light BUICK REGAL 2003 Owner's Guide

To turn off the automatic headlamp feature when it’s
dark outside, move the exterior lamp control to the
parking lamp position. Your parking lamps will remain
illuminated and your headlamps will turn off. The
fog lamps will also be lit if they were on when you
switched to the parking lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Delayed Headlamps
Delayed headlamps illumination provides a period of
exterior lighting as you leave your vehicle. The feature is
activated when your vehicle’s headlamps are on due
to the automatic headlamp control feature described
previously in this section, and when your vehicle’s
ignition is turned off. Your headlamps will then remain
on until the exterior lamps control is moved from OFF to
the parking lamp position or until a 90 second lighting
period has ended.
If you turn off the ignition with the exterior lamps control
in the parking lamp or headlamps position, the delayed
headlamps illumination cycle will not occur.
You can customize the vehicle to activate delayed
headlamps illumination when your vehicle’s ignition is
turned off under the conditions described above, or you
may choose not to activate this feature under any
conditions.You can turn the feature on and off when you perform
the following sequence:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Close all the doors.
3. Press and hold the power door lock switch. While
holding the door lock switch, cycle the exterior
lamps control on and then off two times.
4. Release the power door lock switch. These
operations must be carried out in a time period of
less than 10 seconds, followed by a delay period of
no more than 10 seconds.
5. Then, press and hold the power door unlock switch.
While holding the door unlock switch, turn the
exterior lamps control on and then off two times.
Release the power door unlock switch.
6. Release the power door unlock switch. These steps
must be carried out in a time period of less than
10 seconds.
After releasing the power door unlock switch, a single
chime will be heard if the delayed headlamp illumination
function has been disabled; two chimes will be heard
if the feature has been enabled. Disconnecting the
vehicle’s battery for up to a year will not change
the programmed operation for this feature.
3-12
2003 - Regal OM

Fog Lamps
To turn the fog lamps on,
press the fog lamps button
located below the
exterior lamps control on
the left side of the steering
column.
A light will glow in the button to let you know that the
fog lamps are on. Your parking lamps or low-beam
headlamps must be on or your fog lamps won’t come
on. Press the button again to turn the fog lamps off. The
fog lamps will go off whenever you change to high-beam
headlamps. When you return to low beams, the fog
lamps will come on again.
Cornering Lamps
The cornering lamps are designed to come on when
you signal a turn. This will provide more light for
cornering at night.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by
turning the exterior lamp knob.Turning the knob all
the way clockwise turns on the courtesy lamps.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several lamps come on.
These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easy for
you to enter and leave your vehicle. You can also
turn these lamps on by turning the exterior lamps control
clockwise to MAX.
Entry Lighting
Your courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for a set
time whenever you press UNLOCK on the remote
keyless entry transmitter.
If you open a door, the lamps will stay on while it’s open
and then turn off automatically about 25 seconds after
you close it. If you press UNLOCK and don’t open
a door, the lamps will turn off after about 40 seconds.
3-13
2003 - Regal OM

Entry lighting includes a feature called theater dimming.
With theater dimming, the lamps don’t just turn off at
the end of the delay time. Instead, they slowly dim after
the delay time until they go out. The delay time is
canceled if you turn the ignition key to RUN or START.
When the ignition is on, entry lighting is inactive,
which means the courtesy lamps won’t come on unless
a door is opened.
Delayed Entry Lighting
Delayed entry lighting lights your vehicle’s interior for a
period of time after all the doors have been closed.
The ignition must be off for delayed entry lighting
to work. Just after all the doors have been closed, the
delayed entry lighting feature will continue to work
until one of the following occurs:
•The ignition is in RUN, or
•the doors are locked, or
•an illumination period of 25 seconds has elapsed.
If during the illumination period a door is opened,
the timed illumination period will be canceled and the
interior lamps will remain on.
Delayed Exit Lighting
This feature illuminates the interior for a period of time
after the ignition key is removed from the ignition.
The ignition must be off for delayed exit lighting to work.
When the ignition key is removed, interior illumination
will activate and remain on until one of the following
occurs:
•The ignition is in RUN, or
•the power door locks are activated, or
•an illumination period of 25 seconds has elapsed.
If during the illumination period a door is opened,
the timed illumination period will be canceled and the
interior lamps will remain on.
Perimeter Lighting
Perimeter lighting provides a period of exterior vehicle
lighting. Perimeter lighting is only activated when
the function is enabled, the doors are closed, the ignition
is in OFF and the security feedback feature is in
Mode 3 or 4. See“Security Feedback”underRemote
Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4for
more information. The vehicle headlamps and back-up
lamps are then activated for a period of 25 seconds
or until the ignition switch is turned to RUN.
3-14
2003 - Regal OM

You may enable or disable the perimeter lighting feature
when the driver performs the following sequence with
the engine not running and the doors closed:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Close all the doors.
3. Apply your brakes.
4. Press and hold the power door lock switch. While
holding the door lock switch press and release the
panic button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
This will initialize the customization mode. While in the
customization mode, the feature will sound the number of
chimes corresponding to the current mode. In Mode 1,
one chime means the feature is disabled. In Mode 2, two
chimes signal that the perimeter lighting feature is
enabled. Each additional press will advance the mode by
one, starting from the current mode. During this
procedure, the feature will sound the number of chimes
corresponding to the mode. When the lock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the last mode.
Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed operation for this feature.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the underside of the
rearview mirror.
Use the button next to each lamp to turn them on
and off.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamp will come on when you open a door.
Battery Rundown Protection
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent you from
draining the battery in case you accidentally leave the
interior courtesy lamps, reading/map lamps, visor vanity
lamps, trunk lamp, underhood lamp or glove box
lamps on. If you leave any of these lamps on, they will
automatically turn off after 20 minutes, if the ignition
is in OFF. The lamps won’t come back on again
until you do one of the following:
•Turn the ignition on,
•turn the exterior lamps control off, then on, or
•open a door.
If your vehicle has less than 15 miles (25 km) on the
odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps after
only three minutes.
Accessory Power Outlets
With accessory power outlets you can power electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone or CB radio.
Your vehicle is equipped with a 12-volt outlet. It is
located on the console, near thefloor on the
passenger’s side. Open the cover to use the outlet. Be
sure to close the cover when the outlet is not in use.
3-15
2003 - Regal OM

When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
For information on accessing the connection and
electrical hookup, please refer to your service manual.
To order a service manual,Service Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The center front ashtray is located just below the
instrument panel’s comfort controls.
To remove the ashtray, open the storage door. Then
open the small black door, lift up on the ashtray and pull
it out.
Notice:Don’t put papers or other flammable
items into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing
a damaging fire.
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your
hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Manual Operation
To change the current mode, select one of the following
settings on the right knob.
MAX (Maximum Air-Conditioning):This mode
recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle and
sends it through the instrument panel outlets. The
air-conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is
below 40°F(4°C).
3-17
2003 - Regal OM

VENT (Ventilation):This mode brings in outside air
direct and directs it through the instrument panel outlet.
BI-LEV (Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately
half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs most of the remaining air to thefloor outlets.
Some air may be directed toward the windshield.
HTR (Heater):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets, with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows) and some air directed to
the windshield.
BLEND:This mode directs half of the air to go to the
floor outlets and half to the defroster and side window
outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F(4°C).
The right knob can also be used for the defrost mode.
Information on defrosting and defogging can be
found later in this section.
9FAN:The left knob controls the fan speed.
OFF:Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to
turn off the fan.
LO (Low Fan Speed):This setting creates the lowest
fan speed.HI (High Fan Speed):This setting creates the highest
fan speed.
DRIVER (Driver’s Side Temperature):The lever on
the left adjusts the air temperature for the driver’s
side outlets. Slide the lever up to raise the temperature
and down to lower the temperature.
PASSENGER (Passenger’s Side Temperature):The
lever on the right adjusts the air temperature for the
passenger’s side outlets. Slide the lever up to raise the
temperature and down to lower the temperature.
"(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning on and off. An indicator light above the
button will come on when the air conditioning is on.
During daylight hours you may need to adjust the interior
lighting control to the highest setting in order to see
the light. The system will cool and dehumidify the
air inside the vehicle when the A/C indicator light is on.
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to
let hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool-down on a very hot day, use MAX with
the temperature levers all the way in the blue area. If
this setting is used for long periods of time, the air
in your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use VENT with the
temperature levers in the blue area. The system
will bring in outside air and cool it.
3-18
2003 - Regal OM

On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
Select BI-LEV and set the temperature levers to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body. Push the A/C button for
cooling.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield and side windows.
Use the blend mode to clear the windows of fog
or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost
mode to remove frost or fog from the windshield
more quickly. For best results, clear all snow and ice
from the windshield before defrosting.
0DEF (Defrost):This setting, located on the right
knob, directs most of the air through the defroster
and the side window outlets. Some of the air is directed
to thefloor and side window outlets. The air-conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below 40°F(4°C).To defrost the window quickly, turn the mode knob to
the defrost setting and turn the driver’s and passenger’s
temperature levers all the way to the red area.
To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use BLEND.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
0
(Rear):Press the button to turn the defogger on.
The rear window defogger will shut off after about
15 minutes. If you turn it on again, the rear window
defogger will only run for about seven and one
half minutes before turning off. You can also turn it off
by pressing the button again.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Don’t use a razor blade or something
else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you
do, you could cut or damage the defogger and
the repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape,
a decal or anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-19
2003 - Regal OM

3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature, if
necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center
of the instrument panel, near the windshield. For
more information on the solar sensor, see
“Solar Sensor”later in this section.
Manual Operation
During daylight hours, you may want to adjust the
instrument panel brightness control to the highest setting
in order to see the indicator lights that go on for the
various climate control settings.
OFF:Pressing the OFF button cancels automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode. Press
the AUTO button to return to automatic operation.
TEMP (Temperature):To manually adjust the
temperature inside the vehicle, press the up arrow on
the TEMP control to raise the temperature and press the
down arrow to lower the temperature. The display will
show your selection for a few seconds, and then
the outside temperature will be displayed.
When the DUAL light indicator is on, this means the
TEMP control has set the temperature for the driver.
When the DUAL light indicator light is not on, this means
the TEMP control has set the temperature for the
entire cabin.
9FAN:Press the up arrow on the FAN control to
increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual mode. Press
the AUTO button to return to automatic operation. If
the airflow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting, the passenger compartment airfilter, if
equipped, may need to be replaced. For more
information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on
page 3-24andPart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
on page 6-4.
AIR FLOW:This control has several setting to control
the direction of airflow when the system is not in AUTO.
To access the various modes available, continue to press
the AIR FLOW up or down arrows until the desired mode,
(listed below), appears in the display.
WINDSHIELD/FLOOR:This setting directs some of the
air to thefloor outlets and some to the defroster and
side window outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40°F(4°C).
MID/FLOOR:This mode directs airflow through both
thefloor and the instrument panel outlets. A small
amount of air is directed to the windshield and the side
window outlets.
MID (Instrument Panel):This mode directs air through
the instrument panel outlets.
3-21
2003 - Regal OM

FLOOR:This setting sends most of the air through the
outlets near thefloor. The rest comes out of the
defroster and side window outlets.
VENT:Press this button to turn the air-conditioning
compressor on or off. The indicator light on the VENT
mode is lit when the compressor is turned off. You may
have to adjust the interior brightness control to the
highest setting during the day in order to see the
indicator lamp.
VENT does not operate in the FRONT defrost mode.
RECIRC (Recirculation):Press this button to turn this
mode on or off. RECIRC limits the amount of outside
air coming into the vehicle and recirculates most of the
air inside your vehicle. It can be use to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or to
quickly heat or cool the air inside your vehicle. When this
button is pressed an indicator light will come on. You
may have to adjust the interior brightness control to the
highest setting during the day in order to see the
indicator lamp.
This setting is not permitted in FRONT defrost mode
and is only permitted in WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if
the compressor is turned on.
On hot days, open the window to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.For quick cool down on hot days, press the AUTO
button and the system will automatically enter the
recirculation mode and the temperature will be at the full
cold position for maximum cooling.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Operating the climate control system in the RECIRC
mode may cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows when
the weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select
either WINDSHIELD/FLOOR or defrost mode and
increase the speed.
Sensors
The solar sensor on your vehicle monitors the solar
radiation and the air inside of your vehicle, then uses the
information to maintain the selected temperature by
initiating needed adjustments to the temperature, the fan
speed and the air delivery system. The system may
also supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated, as
necessary. Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield,
or the system will not work properly.
3-22
2003 - Regal OM

Passenger Control
The arrow buttons to control the temperature on the
passenger side of the vehicle are located to the right of
the PASSENGER CONTROL window. Press the
DUAL button so that the indicator light is on. Press the
right arrow to raise the temperature and press the
left arrow to lower the temperature on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
•If the indicator light below the arrows is amber this
indicates that the passenger side temperature is
set the same as the driver’s side.
•If the indicator light below the arrows is red, this
indicates that the passenger side temperature is
set warmer than that of the driver’s side.
•If the indicator light below the arrows is blue this
indicates that the passenger side temperature is
set cooler than that of the driver’s side.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the outside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield and side windows.Use the WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly. For best results, clear all
snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting.
1FRONT (Defrost):This setting brings in outside air
and directs most of the air through the defrost outlet.
Some of the air also goes to thefloor vents and the side
window outlets. The indicator light on the button will
come on and WINDSHIELD will be seen on the display
To defrost the windows quickly, press the FRONT
button, set the temperature to 90°F (32°C), select a high
fan speed and turn the DUAL button off.
To warm passengers whil keeping the window clear,
push the AIR FLOW button to select WINDSHIELD/
FLOOR which will appear on the display. Select a fan
speed.
The air-conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40°F(4°C).
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
3-23
2003 - Regal OM