cruise control BUICK LESABRE 1999 Owner's Manual

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2-34
Tilt Wheel
A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering
wheel before you drive.
You can also raise it to the highest level to give your
legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the
wheel in place.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes your:

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer and
Passing Signal

Windshield Wipers and Washer

Cruise Control

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CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This is
helpful on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can't drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don't use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Don't
use cruise control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the optional
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
(See ªTraction Control Systemº in the Index.)
When road conditions allow you to safely use it again,
you may turn the cruise control back on.

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Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you're not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don't want to. You
could be startled and even lose control. Keep the
cruise control switch off until you want to use it.
1. Move the cruise control switch to ON.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Push in the SET button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off
the cruise control. But you don't need to reset it.
Once you're going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
you can briefly move the cruise control switch from ON
to R/A (resume/accelerate).
You'll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay
there. If you hold the switch at R/A, the vehicle will
keep going faster until you release the switch or apply
the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don't hold the
switch at R/A.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed:

Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the SET button at the end of the lever, then
release the button and the accelerator pedal. You'll
now cruise at the higher speed.

Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it
there until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the switch. To increase your speed in
very small amounts, briefly move the switch to R/A
and then release it. Each time you do this, your
vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.

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The accelerate feature will only work after you have set
the cruise control speed by pushing the SET button.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:

Push in the SET button at the end of the lever until
you reach the lower speed you want, then release it.

To slow down in very small amounts, push the
SET button briefly. Each time you do this, you'll
go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Applying the brake or shifting
into a lower gear will take you out of cruise control. If
you need to apply the brake or shift to a lower gear due
to the grade of the downhill slope, you may not want to
attempt to use your cruise control feature.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:

Step lightly on the brake pedal; or

Move the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.

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2-69 Change Oil Soon Light (If Equipped)
This light is activated
by the Engine Oil Life
Monitor System.
The CHANGE OIL SOON light turns on for three
seconds as a bulb check each time the ignition key is
turned to RUN. It will stay on for 60 seconds once
90 percent of the oil life has been used and each time the
engine is started after that. If the CHANGE OIL SOON
light is on continuously, there is a problem with the
Engine Oil Life Monitor System and service is required.
The Engine Oil Life Monitor determines the condition
of the engine oil and lets you know when the oil should
be changed. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
The Engine Oil Life Monitor receives information about
engine speed, coolant temperature and vehicle speed to
determine how much the oil has degraded.
When to change your oil depends on your driving habits
and conditions. The CHANGE OIL SOON light may
turn on as early as 2,000 miles (3 218 km) or less for
harsh circumstances.For additional information, see ªEngine Oil, When to
Changeº in the Index. To reset the Oil Life Monitor, see
ªEngine Oil Life Monitorº in the Index.
Cruise Light
The cruise light comes on
whenever you set your
cruise control. See ªCruise
Controlº in the Index.
Washer Fluid Low Light (If Equipped)
When the vehicle has a low
fluid condition, this light
will come on to remind
you to get more washer
fluid soon.

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4-9
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
Traction Control System (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine power
to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
reengage the cruise control. (See ªCruise Controlº in
the Index.)
This light should come on
briefly when you start the
engine. If it stays on or
comes on while you are
driving, there's a problem
with your traction
control system.
See ªTraction Control System Warning Lightº in the
Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. (You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow. See ªRocking Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)

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Fuse Usage
1 Not Used
2 Not Used
3 Power Seats Circuit Breaker
4 Not Used
5 Not Used
1A PASS Key
2A Spare
3A Not Used
4A Not Used
5A Auto HVAC, ALM, Cruise Control, Cluster
6A Courtesy Lamps, Power Mirrors
7A Not Used
8A Perimeter Lighting
9A Not Used
1B
Turn Signal, Back
-Up Lamps, BTSI
2B Spare
3B Not Used

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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.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-3
Climate Control, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-11 . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coinholder 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-21, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-23, 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering Lamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defects, Reporting Safety 8
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Entry Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Exit Lighting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Programming 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-17, 3-20, 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control 3-3 . . . . . . . . .