6-22
System Warning Light..................................3-37
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-93
Carbon Monoxide...................4-25, 4-35, 2-14, 2-31
Care of.........................................................5-80
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-79
Your CD Player...........................................3-80
Your CDs ...................................................3-80
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-71
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-17
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-71
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-73
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-42
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-19
Chains, Tires..................................................5-66
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-25, 3-29
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Locking.....................................2-11, 3-53
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Diversity Antenna System.................................3-81
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-33
Door.............................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Driver ID.......................................................3-54
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Driver............................................................1-12
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving On Grades..........................................4-41
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-39
4

Driving..........................................................4-16
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-26
Dual Sun Visor...............................................2-17
E
Electrical System............................................5-85
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion..................5-89
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-15
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-86
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-17
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-42
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-17
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18Engine (cont.)
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant......................................................5-23
Cooling System Inspection............................6-22
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Erasing HomeLink
žButtons..............................2-41
Express-Down Window....................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
Exterior Lights................................................3-53
F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XMŸ).............3-66
Finding a PTY Station.....................................3-59
Finding a Station....................................3-56, 3-64
Finish Care....................................................5-81
Finish Damage...............................................5-83
5

K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-18
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-23
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-14
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-17
Language Selection.........................................3-54
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-38
Child Restraints...........................................1-38
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-40
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-29
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-17
Light.............................................................3-36
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-38
Battery Warning..........................................3-37
Brake System Warning.................................3-37Light (cont.)
Cruise Control.............................................3-44
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-36
Security.....................................................3-44
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-44
TCS Warning Light......................................3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-39
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks............................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
8

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-17
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-17
At Least Once a Month................................6-17
At Least Once a Year..................................6-18
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-18
Brake System Inspection..............................6-22
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-22
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-21
Fuel System Inspection................................6-22
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-17
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-21
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-23
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-24
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-21
Throttle System Inspection............................6-22
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-42
Making Turns.................................................4-40
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Operation...........................................3-27
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-8
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-44
Memory Seat.................................................2-44
Memory Seats................................................3-53
Message.......................................................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirror Operation.....................................2-33, 2-34
Mirrors..........................................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Memory.....................................................2-44
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-36
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-35
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
9

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-94
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil ................................................................5-13
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-38
OnStaržServices............................................2-37
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-37
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-54
Outside.........................................................2-36
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-35Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
P
Park(P).........................................................2-28
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-20
Parking on Hills..............................................4-41
Parking.........................................................2-27
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-17
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-21
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-23
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-30
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-40
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..................................2-20
PASS-KeyžIII ................................................2-19
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-18, 3-53
Personal Choice Programming..........................2-11
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-77
10

Seats (cont.)
Memory.....................................................2-44
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-3
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-40
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-40
Rear Seat Position......................................1-41
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-43
Security Feedback....................................2-7, 3-52
Security Light.................................................3-44
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-5
Sensors.................................................3-25, 3-29
Service Bulletins.............................................7-11
Service Engine Soon Light...............................3-40
Service Manuals.............................................7-10
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-40
Publications Ordering Information...................7-10
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-44
Setting Preset Stations............................3-57, 3-64
Setting the Time.............................................3-55
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-57, 3-65
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-82
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-28Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Short Trip/City De®nition.................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-78
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-93
Speedometer..................................................3-35
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-19
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-23
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-21
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.......................3-31
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-78
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-42
Center Console Storage Area........................2-42
Convenience Net.........................................2-43
Glove Box..................................................2-42
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-74
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-75
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-43
13

Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-73
Trunk............................................................2-14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-40
Twilight Sentinel
ž............................................3-16
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-20
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-78
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-63
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-66
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-78
Using HomeLink
ž...........................................2-41
Using RDS....................................................3-58
V
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-85
Number (VIN).............................................5-85
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-85
Vehicle Personalization....................................3-50
DIC ...........................................................3-50
Memory Seat and Mirrors.............................2-44
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-41
Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5Vehicle (cont.)
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Service Soon Light......................................3-44
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-32
Warnings.......................................................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-80
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-18
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-37
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-37
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
What to Use..........................................5-24, 5-36
Wheels..........................................................5-64
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-65
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
15