oil level BUICK LESABRE 2005 Owner's Manual

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on
the steering column.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is 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). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-38.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) while the
ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you
want. SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-30.
2-25

Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-45
Cruise Control Light......................................3-45
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-45
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-47
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-47
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-50
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-51
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Setting the Time...........................................3-57
Radio with CD..............................................3-57Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-65
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-77
Personal Choice Radio Controls......................3-80
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-81
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-81
Radio Reception...........................................3-82
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-83
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-84
Care of Your CD Player................................3-84
Diversity Antenna System..............................3-84
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-85
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-85
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

If you see the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your
tires for damage. If a tire is at, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-69. Also check the tire pressure in all four
tires as soon as you can. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-60andCheck Tire Pressure System on
page 5-62. There are times when you will have to reset
(calibrate) the Check Tire Pressure System. See
Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-62.
RESET:This button, used along with other buttons, will
reset system functions.
ENG/MET (English/Metric):Use this button to change
the display between English and metric units.
DIC messages can be displayed in one of three
languages: English, French or Spanish. The language
of the display is set by pressing both the FUEL
INFO and RESET buttons for ve seconds. As the
buttons are held, each language will be displayed for
three seconds. Release the FUEL INFO and RESET
buttons when the desired language is displayed. All DIC
messages will now be in the selected language.
Language selection can also be done through the DIC
Personal Choice Programming. See “Language
Selection” underDIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-51.DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display. For Canadian drivers, in addition to the
DIC message your DIC will display EXP with a number
after it which reects the following messages:
EXP
(Export ID) Warning Message
20 TURN SIGNAL STILL ON?
24 TRUNK AJAR
25 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW
27 BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
36 ENGINE OIL LOW – CHECK LEVEL
40 THEFT ATTEMPT DETECTED
54 SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
55 STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE
61 GAS CAP LOOSE – CHECK CAP
81 CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
91 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE
102 CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM
139 DOOR AJAR
144 CHECK TIRE PRESSURES
The EXP codes are used to make translation from
English to other languages easier.
Pressing any of the DIC control buttons will remove the
messages or warnings from the DIC display.
3-50

Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there is not another vehicle in
your blind 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 are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not 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 is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
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 inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is 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?
4-22

A. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-89.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-40.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-28.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
H. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System
on page 5-28.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-21.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-35.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.Engine Oil
If the ENGINE OIL LOW
CHECK LEVEL DIC
message appears on the
instrument cluster, it
means you need to check
your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, seeDIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 3-50.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick, then you will need to add at least
one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This
section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 5-96.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, your engine could be damaged.SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range in the cross-hatched
area. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you
are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting
GM Standard GM6094M. You should look for and
use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
5-14

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
If your vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, it has a
computer system that lets you know when to change
the engine oil and lter. This is based on engine
revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an
oil change will be indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset
the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within
the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is
also important to check your oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use.
Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message being
turned on, reset the system.
Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the Engine
Oil Life System, do the following:
1. Display the OIL LIFE INDEX on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the RESET button on the DIC for
more than ve seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the Engine Oil Life
System has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
5-17

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ame if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid and lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
5-21

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-24.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).Do not overll.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transaxle uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in
this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-24

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The engine coolant
recovery tank is located in
the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more
information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.
5-25