BUICK LESABRE 2003 Owner's Manual

Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but itis
notpart of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A
separate booklet entitled Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information furnished with each new vehicle
provides detailed warranty coverage information.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating
dealers and all program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every dealer. Please
contact your dealer for speci®c information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
Canadian Vehicles:For warranty repairs during
the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult
your dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it ®nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
7-9

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-10

Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern
Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-11

-NOTES
7-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-22
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-85
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-57, 3-65
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-52
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-54
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-51
What Will You See After an Air
Bag In¯ates?...........................................1-52
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-50
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-49
Air Bag .........................................................3-36
Readiness Light..........................................3-36
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
AM ...............................................................3-78
Antenna, Diversity Antenna System...................3-81
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio
Antenna System..........................................3-81
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-38
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-80
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-83Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-77
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Finish Damage............................................5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-84
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Ashtrays........................................................3-23
Audio System(s).............................................3-55
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-78
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-79
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-80
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-81
Diversity Antenna System.............................3-81
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 Feature................................3-77
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-73
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-78
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-81
Automatic Door Locks.....................................3-51
Automatic Level Control...................................4-35
Automatic Operation........................................3-27
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-18
1

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-19
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-21
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-25
B
Backing Up....................................................4-40
Battery Load Management...............................3-20
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Warning Light......................................3-37
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-18
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brake............................................................2-27
Parking......................................................2-27
System Inspection.......................................6-22
System Warning Light..................................3-37
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-93
Carbon Monoxide...................4-25, 4-35, 2-14, 2-31
Care of.........................................................5-80
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-79
Your CD Player...........................................3-80
Your CDs ...................................................3-80
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-71
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-17
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-71
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-73
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-42
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-19
Chains, Tires..................................................5-66
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Check...........................................................3-40
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Tire Pressure System...................................5-59
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-83
Child Restraints..............................................1-33
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-43
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-81
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-82
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-81
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-77
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-79
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-79Cleaning Leather............................................5-79
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-79
Cleaning Tires................................................5-82
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-79
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-81
Cleaning........................................................5-77
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-77
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Climate Control System...................................3-24
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-31
Dual Automatic............................................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-31
Compact Disc Errors.......................................3-76
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-62, 3-73
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-76
Compass Calibration.......................................2-34
Compass Operation.........................................2-34
Compass Variance..........................................2-34
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant.........................................................3-40
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Cooling System..............................................5-28
3

Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-25, 3-29
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Locking.....................................2-11, 3-53
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Diversity Antenna System.................................3-81
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-33
Door.............................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Driver ID.......................................................3-54
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Driver............................................................1-12
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving On Grades..........................................4-41
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-39
4

Driving..........................................................4-16
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-26
Dual Sun Visor...............................................2-17
E
Electrical System............................................5-85
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion..................5-89
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-15
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-86
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-17
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-42
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-17
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18Engine (cont.)
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant......................................................5-23
Cooling System Inspection............................6-22
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Erasing HomeLink
žButtons..............................2-41
Express-Down Window....................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
Exterior Lights................................................3-53
F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XMŸ).............3-66
Finding a PTY Station.....................................3-59
Finding a Station....................................3-56, 3-64
Finish Care....................................................5-81
Finish Damage...............................................5-83
5

Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-67
Flat Tire........................................................5-66
Fluid.............................................................5-21
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM Stereo.....................................................3-79
Following Distance..........................................4-40
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-45
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses...........................................................5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
G
Gage............................................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-45Gage (cont.)
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-38
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-41
Glove Box.....................................................2-42
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp......................................................5-47
Aiming.......................................................5-47
Horizontal Aiming.........................................5-49
Vertical Aiming............................................5-50
Headlamps On Reminder.................................3-15
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-20
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
6