air conditioning system BUICK LESABRE 1999 Owner's Manual

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First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-6 Air Conditioning
3
-7 Heating
3
-8 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-8 Rear Window Defogger
3
-9 Passenger Control (If Equipped)
3
-10 Ventilation System
3
-11 Steering Wheel Controls for Climate Control
(If Equipped)
3
-12 Audio Systems
3
-12 Setting the Clock
3
-12 AM-FM Stereo
3
-14 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
(If Equipped)3
-17 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-21 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-25 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone
Control (If Equipped)
3
-30 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-32 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-33 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-34 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-35 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-35 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-36 Heated Backlite Antenna

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VENT: This setting directs outside air through the
middle instrument panel outlets. The air conditioning
compressor is not working when VENT is selected.
HTR: This button directs air out of the heater outlets.
Most of the air will come from the floor outlets while
some air will flow through the windshield and side
window outlets. The air conditioning compressor is not
working when HTR is selected.
BLEND: When BLEND is selected, the airflow will be
split between the windshield and the floor outlets. The
air conditioning compressor will be operating.
FRONT: This setting directs most of the airflow toward
the windshield.
OFF: The ventilation system always allows fresh air to
flow through your vehicle when it is moving. The
system will try to keep the air at a previously chosen
temperature. When the system is off, the blower fan is
also off.
MAX: This setting directs airflow through the middle
instrument panel outlets. The amount of outside air
entering your vehicle is limited with this setting. The air
conditioning compressor is on in this mode.NORM: This setting cools the outside air entering your
vehicle and directs it through the middle instrument
panel outlets. The air conditioner is on in this mode.
BI
-LEV: This setting directs warm air to the floor and
cooler air to the middle instrument panel outlets. The air
conditioner is on in this mode.
Dual Automatic Comfortemp
Climate Control (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has the Dual Automatic Comfortemp
Climate Control option, the following information tells
you how it works.
You will hear a beep each time a button is pushed and a
light on the button will indicate which function is active.
The lights are on all buttons except TEMP, FAN and
AIR FLOW. The display will show fan speed, comfort
level setting and airflow direction for a few seconds
whenever AUTO is selected, and then it will display the
outside temperature. The outside temperature reading is
most accurate when the vehicle is moving. During stops,
the display shows the previous temperature for best
accuracy and system control.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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The ventilation system always allows fresh air to flow
through your vehicle when the vehicle is moving even
with the system in the OFF mode.
VENT: The VENT button allows outside air to flow
through your vehicle without the air conditioning
compressor working. Selecting VENT and the AUTO
button at the same time allows the system to control
automatically without the use of the air conditioning
compressor or the use of the RECIRC mode. To turn off
the VENT selection, push the VENT button again.
RECIRC: When RECIRC is selected, the system will
limit the amount of outside air entering your vehicle. This
is helpful when you are trying to cool the interior of the
vehicle quickly or limit the amount of outside air entering
your vehicle. RECIRC and AUTO may be selected at the
same time. The system will remain in RECIRC until the
ignition is turned off, then the system will return back to
the previously selected mode. Deselecting the RECIRC
button will also turn off the RECIRC function. RECIRC
can be selected in all manual airflow modes except
FRONT defrost and VENT.
FRONT: This selection is used to defrost the windshield
by directing the airflow toward the windshield.If FRONT is selected while in the AUTO mode, the fan
speed and the air temperature from the front defroster will
vary. If a manual fan speed setting is selected, the fan
speed will remain at that selection until another fan speed
selection is made or the AUTO mode is selected. To turn
off FRONT, press the AUTO or AIR FLOW button.
FRONT defrost will work better if any ice or snow is
cleared from the hood and the air inlet area between the
base of the windshield and the hood.
Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
If you have the electronic touch system, for quick
cool
-down on very hot days, use MAX with the
temperature and fan speed adjusted to COOL and
HIGH. If this setting is used for long periods of time, the
air in your vehicle may become too cold and dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use NORM and adjust
the temperature and fan speed for your comfort. If
RECIRC is selected while in the NORM air
conditioning mode, the system works like MAX and
recirculates the air.

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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-22 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-22 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-31 Battery
6
-31 Bulb Replacement
6
-40 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-40 Tires6
-48 Appearance Care
6
-49 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Care of Safety Belts
6
-51 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-51 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-54 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (IF EQUIPPED)
6
-54 Cleaning Tires
6
-54 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-55 Finish Damage
6
-56 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-57 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-57 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-63 Replacement Bulbs
6
-64 Capacities and Specifications
6
-64 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index
for more information.
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K 3.8L V6
Automatic Transaxle (Overdrive)
Pan Removal and Replacement 6.0 quarts (5.6 L). . .
After Complete Overhaul 10 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . .
When draining or replacing torque convertor, more fluid
may be needed.
Cooling System13 quarts (12.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase4.5 quarts (4.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil change with filter change
Fuel Tank18 gallons (68.1 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures
See Tire-Loading Information. . . . . . . . .
label on driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
R
-134a Air ConditioningSee refrigerant charge. . . . .
label under the hood.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Engine Specifications
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 205
-hp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your dealer.

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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.

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First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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Section 9 Index
A
ir Bag 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-20, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Instant, Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Heated Backlite 3-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-62, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials Chart 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Armrest, Storage 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio, Steering Wheel Touch Controls 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-24
Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Power
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-12, 3-14, 3-17, 3-21, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night with Reading Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclining Front Seatbacks 1
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Trunk Release 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release Lockout 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instant Alarm 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance, Canadian 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation, Tires 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .