battery BUICK LESABRE 2002 User Guide

2-50 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.
Mirrors
Day/Night Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. The day
-night adjustment allows you to adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you.
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have an automatic electrochromic
day/night rearview mirror. Your vehicle's mirror may
also contain OnStar

controls.
This is the on/off button for mirrors equipped with
OnStar controls.
When this feature is turned on, the mirror automatically
changes to reduce glare from headlamps behind you.
A photocell on the mirror senses when it is becoming
dark outside. Another photocell built into the mirror face
senses when headlamps are behind you.
At night, when the glare is too high, the mirror will
gradually darken to reduce glare (this change may take a
few seconds). The mirror will return to its clear daytime
state when the glare is reduced.
Mirror Operation
To turn on the automatic dimming feature, press AUTO
(or the on/off button for mirrors equipped with OnStar
controls). To turn off automatic dimming, press OFF
(or the on/off button for mirrors equipped with OnStar
controls). The indicator light will be illuminated when
this feature is active.

2-57
Your vehicle may have a small cap that must be pulled
down to access the auxiliary power outlet. If it does,
when not using the outlet be sure to cover it with the
protective cap.
The auxiliary power outlets will only operate when the
ignition key is in RUN and for 10 minutes after turning
the ignition off. If you would like the outlets to operate
regardless of ignition position, and for extended periods
of time, see ªEngine Compartment Fuse Blockº in the
Index or contact your dealer.
NOTICE:
When using auxiliary power outlets:

Maximum load of any electrical equipment
should not exceed 15 amps.

Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain the battery.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible to the
auxiliary power outlets and could result in blown vehicle or
adapter fuses. If you experience a problem see your dealer
for additional information on the auxiliary power outlets.
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment, and never use anything that
exceeds the amperage rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
NOTICE:
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper
use of the power outlet can cause damage not
covered by your warranty.

2-59
The light will be red in the event of an OnStar system
malfunction. If this occurs press the OnStar Services
button to attempt to contact an advisor. If the connection
is made, the advisor will assist you with steps to take to
make sure that the system is functioning properly. If you
cannot contact the advisor, take your vehicle to your
dealership as soon as possible for assistance.
Cellular Antenna
The cellular antenna on the outside of your vehicle is
critical to effective communications using the OnStar
system. Optimum cellular reception can be obtained
when the mast is straight up and down.
OnStar Services
The following services are available within OnStar
service plans. Your vehicle comes with a specific
one
-year service plan that allows use of some or all
of the following services.
Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment: If an
air bag deploys, a priority emergency signal is
automatically sent to the center. An advisor will locate
your vehicle's position, try to contact you and assist you in
the situation. If the center is unable to contact you, an
emergency service provider will be contacted.Stolen Vehicle Tracking: Call the center at
1
-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) to report your
vehicle stolen. The system can then attempt to locate
and track your vehicle and the advisor will assist the
proper authorities.
Roadside Assistance with Location: For vehicle
breakdowns, press the OnStar Services button. An
advisor will contact the appropriate help.
Remote Diagnostics: If an instrument panel light comes
on, press the OnStar Services button. An advisor can
perform a check of the engine on
-board computer, and
recommend what action needs to be taken.
OnStar MED
-NET: Med-Net can store your personal
medical history and provide it to emergency personnel if
necessary. (Requires activation and additional fee.)
Accident Assist: An advisor can provide step
-by-step
guidance following an accident.
Remote Door Unlock: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide
your security information. An advisor will send a
command to your vehicle to unlock itself. The advisor
can delay unlocking your vehicle. Remote Door Unlock
is disabled 48 hours after the vehicle is parked to
maintain the battery charge.

2-60
Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide your
security information. An advisor will send a command
to your vehicle to sound the horn and/or flash the lamps.
Route Support: An advisor can provide directions or
guidance to most places you want to go. In addition,
they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs,
hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more.
Ride Assist: An advisor can locate transportation in the
event that you are unable to drive.
Concierge Services: The concierge advisor can obtain
tickets, reservations, or help with vacation/trip planning
and other unique items and services.
OnStar System Limitations
Complete limitations can be found on the Subscriber
Services Agreement.
In order to provide you with excellent service, calls with
the OnStar Center may be monitored or recorded.OnStar Service is:

Available in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska,
Hawaii and Canada;

available when the vehicle is within the operating
range of a cellular provider;

subject to limitations caused by atmospheric
conditions, such as severe weather or topographical
conditions, such as mountainous terrain;

subject to cellular carrier equipment limitations.
Global positioning locating capabilities will not be
available if satellite signals are obstructed.
OnStar will not function if the vehicle's battery is
discharged or disconnected. It may also be inoperative
if the vehicle is in an accident and the OnStar or vehicle
electrical system components are damaged.
OnStar is the communication link between you and
existing governmental emergency and roadside service
providers. OnStar will receive your call and use
reasonable effort to contact an appropriate provider.
OnStar cannot promise that the providers will respond in
a timely manner or at all.

2-63 Programming the HomeLink Transmitter
Do not use the HomeLink Transmitter with any garage
door opener that does not have the ªstop and reverseº
safety feature. This includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage
door you are programming.
It is recommended that a new battery be installed in
your hand
-held transmitter for quicker and more
accurate transmission of the radio frequency.
Your vehicle's engine should be turned off while
programming the transmitter. Follow these steps to
program up to three channels:
1. Decide which one of the three channels (one of the
three HomeLink buttons) you want to program.
2. Press and hold the desired button on HomeLink
through Step 3.3. When the HomeLink indicator light begins to blink
slowly (this may take up to 30 seconds), hold the
hand
-held transmitter about 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm)
from HomeLink and then press and hold the transmit
button on the hand
-held transmitter. Continue to hold
both buttons until the indicator light on HomeLink
begins to flash rapidly (this may take up to
90 seconds).
If you have trouble programming HomeLink, make sure
that you have followed the directions exactly as
described and that the battery in the hand
-held
transmitter is not weak. If you still cannot program it,
move the hand
-held transmitter to the left or right or
forward or backward or flip it upside down. HomeLink
may not work with older garage door openers that do
not meet current Federal Consumer Safety Standards.
If you cannot program the transmitter after repeated
attempts, refer to ªTraining a Garage Door Opener with
Rolling Codesº later in this section or contact the
manufacturer of HomeLink at 1
-800-355-3515,
or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
Be sure to keep the original hand
-held transmitter in
case you need to erase and reprogram HomeLink.

2-73 Battery System Warning Light
When you turn the key to
RUN, this light will turn
on briefly to show that
the generator and battery
charging systems
are working.
If the light stays on, a chime will sound indicating that
the vehicle needs service. You should take your vehicle
to the dealer as soon as possible. To save the battery
until you get there, turn off all accessories and set the
climate control system to OFF.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States Canada
This light should come on when you turn the key to
RUN. If it doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there's a problem.

2-79
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON light is on or not
working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on
-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still
does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If your vehicle has the
standard instrument panel
cluster, this light will come
on if there is a problem
with your vehicle's engine
oil pressure.
If your vehicle has the optional gage cluster, you can
read your oil pressure directly from the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See ªDIC Displays and
Controlsº in the Index.
The oil pressure light will come on briefly when you
turn your key to RUN. That's just a check to be sure
the light works. This is normal and doesn't show a
problem. If it doesn't come on and then go off, be sure
to have it fixed so it will be there to warn you if there is
a problem.

2-83
FUEL INFO (Information): Press this button to
display fuel information.
Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows
FUEL ECONOMY AVERAGE. Average fuel economy
is viewed as a long term approximation of your overall
driving conditions. To learn the average fuel economy
from a new starting point, press the RESET button while
the average fuel economy is displayed in the DIC.
Press the FUEL INFO button until the display
shows FUEL ECONOMY INST. Instantaneous fuel
economy varies with your driving conditions, such as
acceleration, braking and the grade of the road being
traveled. The RESET button does not function in
this mode.
Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows
FUEL RANGE. The fuel range will calculate the
remaining distance you can drive without refueling. This
calculation is based on the average fuel economy for the
last 25 miles (40.25 km) driven, and the fuel remaining
in the fuel tank. The RESET button does not function in
this mode.GAGE INFO (Information): Use this button to display
oil pressure, oil life, coolant temperature, tire pressure
and battery information.
Press the GAGE INFO button until OIL PRESSURE
appears in the display. If there are no problems detected
with the oil pressure, the display will show OIL
PRESSURE NORMAL. If a low oil pressure condition
is detected, the display will show OIL PRESSURE
LOW. If you see the OIL PRESSURE LOW message,
your vehicle could be low on oil or the oil is not going
through the engine properly. See your dealer for service.
Press the GAGE INFO button until COOLANT TEMP
appears in the display. If there are no problems detected
with the temperature, COOLANT TEMP NORMAL
will appear in the display. If the temperature is too high,
COOLANT TEMP HOT will appear in the display.
If you see the COOLANT TEMP HOT message,
the engine is overheated. You should pull off the road,
stop your vehicle and turn off your engine as soon as
possible. This manual explains what to do. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.

2-84
Press the GAGE INFO button until the display shows
BATTERY STATE. If the voltage is normal the display
will show BATTERY STATE NORMAL. If the voltage
drops below 10.5 volts, the display will show BATTERY
STATE LOW. If the voltage is above 16.2 volts, the
display will show BATTERY STATE HIGH. If the display
shows the high or low message, you need to have your
battery and charging system checked.
Press the GAGE INFO button until OIL LIFE INDEX
appears in the display. The OIL LIFE INDEX
NORMAL display will show an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. When the oil life index is less than
10 percent, the display will show OIL LIFE INDEX
CHANGE OIL. When you have the oil changed
according to the maintenance schedule (see
ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index), you will have to
reset the oil life monitor. To reset the Oil Life System
(Index), see ªOil Life Systemº or ªEngine Oil, When to
Changeº in the Index.
Press the GAGE INFO button until TIRE PRESSURE
appears in the display. TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is
displayed when the check tire pressure system believes
your vehicle's tire pressures are normal. If a potential
tire pressure problem is detected, the display will show
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE.If you see the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See ªInflation
-- Tire Pressureº
and ªCheck Tire Pressure Systemº in the Index.
There are times when you will have to reset (calibrate)
the Check Tire Pressure System. See ªCheck Tire
Pressure Systemº in the Index.
RESET: This button, used along with other buttons, will
reset system functions.
ENG/MET (English/Metric): Use this button to change
the display between English and metric units.
DIC messages can be displayed in one of three languages:
English, French or Spanish. The language of the display
is set by holding the FUEL INFO and RESET buttons
together for five seconds. As the buttons are held, each
language will be displayed for three seconds. Release the
FUEL INFO and RESET buttons when the desired
language is displayed. All DIC messages will now be in
the selected language. Language selection can also be
done through the DIC Personal Choice Programming. See
ªDIC Personal Choice Programmingº later in this section.

2-85 DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display. For Canadian drivers, in addition to the DIC
message your DIC will display EXP with a number after
it which reflects the following messages:
EXP (Export ID) Warning Message
20 TURN SIGNAL STILL ON?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 TRUNK AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW. . . . . . .
27 BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36 ENGINE OIL LOW
- CHECK LEVEL . . . . . . . .
40 THEFT ATTEMPT DETECTED. . . . . . . . . . . . .
54 SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . .
55 STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . .
61 GAS CAP LOOSE
- CHECK CAP . . . . . . . . . . .
81 CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON. . . . . . . . . . . . .
91 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE. . .
102 CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
139 DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
144 CHECK TIRE PRESSURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The EXP codes are used to make translation from
English to other languages easier.
Pressing any of the DIC control buttons will remove
the messages or warnings from the DIC display.
SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
- 54 : If you ever
see the SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM message,
it means there may be a problem with your stability
enhancement system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the
engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
message still comes on, it means there is a problem.
You should see your dealer for service. Reduce your
speed and drive accordingly.
STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE
- 55 : You may see
the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the
Driver Information Center. It means that an advanced,
computer
-controlled system has come on to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you're
steering. This stability enhancement system activates
when the computer senses that your vehicle is just
starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice or
other slippery spot on the road. When the system is on,
you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal.