electrical system BUICK LESABRE 2005 Owner's Manual

Page 1 of 392

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-8
Child Restraints
.......................................1-28
Airbag System
.........................................1-47
Restraint System Check
............................1-56
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
OnStar
®System
......................................2-37
HomeLink®Transmitter
.............................2-38
Storage Areas
.........................................2-43
Sunroof
..................................................2-44
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-45
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-33
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-56Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-36
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-45
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-53
Tires
......................................................5-54
Appearance Care
.....................................5-78
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-87
Electrical System
......................................5-88
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-96
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-97
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2005 Buick LeSabre Owner ManualM

Page 55 of 392

{CAUTION:
Both frontal and side impact airbags inate
with great force, faster than the blink of an
eye. If you are too close to an inating airbag,
as you would be if you were leaning forward, it
could seriously injure you. Safety belts help
keep you in position for airbag ination before
and during a crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with frontal airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible while still
maintaining control of the vehicle. Front
occupants should not lean on or sleep against
the door.
{CAUTION:
Anyone who is up against, or very close to,
any airbag when it inates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer the best protection for adults, but
not for young children and infants. Neither the
vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide. Always secure
children properly in your vehicle. To read how,
seeOlder Children on page 1-28orInfants and
Young Children on page 1-31.
There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel, which
shows AIR BAG.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-37.
1-49

Page 78 of 392

To open a rear door when the security lock is on, do
the following:
1. Unlock the door.
2. Open the door from the outside.
If you do not cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear seat will not be
able to open the rear door from the inside. You should
let adults and older children know how these security
locks work, and how to cancel the locks.
To cancel the rear door lock, do the following:
1. Unlock and open the door from the outside.
2. Move the lever all the way to the unlock symbol.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear door locks will now work normally.
Lockout Protection
The power door locks will not work if the key is in the
ignition and a door is open. You can override this feature
by holding the driver’s side power door lock switch for
more than three seconds.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot 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.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-31.
2-14

Page 84 of 392

PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means you do not have to do anything different to
arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert
or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-88. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up
to 10 additional keys may be programmed for the
vehicle. This procedure is for programming additional
keys only.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
®III to
have new keys made. To program additional keys you
will need two current driver’s keys. You must add a step
to the following procedure. After Step 2, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver’s key. Then
continue with Step 3.
2-20

Page 130 of 392

Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle at a
higher RPM setting than normal to make sure the
battery charges. High electrical loads may occur when
several of the following are on: headlamps, high beams,
rear window defogger, fan at high speed, heated
seats (if equipped) and engine cooling fans.
If your vehicle’s battery remains in a heavy discharge
condition for a long period of time, the fan, rear
defogger, heated seats and heated mirrors will be
disabled and the DIC will display BATTERY SAVER
ACTIVE. This can happen either under long periods of
idling or low speed driving with high electrical loading,
or in the event of a charging system fault.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s battery
against drainage from the interior lamps, or garage
door opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power
to these features will automatically turn off after
10 minutes. Power will be restored for an additional
10 minutes if any door is opened, the trunk is opened or
the courtesy lamp switch is turned on.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time to
see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld of view.
If your vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD) feature,
you can see some of the driver information that
appears on your instrument panel cluster.
The information may be displayed in English or metric
units and appears as an image focused out toward
the front of your vehicle. The HUD consists of the
following information:
Speedometer Reading
Turn Signal Indicators
High-Beam Headlamp Indicator
Check Gages Message
3-20

Page 132 of 392

2. Adjust the seat to your driving position. Press the
image height adjuster switch to raise the image as
far as possible.
3. Now press the image height adjuster switch to
position the image as low as possible, while still
keeping it in full view.
4. Slide the dimmer lever downward until the HUD
image is no brighter than necessary.
To turn the HUD display off, slide the dimmer lever
to OFF.
If the sun comes out and the sky becomes cloudy, you
may need to adjust the HUD brightness using the
dimmer lever. Polarized sunglasses could make the
HUD image harder to see.
To change the display from English to metric units,
push the ENG/MET button located to the left of
the steering column.
Clean the inside of the windshield as necessary to
remove any dirt or lm that reduces the sharpness or
clarity of the HUD image.
To clean the HUD lens, spray household glass cleaner
on a soft, clean cloth. Gently wipe and dry the HUD
lens. Do not spray cleaner directly on the lens to avoid
cleaner leaking inside the unit.If the ignition is in RUN and you cannot see the HUD
image, check to see if:
Something is covering the HUD unit.
The HUD dimmer lever is adjusted properly.
The HUD image is adjusted to the proper height.
A fuse is blown. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-88.
Keep in mind that your windshield is part of the HUD
system. If you ever have your windshield replaced,
be sure to get one that is designed for HUD or your HUD
image may look blurred or out of focus.
Accessory Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle may have up to three power outlets
depending on the type of front seat you have. If your
vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console, you
will nd two outlets inside the rear storage compartment.
An extra power outlet can be found in the ashtray.
3-22

Page 147 of 392

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows airbag. The system checks
the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the airbag sensors, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-47.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system
is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start
your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-37

Page 153 of 392

If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-7. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your GM dealer can check the vehicle. Your GM
dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic
tools to x any mechanical or electrical problems
that may have developed.
3-43

Page 237 of 392

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.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
4-41

Page 242 of 392

If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-69
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-71
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-72
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-77
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-78
Appearance Care............................................5-78
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-79
Vinyl...........................................................5-81
Leather.......................................................5-81
Instrument Panel..........................................5-81
Interior Plastic Components............................5-81
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-81
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-82
Weatherstrips...............................................5-82
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-82
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-83
Finish Care..................................................5-83
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-83Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-84
Tires...........................................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-85
Finish Damage.............................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-85
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-86
Vehicle Identication......................................5-87
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-87
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-87
Electrical System............................................5-88
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-88
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-88
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-88
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-89
Rear Underseat Fuse Block...........................5-91
Capacities and Specications..........................5-96
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........5-97
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

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