mirror BUICK LESABRE 2005 Owner's Guide

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. Remember that
your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you
just passed may seem to be farther away from you
than it really is.
Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not ashing, it may
be slowing down or starting to turn.
If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can
ease a little to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not 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 overdriving
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
are not 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.
4-14

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
®, you may see the STABILITY
SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information
Center. See “Stability System Active Message”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will 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 — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — 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 — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot 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 are 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.
4-16

Freeway Driving
Mile for mile, freeways—also called thruways, parkways,
expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways — are the
safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the
same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic ow.
Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
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 is slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
4-21

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
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. Do
not 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 will 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 will not 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 will 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 all trailer hitch parts 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.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
4-41

Locks
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-11
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-14
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-97
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-18
At Least Once a Month................................6-18
At Least Once a Year..................................6-19
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-19
Brake System Inspection..............................6-23
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-22
Fuel System Inspection................................6-23
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-22
Part D - Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-24
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-25
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-22
Throttle System Inspection............................6-23
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-41
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-45
Memory Seat.................................................2-45
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-50
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Memory.....................................................2-45
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-36
8

Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-35
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-97
O
Odometer......................................................3-36
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-36
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System.............................................2-37
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-31
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36Outside (cont.)
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-35
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-22
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-24
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-25
Passing.........................................................4-13
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-20
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-18
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-80
Personalization, Climate Controls......................3-32
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-22
Door Locks.................................................2-11
9

Power (cont.)
Electrical System.........................................5-88
Inadvertent Battery Saver.............................3-20
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Reclining Seatback........................................ 1-6
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-23
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-34
Windows....................................................2-17
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-12
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-39
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-12
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radios..........................................................3-56
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-83
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-84
Care of Your CDs........................................3-84
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-80
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-65
Radio with CD............................................3-57
Setting the Time..........................................3-57
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-81Radios (cont.)
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-77
Understanding Reception..............................3-82
Rainsense™ II Wipers....................................... 3-9
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-25
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass....................................................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-32
Reclining Seatback, Power................................. 1-6
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-36
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-72
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-53
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-56
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-57
10

Tires (cont.)
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-67
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-64
Top Strap......................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-36
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-38
Your Vehicle...............................................4-36
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-40
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-25
Trip Odometer................................................3-36
Trunk............................................................2-14
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-77
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Twilight Sentinel
®............................................3-16
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-82
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-66
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Service Soon Light......................................3-46
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-87
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-87
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-51
Memory Seat and Mirrors.............................2-45
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-31
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-33
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-50
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
13