key BUICK REGAL 2004 User Guide

Battery Replacement
The battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter
should last about three years.
If the battery is weak the transmitter will not work within
its normal range. It is probably time to change the
battery if you have to be very close to the vehicle before
the transmitter works.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery do the following:
1. Insert a at object like a thin coin into the slot on
the back of the transmitter and pry apart the front
and back.
2. Remove the old battery, but do not use a metal
object to do this. Make sure the new battery is a
type CR2032 or equivalent, and that the positive (+)
side of the battery is facing down.
3. Snap the front and back of the transmitter together.
4. Resynchronize and test the operation of the
transmitter with the vehicle.
Resynchronization
After the battery has been changed in the remote
keyless transmitter, it will need to be resynchronized. To
do this, press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK
buttons until you hear one horn chirp.
2-8

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle will not open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash if the doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.
From the outside, use the door key or remote keyless
entry transmitter. From the inside use the manual
or power door locks.
To manually lock or unlock the driver’s door from the
outside, insert the key and turn it clockwise or
counterclockwise.
To lock or unlock the doors from the inside, push the
manual lock lever forward or rearward.
2-9

The vehicle was originally programmed to Mode 3. The
mode may have been changed since then. To
determine the current mode, or to change the mode, do
the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Close all of the doors.
3. Apply the brakes.
4. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
lock position.
5. Move the shift lever out of and back into PARK (P)
while holding the door lock switch in the LOCK
position.
6. Release the door lock switch to set the
desired mode.
After initially moving the shift lever out of and back into
PARK (P), each additional shift cycle will advance
the programming from the current mode to the next
operating mode. If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle
will enter operating Mode 1.
Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not affect the programmed mode.Lockout Protection
This feature helps to prevent a driver from locking the
keys inside of the vehicle by disabling the power
door locks when the following occurs:
A door is opened.
The key is left in the ignition.
A power door lock is pressed.
The lockout protection feature can be overridden by
holding the power door lock switch in the lock position
for more than three seconds while the key is in the
ignition and any door is open.
This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of the vehicle. If the manual door lock is used
or if the key is left in the vehicle, but not in the ignition,
you could still be locked out of the vehicle. Always
remember to take the keys with you.
Leaving Your Vehicle
Before leaving the vehicle, take the keys, open the
door, and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door. See “Delayed Locking” in this section for
more information.
2-11

Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-29.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk lid from the outside, insert the door
key into the trunk lock and turn it counterclockwise.
Or, with the vehicle in PARK (P), press the open trunk
symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the remote trunk
release button located
behind the glove box door
to release the trunk lid
from inside the vehicle.
The shift lever must be in PARK (P), but the key does
not have to be in the ignition for the remote trunk
lid release button to work.
2-12

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
PASS-Key®II
The vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®II is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
It works when the ignition
key is inserted or
removed from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.When the PASS-Key
®II system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will not go to the engine for about three
minutes. If someone tries to start the vehicle again with
the wrong key, or uses another incorrect key during
this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages
someone from randomly trying keys with different
resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it is
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY warning
light on the instrument panel is ashing, the key may be
dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the vehicle still does not start, the ignition
key may be faulty. Wait about three more minutes and
try a spare ignition key. At this time, you may also
want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-98for information on fuse location. If the
starter will not work with the spare key, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer or a locksmith who can
service the PASS-Key
®II.
2-16

If a key is accidentally used that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter will not work.
The SECURITY warning light on the instrument panel
will then come on. But you do not have to wait three
minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key
®II to have a new key made.
If the SECURITY warning light comes on the instrument
panel while the vehicle is being driven, the engine
will still be able to be started after it is turned off. The
PASS-Key
®II system, however, is not working properly
and must be serviced by your dealer. The vehicle is
not protected by the PASS-Key
®II system when
this happens.
If a PASS-Key
®II ignition key is lost or damaged, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®II to have a new key made. Also, see
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for more
information.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-39for more information.
2-17

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to ve different positions:
A (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate when the engine is off. To use
ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
counterclockwise. The steering wheel will stay locked.
B (LOCK):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It is a
theft-deterrent feature.Notice:If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
can not 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):In this position the engine is off but the
steering wheel is not locked and can still be turned. Use
the OFF position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed.
D (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of
the warning and indicator lights.
E. (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened if the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Retained Accessory Power (RAP), lets the power
windows and audio system continue to operate for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and
before any of the doors are opened.
2-18

Starting Your Engine
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). The
engine will not start in any other position. That is a
safety feature. To restart the vehicle when it is already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the
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 does not start within 10 seconds, hold the key in
START for about 10 seconds at a time until the
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try.3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as the key is held in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briey 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.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
2-19

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 parking on any hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. That section shows 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 4-39.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake with your left foot.2. Move the shift lever
into PARK (P) by
pressing the shift lock
button at the top of
the lever while pushing
the shift lever all the
way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-25

Shifting Out of Park (P)
The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control
system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P) when the
ignition is in the OFF position. The regular brakes must
be fully applied before the vehicle can be shifted from
PARK (P) when the ignition in RUN. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 2-21.
If the vehicle cannot be shifted out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) as brake application is maintained.
Then, move the shift lever into the desired gear.
If the brake pedal is pressed down but the vehicle still
cannot be shifted out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no
shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the desired gear.
5. Have the system xed as soon as possible.
Shift Lock Release
The vehicle is equipped with a shift lock release system.
It is designed to prevent ignition key removal unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P) and the shift lever button
is fully released.
It also prevents the shift lever from moving out of
PARK (P) when the ignition is in OFF or in LOCK. The
shift lock release system will not operate in the case
of a dead or low voltage (less than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low
voltage, there are two override access slots that
will allow you to override the shift lock release system.
The rst access slot is located underneath the
steering column below the lock cylinder. To use this
slot, do the following:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P) with the
shift lever button released.
2. Remove the override access slot cap to show the
override mechanism release button.
3. Insert a key or tool into the access slot and then
press and hold the override mechanism release
button.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
6. Put the override access slot cap back on.
2-27