heating BUICK LESABRE 1999 User Guide

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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5-9
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment.Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant light or a warning light about a
hot engine on your vehicle's instrument panel. If you
have the optional gage cluster, you may also have a
coolant temperature warning gage. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Lightº or ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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5-13
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it isn't, you may have a leak in the
radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.

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6-22
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-41
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the
rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued)

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-4
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-34, 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Touch Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-15, 2-31, 2-33, 2-34, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block (Driver's Side) 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block (Passenger's Side) 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Monitor 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Entry Lighting, Delayed 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-15, 2-31, 2-33, 2-34, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting, Delayed 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Engine Oil 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-5
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caliper/Knuckle 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-56, 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Features 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-7
Maintenance, Underbody 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maxifuse
/Relay Center 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Programming 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day/Night Rearview with Reading Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
With Compass 2
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil, Engine 6
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Warning Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar
System 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Temperature Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
II 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Programming 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .