light BUICK RIVIERA 1999 User Guide

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2-14 Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The trunk release lockout switch in the glove box allows
you to secure items in the trunk. Move the trunk release
switch off, lock the glove box and take the key with you.
Now the trunk release on the driver's door will not open
the trunk.
Trunk Security Override
The remote keyless entry transmitter will open the trunk
even if the trunk release lockout switch is off.
Theft
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.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
With the ignition off and the driver's door open, you'll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

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2-15 Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

Close all windows.

Move the trunk release lockout switch to OFF.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent
alarm system. With this system, if your ignition is off,
the SECURITY light will flash as you open the door.
This light reminds you to
activate the theft
-deterrent
system. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
remote keyless entry system. The SECURITY light
should come on and stay on.
3. Close both doors. The SECURITY light should go
off after about 30 seconds. The security system is not
armed until the SECURITY light is off. If the
SECURITY light stays on or flashes when the
ignition is turned on, there is a problem with the
system and the vehicle should be serviced.
If the SECURITY light comes on for one minute and
then shuts off while the ignition is on, the security
system has detected a problem. See your dealer
for service.

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2-16
If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or
remote keyless entry system, the alarm will go off. It
will also go off if the trunk lock or door locks are
damaged. Your vehicle's lamps will flash and the horn
will sound for one minute, then will go off to save
battery power.
Remember, the theft
-deterrent system won't be activated
if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It only activates if you use a power door lock
switch or remote keyless entry system. You should also
remember that you can start your vehicle with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off, but this
does not shut off the alarm.
Here's how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

If you don't want to activate the theft
-deterrent
system, lock the door either using a key or the
manual door lock switch.

Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry system. Unlocking a door any other
way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock either door
with your key.
You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK
on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won't
stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver's
window and open the driver's door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle's lamps flash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see
ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
If the alarm does not sound, or the vehicle's lamps do
not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.

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2-17
PASS-Key
II
Your 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 you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
PASS
-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter
and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter
won't work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone
tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key
during this time, the vehicle will not start. This
discourages someone from randomly trying different
keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make
a match.The ignition key must be clean and dry before it's
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY light comes
on, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won't work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the
Index). If the starter won't work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS
-Key II.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The
SECURITY light will flash too. But you don't 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.

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2-18
If you're ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it
off. Your PASS
-Key II system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key II system.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key II ignition key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
-Key II
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Buick
Premium Roadside Assistance Center at
1
-800-252-1112. In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't 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.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

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2-20
LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any electrical
power to the accessories. Use OFF if you must have
your vehicle in motion while the engine is not running.
RUN (D): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start the engine and release the switch. This is the
position for driving. Even when the engine is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
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. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

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2-27
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't
shift into FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your front wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transaxle.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
Parking Brake
Setting the parking brake: Hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the
brake system warning light will come on and a single
chime will be heard.
The parking brake uses the brakes on the rear wheels.

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2-28
Releasing the parking brake: You will need to use the
PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake pedal. Hold the
regular brake pedal down and push the parking brake
pedal with your left foot. This will release the parking
brake. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake
pedal will follow it to the release position.
If you try to drive with the parking brake on, the brake
light stays on and a chime sounds until you release the
parking brake or recycle the ignition.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index. That section shows
what to do first 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 firmly 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 won't move, even when
you're on fairly level ground, use the steps that
follow. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a
Trailerº in the Index.
Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.

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2-31
Your vehicle has a BRAKE TO SHIFT reminder light.
This light comes on to remind you to apply the brake
pedal before you can shift from PARK (P).
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever
into the gear you want. (Press the shift lever button
before moving the shift lever.) If you ever hold the brake
pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position. Open and
close the driver's door to turn off the retained
accessory power feature.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center as
soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.

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2-36
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse and check for burned
-out
bulbs. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
Turn Signal Reminder
If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile,
a chime will sound. To turn off the chime, move the turn
signal lever to the off position.
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull the turn signal lever toward you until you
hear a click. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel will also
be on.
Flash-To-Pass Feature
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you a little,
but not so far that you hear a click.
Your high
-beam headlamps will stay on as long as you
hold the lever toward you. The high
-beam indicator on
the dash will also come on. Release the lever to turn the
high
-beam headlamps off.
Windshield Wipers