steering column BUICK LESABRE 1999 Owner's Manual

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2-14
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't 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 with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key
and turn it clockwise.
Remote Trunk Release
The TRUNK release button
is on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering
column. The transaxle
must be in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).
If the remote trunk release button does not open the
trunk, make sure the remote trunk release lockout switch
in the glove box is in the on position.

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2-15 Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The trunk release lockout
switch in the glove box
must be on for the TRUNK
button to work. This feature
allows you to secure items
in the trunk when you must
leave the ignition key with
an attendant.
To secure the trunk, turn off the TRUNK RELEASE
switch, lock the glove box, then take the door key with
you. Now the trunk button to the left of the steering
column will not open the trunk.
Trunk Security Override
The remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped), will
open the trunk even if the trunk release lockout switch
is OFF.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
With the ignition off and the driver's door open, you'll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

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2-24
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the
steering column.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It's the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.

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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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2-40
Exterior Lamps
Headlamps
These switches control
these systems:

Headlamps

Taillamps

Parking Lamps

License Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Press the LIGHTS switch to turn on the headlamps.
Press it again to turn them off. When the headlamps are
turned on, the instrument panel lights will also turn on.
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be
adjusted with the PANEL LIGHTS switch to the left of
the steering column. Some lights will not dim during
daylight hours.
Press the PARK switch to turn on the parking lamps.
Press it again to turn them off. (If the parking lamps
were turned on with the PARK switch, they must be
turned off with that switch).
Lamps On Reminder
If you leave the manual headlamp or parking lamp
switch on, remove the key from the ignition and open
the driver's door, you will hear a continuous warning
chime. The chime will turn off when the lamps are
turned off.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel monitors
the exterior light level for the operation of DRL and
twilight sentinel, so be sure it isn't covered.
The DRL system will make your high
-beam headlamps
turn on at reduced brightness in daylight when:

The ignition is on,

The headlamp switch is off and

The transaxle is not in PARK (P).

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2-63 Traction Control System Warning
Light (Option)
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning
light doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there's
a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you're driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:

If you turn the system off by pressing the button
located to the left of the steering column, the
warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the
system back on, press the button again. The warning
light should go off. (See ªTraction Control Systemº
in the Index for more information.)

If there's a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on. If
your brakes begin to overheat, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will come
on until your brakes cool down.

If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.