air BUICK LESABRE 2005 Owner's Guide

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting
your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X):This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and
you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
2-26

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down and push the parking brake pedal with your
left foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake
pedal will follow it to the released position.
If you try to drive with the parking brake on, after about
20 feet (6.1 m) a chime will sound continuously until
you release the parking brake. Also, the brake light will
stay on until the parking brake is released.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-38. That section
explains what to do rst to keep the trailer from moving.Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-38.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving the lever up as
far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-28

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over
road debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-31.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-25.
2-31

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not 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 will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-38.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
While sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the
mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle.
Grip the mirror in the center to move it up or down and
side to side. The control at the bottom of the mirror
is the day/night feature that allows adjustment to
the mirror so that the glare of headlamps from behind is
reduced. Push the tab for daytime use; pull it for
night use.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror. It may also have OnStar®controls. SeeOnStar®
System on page 2-37for more information.
At night, when glare from lights is high, the mirror will
gradually darken. This change may take a few seconds.
The mirror will return to its clear daytime state when
glare is reduced.
2-32

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com. Contact OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar
®button to speak to an OnStar®advisor 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe and
Sound Plan is included for the rst year. You can
extend this plan beyond the rst year, or upgrade to the
Directions and Connections Plan to meet your needs.
For more information, press the OnStar
®button to speak
with an advisor.
Safe and Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-37

Storage Areas
Glove Box
To open the glove box, lift up on the lever. The glove
box has a light inside.
Center Console Storage Area
Your vehicle has a center console with two storage
compartments and cupholders. The cupholders have
removable liners to hold beverage containers of different
sizes. To access the cupholders and the front storage
area, push the doors covering them back into the
console. In the front storage area you will nd a place to
store a cellular phone, as well as a built-in writing
surface. Underneath this tray is a CD storage area and
another door which can be opened to retrieve items
which may fall into the space between the console and
the sliding door. To access the CD storage area,
place your nger in the oval in the top tray and lift up.To access the rear storage area, press the lift latch at
the front edge of the armrest and pull up. Inside
are areas which can be used to store a variety of items.
The back of the console may contain either additional
cupholders or air vents for the rear seat passengers.
You will also nd two accessory power outlets located
inside the rear storage area. These outlets can be used
for accessories requiring power, such as a cellular
phone. SeeAccessory Power Outlets on page 3-22.Convenience Net
The vehicle may have a convenience net located on the
back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over.
The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store those in
the trunk as far forward as possible.
Unhook the net so that it will lie at when not in use.
2-43

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-15
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Theater Dimming..........................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-18Front Reading Lamps....................................3-19
Battery Load Management.............................3-20
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-20
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...........3-27
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-31
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-36
Trip Odometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-37
Battery Warning Light....................................3-38
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (If
Equipped). SeeDIC Controls and Displays on
page 3-47.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). SeeSteering
Wheel Climate Controls on page 3-31andAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-81.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-33.
G. Traction Control Button (If Equipped). SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9.H. Exterior Lamp Buttons. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
I. Head-Up Display (HUD) Controls (If Equipped). See
Head-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-20.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
L. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11.
M. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-56.
N. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-24orDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-27.
O. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-43.
3-5

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.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible to
the accessory power outlets and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Pull down the front center tray to reveal the front
ashtray, cigarette lighter and accessory power outlet.
The front center and rear ashtrays can be removed for
cleaning. Hold the sides of the ashtray and then pull
the ashtray up and out.
Notice:If you put papers or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
To use the lighter, push the center all the way in and let
it go. When it is ready, the center will pop back out
by itself. Pull out the entire unit to use it.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not
use anything other than the cigarette lighter in the
heating element.
3-23

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
TEMPERATURE:This lever is used to adjust the
temperature of the air coming through the system.
Moving the lever between COOL and WARM will change
the temperature of the air coming through your outlets.
9FAN:Move this lever to select the speed of
the fan. Moving the lever between LOW and HIGH will
decrease or increase the fan speed. The fan will be
off when the system is off.To change the current mode, select one of the following:
RECIRC (Recirculation):This mode keeps outside
air from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or to
help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or
off. When the button is pressed, an indicator light
will come on. You cannot use RECIRC with FRONT
Defrost or BLEND.
VENT:This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
HTR (Heater):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows) and some air directed to
the windshield.
BLEND:This mode splits the airow between the
windshield and the oor outlets. The air conditioning
compressor will be operating.
OFF:The ventilation system always allows fresh air to
ow through your vehicle when it is moving. The
system will try to keep the air at a previously chosen
temperature. When the system is off, the blower fan is
also off.
3-24