mirror BUICK LESABRE 2004 Owner's Guide

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you can not see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But
as we get older these differences increase. A
50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your
eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They
may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
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At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check
traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with
the ow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the
prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your
mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it is slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there is not another vehicle in
your “blind” spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
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Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway
hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road inless than a second,and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
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Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn
with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you will be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap
into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required for your trailer
lighting system can be accessed at the driver’s side rear
lamp connector. This connector is located under the
carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-43

L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-17
Language Selection.........................................3-54
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running..........................................2-29
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-38
Battery Warning..........................................3-37
Brake System Warning.................................3-37
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
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-17
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
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.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Long Trip/Highway Denition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
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
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
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 Maintenance Inspections.......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................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-46
Making Turns.................................................4-44
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................................................3-54Message
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
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....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
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-100
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
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Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-38
OnStar®Services............................................2-37
OnStar®System.............................................2-37
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-35
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-54
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-12
P
Park(P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30Parking
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-20
Parking on Hills..............................................4-45
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-17
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-21
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants..................................................6-23
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-30
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-44
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-20
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-18, 3-53
Personal Choice Programming..........................2-11
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-77
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-31
Personalization Features.................................... 2-6
Personalization Programming............................2-12
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-70
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-60, 3-71, 3-75
Playing the Radio...................................3-56, 3-63
10

Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-22
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.........................................5-92
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-35
Windows....................................................2-17
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-12
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-39
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radio Data System (RDS)...............................3-62
Radio Messages.....................................3-60, 3-67
Radios..........................................................3-55
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-80
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-81
Care of Your CDs........................................3-81
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-77
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-62
Radio with CD............................................3-56Radios (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-78
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-73
Understanding Reception..............................3-79
Rainsense™ II Wipers....................................... 3-9
RDS Messages......................................3-59, 3-66
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..............................5-96
Rear Window Defogger............................3-26, 3-29
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-33
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass....................................................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-32
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-14
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-77
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-75
Removing the Wheel Covers and Wheel
Nut Caps...................................................5-76
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-56
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-40
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..............................................1-57
11

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Service Soon Light......................................3-44
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records . . 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-91
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-91
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-50
Memory Seat and Mirrors.............................2-44
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-41
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-32
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWashing Your Vehicle......................................5-87
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-18
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-41
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-41
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
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-71
Replacement...............................................5-71
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles with
the GM Oil Life System)...............................5-17
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without the GM Oil Life System)...................5-16
When to Check..............................................5-65
When to Check and Change............................5-21
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-36
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-18
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-46
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-36
Why Safety Belts Work..................................... 1-8
Window Lock Out...................................2-17, 3-52
Windows.......................................................2-16
Power........................................................2-17
Windshield Washer.........................................3-10
Fluid..........................................................5-36
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