mirror BUICK LESABRE 2003 Owner's Guide

Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what happens
when the three control systems (brakes, steering and
acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not ªoverdrivingº
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If you have the traction control system, remember: It
helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have
traction control, or if the system is off, then an
acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
If you have Stabilitrak
ž, you may see the STABILITY
SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information
Center. See ªStability System Active Messageº
under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues Ð such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº Ð and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-15

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired Ð by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
·Drive defensively.
·Don't drink and drive.
·Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
·Since you can't see as well, you may need to slow
down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles.
·Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
·In remote areas, watch for animals.
·If you're tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But
as we get older these differences increase. A
50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your
eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if
you're driving, don't wear sunglasses at night. They may
cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
4-16

At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to
the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as
you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect
to blend with the ¯ow. Try to merge into the gap at close
to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal,
check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as
often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic
¯ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn't another vehicle in
your ªblindº spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh Ð such as after a day's
work Ð don't plan to make too many miles that ®rst
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll ®nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They'll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
4-22

Here are some things you can check before a trip:
·Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
·Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
·Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
·Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
·Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all in¯ated to the
recommended pressure?
·Weather Forecasts:What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
·Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway
hypnosisº? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't
let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave
the road in
less than a second,and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
·Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
·Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
·If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-23

Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn
with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap
into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake
systems won't work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required for your trailer
lighting system can be accessed at the driver's side rear
lamp connector. This connector is located under the
carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-39

K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-18
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-23
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-14
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-17
Language Selection.........................................3-54
Lap Belt........................................................1-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-38
Child Restraints...........................................1-38
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-40
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-29
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-17
Light.............................................................3-36
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-38
Battery Warning..........................................3-37
Brake System Warning.................................3-37Light (cont.)
Cruise Control.............................................3-44
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-36
Security.....................................................3-44
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-44
TCS Warning Light......................................3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-39
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks............................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
8

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-17
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-17
At Least Once a Month................................6-17
At Least Once a Year..................................6-18
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-18
Brake System Inspection..............................6-22
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-22
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-21
Fuel System Inspection................................6-22
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-17
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-21
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-23
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-24
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-21
Throttle System Inspection............................6-22
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-42
Making Turns.................................................4-40
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Operation...........................................3-27
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-8
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-44
Memory Seat.................................................2-44
Memory Seats................................................3-53
Message.......................................................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirror Operation.....................................2-33, 2-34
Mirrors..........................................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Memory.....................................................2-44
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-36
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-35
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
9

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-94
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil ................................................................5-13
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-38
OnStaržServices............................................2-37
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-37
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror........................3-54
Outside.........................................................2-36
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-35Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
P
Park(P).........................................................2-28
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-20
Parking on Hills..............................................4-41
Parking.........................................................2-27
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-17
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-21
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-23
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Passenger Temperature Control........................3-30
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-40
PASS-Key
žIII Operation..................................2-20
PASS-KeyžIII ................................................2-19
Perimeter Lighting...................................3-18, 3-53
Personal Choice Programming..........................2-11
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-77
10

Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-31
Personalization Features.................................... 2-6
Personalization Programming............................2-12
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-70
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-60, 3-71, 3-75
Playing the Radio...................................3-56, 3-63
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Power...........................................................3-22
Accessory Outlets........................................3-22
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.........................................5-86
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-35
Windows....................................................2-17
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter.............2-39
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radio Data System (RDS)...............................3-62
Radio Messages.....................................3-60, 3-67
Radios..........................................................3-55Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-79
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-80
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-77
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-62
Radio with CD............................................3-56
Setting the Time..........................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-77
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-73
Understanding Reception..............................3-78
RainsenseŸ II Wipers.....................................3-10
RDS Messages......................................3-59, 3-66
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..............................5-90
Rear Window Defogger............................3-26, 3-29
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with Compass.............................................2-33
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-32
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-14
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-68
11

Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-73
Trunk............................................................2-14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-40
Twilight Sentinel
ž............................................3-16
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-20
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-78
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-63
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-66
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-78
Using HomeLink
ž...........................................2-41
Using RDS....................................................3-58
V
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-85
Number (VIN).............................................5-85
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-85
Vehicle Personalization....................................3-50
DIC ...........................................................3-50
Memory Seat and Mirrors.............................2-44
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-41
Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5Vehicle (cont.)
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Service Soon Light......................................3-44
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-32
Warnings.......................................................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-80
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-18
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-37
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-37
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
What to Use..........................................5-24, 5-36
Wheels..........................................................5-64
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-65
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
15