power steering BUICK LESABRE 2003 Owner's Manual

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to ®ve
different positions.
(A) ACCESSORY:This position lets you use your
electrical accessories such as power windows, power
sunroof (if equipped), radio and the windshield wipers.
To use, push in the ignition key and turn it toward
you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it
was before you inserted the key.
(B) LOCK:This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It's a theft-deterrent
feature.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
can't turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering
wheel left and right while you turn the key hard.
Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool
to force it could break the key or the ignition switch.
If none of these works, then your vehicle needs
service.
(C) OFF:This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the
steering wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any
electrical power to the accessories. The instrument
panel cluster will remain powered in LOCK to illuminate
the gear shift indicator. The cluster will also activate
the parking brake light when the parking brake is
set. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is not running.
(D) RUN:This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. This is
also the position for normal driving. Even when the
engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights.
(E) START:This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.
2-22

Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in OFF, you will hear a warning
chime when you open the driver's door.
Always leave your key in LOCK while the engine is off.
If you leave it in any other position, you will drain
your battery power.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have power to such accessories as the
power windows, audio steering wheel controls (if
equipped), clock, sunroof (if equipped) and the radio for
up to 10 minutes. The instrument panel cluster lights
will stay on for a few seconds, then will go out. Once you
open a door, the power will shut off.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position ± that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15
seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, hold your key in
START for about 10 seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be ¯ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
¯oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
brie¯y but then stops again, do the same thing.
This time keep the pedal down for ®ve or six
seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine.
After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
2-23

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-22
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Climate Control System.................................3-24
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-31
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-36Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-36
Battery Warning Light....................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-38
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-40
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-43
Security Light...............................................3-44
Cruise Control Light......................................3-44
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-44
Fuel Gage...................................................3-45
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-45
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-49
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-50
Audio System(s).............................................3-55
Setting the Time...........................................3-55
Radio with CD..............................................3-56
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-62
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-73
Personal Choice Radio Controls......................3-77
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Turn and Lane-Change Signals
To signal a turn, move the lever on the left side of the
steering wheel all the way up or down. The lever returns
automatically when the turn is complete.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will ¯ash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Head-Up Display
(HUD), an arrow will also appear in the display area to
indicate the direction of the turn or lane change.
See
Head-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-20for more
information.
You may also have an arrow in the outside mirror that
¯ashes when the turn signal is used. See
Outside Power
Mirrors on page 2-35for more information.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to ¯ash to
signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane
change is complete.
If the arrows ¯ash very fast as you signal a turn or a
lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won't see your turn signal.If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you signal
a turn, check the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-86.
Turn Signal On Chime
If your turn signal is left on for more than 0.8 miles
(1.3 km), a chime will sound at each ¯ash of the turn
signal. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever
to the off position.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam
or high beam to low beam, pull the turn signal lever
toward you and release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light located on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Head-Up Display
(HUD), this symbol will also appear in the display area to
indicate the high beams are on. See
Head-Up Display
(HUD) on page 3-20for more information.
3-8

3. Now press the image height adjuster switch to
position the image as low as possible, while still
keeping it in full view.
4. Slide the dimmer lever downward until the HUD
image is no brighter than necessary.
To turn the HUD display off, slide the dimmer lever all
the way down.
If the sun comes out and the sky becomes cloudy, you
may need to adjust the HUD brightness using the
dimmer lever. Polarized sunglasses could make the
HUD image harder to see.
To change the display from English to metric units, push
the ENG/MET button located to the left of the steering
column.
Clean the inside of the windshield as necessary to
remove any dirt or ®lm that reduces the sharpness or
clarity of the HUD image.
To clean the HUD lens, spray household glass cleaner
on a soft, clean cloth. Gently wipe and dry the HUD
lens. Do not spray cleaner directly on the lens to avoid
cleaner leaking inside the unit.
If the ignition is on and you can't see the HUD image,
check to see if:
·Something is covering the HUD unit.
·The HUD dimmer lever is adjusted properly.
·The HUD image is adjusted to the proper height.
·A fuse is blown. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-86
.Keep in mind that your windshield is part of the HUD
system. If you ever have your windshield replaced,
be sure to get one that is designed for HUD or your HUD
image may look blurred or out of focus.
Accessory Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle may have up to three power outlets
depending on the type of front seat you have. If your
vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console, you
will ®nd two outlets inside the rear storage compartment.
(An extra power outlet can be found in the ashtray.)
Your vehicle may have a small cap that must be pulled
down to access the accessory power outlet. If it
does, when not using the outlet be sure to cover it with
the protective cap.
The accessory 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 under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-86or contact
your dealer.
3-22

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain
radio functions using the buttons on your steering
wheel.
QSEEKR:Press the up arrow to seek to the next
station and the down arrow to seek to the previous
station. The sound will mute while seeking. When
playing a cassette tape or a compact disc, press the up
arrow to hear the next selection.
BAND:Press this button to choose FM1, FM2, or AM,
XM1 or XM2 (USA only, if your radio is equipped
with XMŸ Satellite Radio Service).SCAN:Press this button to scan your radio preset
stations. The radio will scan to the ®rst preset station
stored on your pushbuttons, play for a few seconds, then
go on to the next preset station. The radio will scan
preset stations with a strong signal only. Press
this button again to stop scanning.
SOURCE:Press this button to play a cassette tape or
compact disc when listening to the radio. If a cassette
tape and a compact disc are both loaded, the system will
go to the tape play ®rst.
MUTE:Press this button to silence the system. Press it
again to turn on the sound.
QVOL (Volume)R:Press the up or down arrow to
increase or decrease volume.
Understanding Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
3-78

To turn the system off, press the TRACTION OFF
button located at the end of the shift lever on the right
side of the steering wheel.
The traction control system warning light will come on
and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin
when you press the button, the warning light will come
on ± but the system won't turn off right away. It will
wait until there's no longer a current need to limit wheel
spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The traction control system
warning light should go off.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll
understand this.
4-10

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-28
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-49
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps..................................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps...............................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-57
Tires..............................................................5-58
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure................................5-58
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-59
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-62
Buying New Tires.........................................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-63
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
®ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
žcoolant mixture
through the ®ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ®ller neck.
12. Then replace the
pressure cap. At any
time during this
procedure if coolant
begins to ¯ow out
of the ®ller neck,
reinstall the pressure
cap. Be sure the arrow
on the pressure cap
lines up like this.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering ¯uid reservoir is located below the
generator and behind the accessory drive belt in the rear
of the engine compartment on the passenger's side of
the vehicle.
5-35

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A ¯uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and look at the ¯uid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough ¯uid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of ¯uid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-23.
Always use the proper ¯uid. Failure to use the proper
¯uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer ¯uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a ¯uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer ¯uid until the
tank is full.
5-36