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the cover closed. There is also a removeable coin holder, Dual Sun Visors cassette tape and compact disc storage area. Assist Handles

A folding handle over each rear door and the front passenger’s door can be used to help you get in or out of your Buick.

Each sun visor has two parts, so that both the windshield and door glass can be shaded at the same time.

Visor Vanity Mirror (Option)

Rear License Plate Holder To use it, open the trunk lid and slide your license plate into the slot. Always close the trunk to prevent theft of the plate. Ashtrays

This mirror is on the larger of the passenger’s sun visors. It may also be on the larger of the driver’s sun visors. When you open it by moving this latch, the lights turn on. The brightness of the lights can be adjusted by sliding this switch. The Park Avenue Ultra also has visor vanity mirrors for the rear seat passengers.

The front center ashtray may be removed for cleaning.

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Cigarette Lighter It’s near the ashtray. To use one, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.

I NOTICE:

If you hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating, 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.

The rear ashtrays may also be removed for cleaning.

I NOTICE:

Don’t put papers or other flammable things into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them, causing a damaging fire.

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The Instrument Panel: Your Information System

Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your car is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.

Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada). Your Buick has a “tamper-resistant odometer.’’ If you can see very noticeable bright silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to turn it back. The numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if a car has to have a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, and a label on the driver’s door must show the old reading and when the new one was installed.

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your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you turn the ignition key just to let you know they're working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there's a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They're a big help.

Trip Odometer A trip odometer can tell how far you've driven since you last set it back to zero. To reset it, push the button.

R N

''.

......A# L

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This section describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to

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Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your tank. It works only when the engine is on. When the indicator nears “E,” you still have a little fuel left. You need to get more fuel right away. Here are some concerns owners have had about the fuel gage. All these situations are normal and indicate nothing wrong with the fuel gage.

At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads “F’. It takes more (or less) gas to fill up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated 1/2 full, but it took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it. The gage moves a little when you turn a corner, speed up, or stop your vehicle. When you turn the engine off, the gage doesn’t go all the way back to “E”.

Low Fuel Light (Option)

If your Buick has this option, a yellow light near the fuel gage will go on when you are low on fuel. You should get more fuel as soon as you can.

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Brake System Warning Light

If the light and chime come on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Car” in the Index.)

BRAKE

Your Buick’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. This light should come on as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

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The brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try to drive off with the parking brake set, a chime will also come on until you release the parking brake. If the light and chime stay on after your parking brake is fully released. it means you have a brake problem.

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

(a)

have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light” earlier in this part. Traction Control System Warning Light (Option)

ANT‘ LOCK

ANTI LOCK

TRACTION

OFF

The “TRACTION OFF” warning light means that the system is not working. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The warning light may come on for the following reasons:

With anti-lock,this light will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light stays on, turn the ignition off, Or, if the light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your Buick needs service. If the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you don’t

If your brakes overheat, the traction control system will go off and the warning light will come on until your brakes cool down. Some engine related problems may cause the “TRACTION OFF’’ warning light to come on.

Press the “TRACTION ON/OFF” switch to turn the Traction Control system on or off.

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If the “TRACTION OFF” warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time, your vehicle needs service. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

TEMP

This light tells you that your engine coolant has overheated or your radiator cooling fans are not working. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the engine off as soon as possible. The chapter “Problems on the Road,” in this manual explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

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If you have the Gage Cluster, you have a gage that shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! That reading means the same thing as the warning light. It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. The chapter “Problems on the Road,” in this manual explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

Low Coolant Warning Light

Engine Oil Pressure Light and Gage

COOLANT

LOW

When this light comes on, the cooling system is low on coolant. As a bulb check, it will come on when the ignition in the RUN position and then go Off.

If the coolant level is low, the light will come back on and a warning chime will sound. If this happens, see “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index for proper cooling system fill. After the coolant level is returned to its proper level, the LOW COOLANT light will go off after 20 seconds or remain off on the next ignition cycle.

OIL

This light tells you if there could be a problem with your engine oil pressure. If your car has the optional gage cluster, you can read your oil pressure directly from the gage on your instrument panel. There are three ways this light can come on briefly, which is normal and doesn’t show a problem. They are: 0 The light comes on when you turn your key to

“Run.” It goes off once you turn the key to “Start.” That’s just a check to be sure the light works. If it doesn’t, be sure to have it fixed so it willbe there to warn you if something goes wrong.

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If you’re “idling” at a stop sign, the light may blink on and then off. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment.

When this light comes on and stays on, it means oil isn’t going through your engine properly, You could be low on oil, or you might have some other oil problem.

“Check Oil Level” Light (Option)

The “Check Oil Level” light is lit for three seconds as a bulb check each time the ignition key is turned to the RUN position. If the light doesn’t come on, have your vehicle serviced.

CHECK OIL LEVEL

If the engine oil is more than one quart low, the light will come on briefly, then go off for 15-25 seconds, and then come back on for 20-40 seconds. However, the system will not register low engine oil if it has not been more than eight minutes since the engine was last shut off. If the “Check Oil Level” light comes back on, the engine oil should be checked at the.dipstick then brought up to the proper level if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.

NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.

“Change Oil Soon” Light (Option)

CHANGE OIL SOON

This light is activated by the engine oil life monitor system. The system determines the condition o the engine oil and lets you know when the oil should be changed. (See “Engine Oil” in the Index).

of the oil life has been used and each time the engine is started after that. If the “Change Oil Soon” light is on continuously, there is a problem with the Oil Life Monitor System and service is required. After changing the engine oil, the system should be reset. This will cause the “Change Oil Soon” light to be lit again for#the bulb check period of three seconds.

It does this using information about engine speed (revolutions per minute), coolant temperature and vehicle speed. The system uses this data to determine how much oil has degraded. When to change your oil depends on driving habits and conditions because these directly affect engine speed, coolant temperature and vehicle speed. Because of this, the “Change Oil Soon” light may come on as early as 2,000 miles or less for harsh conditions. The “Change Oil Soon” light is lit for five seconds as a bulb check each time the ignition key is RUN position. It will stay on for 60 seconds once 90%

turned to the

The reset button is in the glove box. With the ignition key in the RUN position push the reset button, hold it in for at least 5 seconds but not more than 60 seconds. After 5 seconds, the “Change Oil Soon” light will flash 4 times and then go off. This indicates that the Oil Life Monitor System has been reset.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

Battery Light

A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on and the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or it comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

VOLTS

When you turn the key to RUN, this light will come on briefly, to show that your alternator and battery charging systems are working. If the light stays on, you need

service, and you should take your Buick to the dealer at once. To save your battery until you get there, turn off all accessories and set your air system to OFF. Voltage Indicator

Tachometer

If you have the optional gage cluster, this gage shows voltage in the electrical system. The normal range is 11 to 15 volts. If the reading stays outside the normal range, have your Buick dealer check the electrical system.

The tachometer tells you how fast the engine is running. It displays engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM).

I NOTICE:

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage may occur.

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Door Ajar Light (Option)

Trunk Ajar Light (Option)

When the ignition is ON, this light will stay on until all the doors are closed and completely latched.

DOOR AJAR

TRUNK AJAR

If this light stays on with the ignition ON, it means that the trunk lid is open or not completely latched.

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@ Part 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

In this part you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems offered with your Buick . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle . Part 3 includes:

Comfort Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

132 Heater and Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137. 138 Airconditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134. 140 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139. 140 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Audiosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Understanding Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Radio Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144. 147. 151 Settingtheclock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146.149. 152 Tape Player Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146. 149 CD Player Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Care of Cassette Tape Player and Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 CareofCompactDiscs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Antennacare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

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Rear Passenger ComforTemp (Option)

If you have this option, you can adjust the direction of the air flow to the rear seating area.

Your Buick Comfort Control System This part tells you how to make your air system work for you. The Comfort Control System uses the new ozone friendly R 134a refrigerant. Fresh air from outside your vehicle flows through your Buick when the car is moving. When the vehicle is not moving, you can get outside air to flow through by selecting any upper buttons (except the rear window defogger) and the HI fan speed. Air Outlets

Adjust the direction of air flow by moving the louvered vents.

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If your Buick has the Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control option, it looks like this:

The following information tells you how it works. You will hear a beep each time a button is pushed. The display will show fan, temperature and mode settings. Sun and temperature sensors automatically adjust air temperature to maintain your comfort. The system tends to supply cooler air to the side towards the sun. Be careful not to put anything over the sun sensors on the top of the dash. The system may not respond correctly.

The air conditioning compressor operates when the outside temperature is above 45°F (7°C). Besides cooling, this is used to dehumidify and filter the air. The compressor works when AUTO, HTR, DEFOG or defrost is selected. Ext Temp

Push this button and the display will indicate the outside temperature (unless the system is OFF). Push it again to return to the regular system display.

.. * ''

The outside temperature reading is most accurate when driving. During stops, the display shows the previous temperature for best accuracy and system control.

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CoollWarm

Off

To adjust the temperature to a comfortable level, push either COOL or WARM. You can choose a temperature between 60 OF ( 16 O C) for maximum cooling, and 90" F (33°C) for maximum heating. It is not necessary to choose the extreme temperature to get the system to heat or cool at the maximum. The system does it automatically.

When the system is OFF, the ventilation system will allow air to flow through your Buick when the vehicle is moving. The system will try to keep the air at the chosen temperature. The outside temperature will show in the display area unless the system is OFF.

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Auto

AUTO is used when you want the system to adjust automatically to changes in temperature. When the system is set for automatic, air will come from the floor outlets, the instrument panel outlets or windshield outlets.

To find your comfort zone, start with 75 AUTO, give the car about 20 minutes to stabilize, and adjust the temperature setting if necessary. In cold weather the system will delay turning on the fan, to avoid blowing cold air. The length of the delay depends on engine coolant temperature, outside temperature and time since the engine was last started. Pushing a LO or HI blower button will override this delay, and cause the fan to start. To rid the system of stale air in warm weather, air will come out of the floor outlets for a short time.

Fan speed will vary as the system gets to and maintains the temperature setting you have selected (unless a blower LO or HI button has been pushed).

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Dual Zone

The front seat passenger can control the air temperature in their seating area.

The right front seat passenger can also activate the DUAL ZONE function by pressing the WARM or COOL buttons on the passenger door.

This control can be up to 5°F cooler or warmer than the primary setting. The control is on the passenger's door. Press the DUAL ZONE button. Adjust the temperature using the passengers COOLWARM settings. Both DUAL ZONE and AUTO buttons will light up.

The indicator above the control will show the difference from the main temperature setting. To turn off this part of the system, push the DUAL ZONE button again.

Fan Speeds

The speed of the blower fan is controlled automatically if you have the fan on AUTO.

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Econ

If you want the blower fan to run at a lower speed, push the LO button. The blower speed will decrease with every push of the button until the lowest speed is reached.

If you want to raise the blower speed, push HI. The blower speed will increase with every push of the button until maximum speed is reached.

You can use ECON when you don’t need to cool the outside air. The system will work like the AUTO mode without cooling. The air flow will come from the instrument panel outlets. ECON does not have the blower delay feature as the AUTO mode setting.

This setting turns off the air conditioner allowing better fuel economy.

Heater

To warm the air, press mR and adjust the temperature and fan speed for your comfort. Most of the air will come from the floor outlets.

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Defog

Defrost

When the outside temperature is mild, use DEFOG to keep fog off the

I windshield.

This setting directs most of the air flow toward the windshield. Use DEFROST when there is fog or ice on the windshield.

Air entering the vehicle will be evenly split between the floor outlets and the outlets near the windshield. The blower speed will be controlled automatically, or you can choose another fan speed by pushing the HI or LO buttons.

Defrost will work better if any ice and snow is cleared from the hood and the air inlet area between the hood and the windshield. Blower speed will be controlled automatically, but you can choose another speed by pushing the HI or LO buttons.

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Rear Window Defogger

The lines you see on the rear window will warm the glass. Press the button to start warming your window.

NOTICE: Scraping the inside of your rear window could cut and damage the heater. Your warranty would not cover this damage. Don’t put decals there, you might have to scrape them off.

If your Buick has the Electronic Touch Climate Control System, the following information tells you how it works.

After 10 minutes, it will go off by itself, or pressing the button again during the heating cycle will shut it off. If you need additional warming time, push the button again. If you have the heated outside rearview mirror option, the mirror will be warmed when the rear defogger is on.

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Fan Speeds The fan control is used to select the speed of the blower fan. There are four speeds to choose from. Moving the lever to the right or left will increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan will be off when the system is off. Temperature The lower lever changes the temperature of the air coming through your air outlets. Moving the lever between COOL and WARM will raise or lower the temperature. Off When the system is off, the ventilation system will allow air to flow through your Buick when the vehicle is moving. The system will try to keep the air at the chosen temperature, unless it is very hot or very cold outside. When the system is off, the blower fan is also off.

Air Conditioner The next three selections cool the air. The air conditioner won’t work well unless all the windows are closed. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let the hot inside air out. This reduces the amount of work your air conditioner’s compressor will have to do, which should help fuel economy. The air conditioning compressor operates in all Air Conditioning positions and the Defrost position when the outside temperature is above 47°F (SOC). Selecting OFF, VENT or HTR turns off the air conditioning compressor. When you don’t need to cool the outside air, use the VENT, HEAT and DEFROST settings. Adjust the temperature control for comfort. You’ll get better fuel economy (gas mileage) if you’re not cooling the outside air. When you cool the air, your engine runs a refrigeration compressor, and it has to work a little harder.

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Max This setting provides maximum cooling with the least amount of work. MAX recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so it maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and fuel economy. Air is directed through the instrument panel outlets.

Norm Use NORM for normal cooling on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it through the instrument panel outlets. Bi-Level This setting is designed for use on sunny days when the air is only moderately warm or cool. On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough. The Bi-level setting directs vehicle air in two ways. Cool air is directed toward your upper body through instrument panel outlets, while slightly warmed air is directed through the heater outlet at your feet.

Vent For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use the VENT setting. Air will flow through the instrument panel outlets. ,Use the air outlets to turn on, adjust and turn off the air flow. Adjust the temperature lever to the desired temperature. Heater When outside temperatures are cold, pressing the HTR setting and adjusting the temperature lever will send warm air through the floor outlets and some through the defroster vents. Defrost The DEFROST setting directs most of the air flow toward the windshield. Use defrost when you want to remove fog or ice from the windshield. When it’s 42°F (6°C) or warmer, you’ll get cooled air.

Defog When the outside temperature is mild, use Defog to keep the fog off the windshield. Air entering the vehicle will be evenly split between the floor outlets and the outlets near the windshield. You can control the temperature of the air and the fan speed to clear the foggy windows. Rear Window Defogger

The lines you see on the rear window warm the glass. Press the button to start warming your window.

After 10 minutes, it will go off by itself, or pressing the button again during the heating cycle will shut it off. If you need additional warming time, push the button again.

I NOTICE:

Scraping the inside of your rear window could cut and damage the heater. Your warranty would not cover this damage. Don’t put decals there, you might have to scrape them off.

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73

Audio Systems Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you ac uaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles ( 16 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise.

AM Stereo This means the Delco@ system can receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-QUAM@ to produce stereo, though some do not. (C-QUAM@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.) If your Delco@ system can get C-QUAM@, your “STEREO” light will come on when you’re receiving it. Be aware that hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage: 0 Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

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NOTICE: vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile Before you add any sound equipment to your telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can

add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radio or other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units.

144 .

It allows you to hear the other side of a tape. (Press the knob while a cassette is playing.) When the radio is playing, with the time displayed, it can tell you the frequency (push the knob).

Balance The BAL control behind the upper knob allows you to balance the sound between the right and left speakers.

The Lower Knob Turn the lower knob to tune radio stations. Push it to get AM or FM.

Fade The FADE control behind the lower knob moves the sound between your front and rear speakers. Seek Pressing the SEEK button will cause the receiver to seek the next higher station and stop.

Scan When you press SCAN, the radio will go to the next station and pause and keep doing that until you press SCAN again. SCAN appears in the display.

Pushbuttons The four pushbuttons let you return to favorite stations. You can set the pushbuttons for up to fourteen stations (7 AM and 7 FM).

Tune in the desired station. Press the SET pushbutton. SET appears in the display. Within 5 seconds, push one of the four pushbuttons. Whenever you press that button, the preset station will return. Up to three more stations may be preset on each band by pressing two pushbuttons that are next to each other, at the same time. 0 Tune in the desired station. Press the SET pushbutton.

0 Within the 5 seconds, press any two pushbuttons that are next to each other. (The station will return when the same two pushbuttons are pressed again.)

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To Play A Cassette Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. With the radio on, press a tape into the slot marked AUTO REVERSE (the tape side goes in first). Once the tape is playing, use the upper and lower knobs for volume, balance, and fade just as you did for radio. The arrows indicate which side of the tape is being played. When the end of the tape is reached, it will automatically reverse and play the other side of the tape.

Forward To rapidly advance the tape, press rapidly go forward until you press the 4 button or STOP-EJECT lightly.

and the tape will

Clock To set the clock: 0 Press the SET button. 0 Within 5 seconds, press and hold SCAN until the

correct hour appears on the display.

0 Press and hold SEEK until the correct minute

appears on the display.

Treble Slide the TREBLE lever up to increase the treble response. If the station is weak or noisy, slide the TREBLE lever down to reduce the noise. Bass Slide the BASS lever up to increase the bass response. Adjust the BASS lever to give a pleasing sound to your ear.

DNR@ This is the Dynamic Noise Reduction button. DNR@ helps remove background hiss from the radio or tape player. You may want to leave it pushed in all the time.

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Reverse To rapidly reverse the tape, press 4 and the tape will rapidly go backward until you press the b button or STOP-EJECT lightly.

Program To go from one side of the tape to the other, press the RCL-PROG (upper knob). Note the lighted arrows next to the b and 4.

Stop-Eject To remove or stop the tape and change to radio, press the STOP-EJECT button.

To Play This Radio

Power To turn the radio on, press the PWR button.

The Upper Knob The upper knob does these things: 0 It controls the volume. The volume knob increases

and decreases volume when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load.

0 It allows you to mute the radio or tape play. Press to

mute; press again to listen.

Balance The control behind the upper knob allows you to balance the sound between the right and left speakers. Notice the display arrows to see where the balance is set.

The Lower Knob Turn the lower knob to tune radio stations. The tune knob increases and decreases frequency when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load. Push it to get AM, FM 1 or FM2 frequencies.

Fade The control behind the lower knob moves the sound between your front and rear speakers. Notice the display arrows to see how FADE is set.

Recall Push RCL to display the time when the ignition is off. With the radio on, and the time displayed, push RCL to display the frequency.

Seek4 or b Pressing the SEEK 4 or b button will cause the receiver to seek the next lower or higher station and stop.

Scan When you press SCAN, the radio will go to the next station and pause and keep doing that until you press SCAN again. SC will appear in the display.

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Pushbuttons The five pushbuttons let you return to favorite stations. You can set the pushbuttons for up to fifteen stations ( 5 AM and 10 FM).

Tune in the desired station. Push the SET button. Within 5 seconds, push one of the five pushbuttons. SET will disappear from the display when the station is set.

Whenever you press that button, the preset station will return.

Clock To set the clock: 0 Press the SET button. 0 Within 5 seconds, press and hold SCAN until the

correct hour appears on the display.

0 Press and hold SEEK until the correct minute

appears on the display.

Treble Adjust the treble response up or down. If the station is weak or noisy, adjust the treble down to reduce the noise.

Bass Adjust the bass response up or down. Pressing the button in the center will set the bass level to a factory preset level. To Play a Cassette Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. With the radio on, press a tape into the slot marked AUTO REVERSE (the tape side goes in first). Once the tape is playing, use the upper and lower knobs for volume, balance, and fade just as you did for the radio. The arrow in the graphic display above the word TAPE indicates which side of the tape is being played. When the end of the tape is reached, it will automatically reverse and play the other side of the tape.

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Program To go from one side of the tape to the other, press the PROG button. The PROG button will also stop REV, FWD, PREV or NEXT and play the tape.

C r 0 2 This button sets the tape bias. When playing high bias chrome or metal tapes marked Cr02, press the button to turn on the Cr02. CrO2 will appear in the display. When playing standard bias tapes, press again to turn off the Cr02.

Reverse To rapidly reverse the tape, press REV and the tape will rapidly reverse to the beginning or until you press REV or the PROG button again. The radio will play during reverse.

Forward To rapidly advance the tape, press FWD and the tape will rapidly go forward to the end of the tape or until you press PROG or the FWD button again. The radio will play during forward.

Previous To hear a passage on the tape that has just played, press PREV and the tape will back up and stop, at either the first 4-second quiet spot in the tape, or when you press PROG or PREV again.

Next To go directly to the next selection on the tape, press NEXT. A 4-second quiet interval must be present for the tape to stop. Pressing PROG or NEXT again will play the tape.

Eject To remove or stop the tape and switch to radio, press the EJECT button.

Stop-Play To immediately switch from tape to radio, press the ST-PL button and the radio will resume playing the station that was tuned in when you inserted a tape. Pressing ST-PL again will allow the tape to resume where it stopped.

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To Play This Radio Power To turn on the radio, press the PWR button. The Upper Knob The upper knob does these things:

It controls the volume. The volume knob increases and decreases volume when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load.

0 It allows you to mute the radio or CD player. Press to

mute; press again to listen.

Balance The control behind the upper knob allows you to balance the sound between the right and left speakers. Notice the display arrow to see where the balance is set.

The Lower Knob Turn the lower knob to tune radio stations. The tune knob increases and decreases station frequency when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load. Turn the knob to tune slowly. If you hold it for more than a few seconds, it will tune rapidly. Push it to get AM, FMl or FM2 frequencies.

Fade The control behind the lower knob moves the sound between your front and rear speakers. Notice the display arrows to see how FADE is set.

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Recall When the ignition is off, push RCL to display the time. With the radio on, and the time displayed, push RCL to see the frequency.

Seek 4 or b Pressing the SEEK 4 or b will cause the receiver to seek the next lower or higher station and stop.

Scan When you press SCAN, the radio will go to the next station and pause and keep doing that until you press SCAN again. SC will appear in the display. Pushbuttons The five pushbuttons let you return to favorite stations. You can set the pushbuttons for up to fifteen stations ( 5 AM and 10 FM). 0 Tune in the desired station. 0 Press the SET pushbutton. 0 Within 5 seconds, push one of the five pushbuttons. SET will disappear from the display when the station is set.

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Whenever you press that button, the preset station will return.

Clock To set the clock: 0 Press the SET pushbutton. 0 Within 5 seconds, press and hold SCAN until the

correct hour appears on the display.

0 Press and hold SEEK appears on the display.

or 4 until the correct minute

Treble Adjust the treble response up or down. If the station is weak or noisy, adjust the treble down to reduce the noise. Pressing the control in the center will set the bass to a factory preset level.

Bass Use the BASS control to adjust bass response up or down. Pressing the control in the center will set the bass to a factory preset level.

To Play A Compact Disc Before you begin, please note: DO NOT use mini-discs that are called singles. They won’t eject. Use full-size compact discs only. Press PWR to turn the system on. Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. Wait a few seconds and the disc should play. If the disc comes back out, check to see if: 0 The disc is upside down.

It is dirty, scratched, or wet. There’s too much moisture in the air. (If there is, wait about one hour and.try again.) The disc player is too hot. If you’re driving on a very rough road, the disc may come out, or just not play and ERR will appear in the display. As soon as things get back to normal, the disc should play again.

Recall Press RCL to see what track is playing. Press it again within 5 seconds to see how long the CD has been playing that track. The display will automatically return to the time of day. The track number also appears when you change the volume, or when a new track starts to play.

Compression Pressing the COMP button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. COMP will appear in the display. Random The RDM button means random and when it is pressed, your CD player will play the tracks in random order rather than sequential 1,2,3 ... order. Pressing RDM again will play the disc in sequential order.

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Reverse Press and hold REV to return rapidly to a favorite passage in a track. Release it to play the passage. Note the seconds counter reading in the display.

Forward Press and hold FWD to advance quickly within a track. Release it to resume playing. Watch the display to stop at a specific passage.

Previous Press PREV to hear the previous track. If you hold this button or press it more than once, the disc will retreat to previous tracks.

Next Press NEXT to hear the next track now (instead of waiting until the present track is finished.) If you hold this button, or press it more than once, the disc will advance further.

Stop/Play Press ST/PL the disc will stop and the radio will play. Press ST/PL again to restart the disc at the point where it stopped. Press the PWR button or turn the ignition key off to stop the disc player. The disc stays in the player and will resume playing at the point where it stopped.

Eject Press EJCT and the disc will eject and the radio will play. The disc will start at track 1 when you reinsert it. As a feature to protect the disc, if you turn off the ignition with the disc partway out of the slot (after eject), it will be drawn back into the player in about 30 seconds. The disc will play at track 1 when the radio is turned on again.

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Steering Wheel Controls

t‘

If your car has this feature, you can control certain radio and comfort control functions using the pads on the steering wheel. You can select radio stations by pressing the pad marked SEEK A or v. Press PROG A to hear the stations preset on your radio pushbuttons. Press BAND v to receive AM, FM 1 or FM2 radio signals.

To increase or decrease the volume, press the pad marked VOL A or v. The pad marked TEMP A or allows you to select higher or lower temperature for the climate control system. Anti-Theft Feature Delco-Loc I1 is a security feature for the compact disc player. It can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If security system is used, your player won’t be usable if it’s ever stolen, because it won’t turn on. The instructions below tell you how to enter your personal secret code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must unlock the system with the secret code again before the system will turn on. Be sure to read through the entire procedure and become familiar with the appropriate buttons and knobs before starting. 1. Write down any &digit number and keep it in a safe

place.

2. Turn the ignition to the ACC or RUN position. 3. Press PWR to turn the radio off.

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To Unlock The System After a Power Loss When battery power is reapplied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and “LOC” will appear in the display. Enter your secret code as follows. Pause no more than 15 seconds between steps. 0 Turn the ignition ON (radio off.) 0 Press the SET button. The display will show “000”. 0 Enter the six digits of the code following steps 6 thru

9 on the preceding page. The display will show the number as entered. Press the BAND knob and the time appears -- indicating that the disabling sequence was successful. If the display indicates “SEC”, the number did not match and the unit is still secured.

4. Press preset 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them

until “---” shows on the display (at least 5 seconds). You are now ready to enter your secret code. If you pause more than 15 seconds between steps you may have to start over.

5. Press SET and “000” will appear on the display. 6. Press SEEK and hold it until the first digit of your

code appears.

7. Rotate the TUNE knob right or left to make the next

two numbers agree with your code.

8. Press the BAND knob and “OOO” will appear. Now you are ready to enter the second three digits of the code according to steps 6 and 7.

9. Press the BAND knob. The display will show “rEP” for 5 seconds, and then“000” will appear indicating that some steps are to be repeated for verification.

10. Repeat steps 6, 7, and 8. 11. Press the BAND knob. If the display shows “SEC”,

the verification process was successful and the system is SECURE. If the display shows “---”, the verification steps were not successful and the entire sequence must be started again.

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Disabling The Theft System

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player

Press preset buttons 1 and 4, for 5 seconds with the ignition “On” and radio power “Off’. The display will show “SEC”, indicating the unit is in the secure mode. Press the SET button. The display will show “000”. Enter the first three digits of the code following step 6 and 7 of the preceding directions. The display will show the numbers as entered. Press the BAND knob. The radio will display “000”. Enter the second three digits of the code. The display will show the numbers as entered. Press the BAND knob. If the display shows “---” , the disabling sequence was successful. (The numbers matched the user-selected code or the factory back-up code) and the unit is in the UNSECURED mode. If the display shows “SEC”, the disabling sequence was unsuccessful and the numbers did not match either of the codes and the unit will remain in the SECURED mode.

A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player.

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Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping only from the center to the edge.

Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender. Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna to

full mast extension.

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2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or

equivalent solvent.

I NOTICE:

3. Wipe cloth over the mast sections, remov any dirt.

,ing

;i

. _ /

4. Wipe dry with clean cloth before retracting. 5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the

radio or ignition on and off.

6. Then repeat if necessary.

Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication could damage it.

I NOTICE:

Before entering an automatic car wash, turn off your radio to make the power antenna go down. This will prevent the mast from possibly getting damaged. If the antenna does not go down when you turn the radio off, it may be damaged or need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the antenna by hand by carefully pressing the antenna down.

If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit.

159

160

I931 Buick Model 90

@ Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving . Part 4 includes:

DefensiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DrunkenDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ControlofaVehicle ................................................................ Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LossofControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DrivingatNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DrivingintheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CityDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FreewayDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HillandMountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WinterDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TowingaTrailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

162 162 165 166 170 172 173 175 176 179 180 182 184 184

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Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the yehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: 0 Judgment 0 Muscular Coordination 0 Vision

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Buick: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”

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Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol - a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. About 20,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured. Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1 - 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

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It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level.

RESULT IN A BAC.-OF .O5%

DRINKING THAT WILL IN THE TIME SHOWN

NUMBER OF DRINKS (as In picture)

3 HOURS

2 HOURS

1 HOUR

100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS

The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and 164

in some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 1 SO-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.

There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will beharder to push.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes.

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Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Buick has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding.

LOCK (@)

ANT‘

ANTI LOCK

This light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle. When you start your vehicle and begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on. See “Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS.

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A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels. The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to

make the most of available tire and road conditions. m b r

As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear a motor or clicking noise during a hard stop, but this is normal. Traction Control System (Option) Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power (by shutting off fuel injectors and managing spark) to limit wheel spin. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to

You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

168

limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.)

traction control system off if you ever need to. (You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle’’ in the Index.)

TRACTION

OFF

To turn the system off, press the “TRACTION CONTROL” button on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

The “TRACTION OFF” warning light will come on when you turn the traction control system off. When the system is on, this light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the

The “TRACTION OFF” warning light will come on and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The “TRACTION OFF” warning light should go off.

Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. 170

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have traction control and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.

The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.

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Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to 1/4 turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

LEFT APPROX. OUARTERTURN

*,//

y/ SLOW DOWN

edge of paved surface

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Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: 0 “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides, and

to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.

0 When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,

start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance ov’er your shoulder and check the blind spot.

0 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 man one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re 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’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.

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Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll 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 c’ause 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 braking system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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 Buick’s three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren’t 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. 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.

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Driving at Night rn

.. .

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. 0 Drive defensively. 0 Don’t drink and drive.

0 Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the

glare from headlights behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.

0 Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your

headlights can light up only so much road ahead.

0 In remote areas, watch for animals. 0 If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and

rest.

Night Vision 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. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for

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your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness -- the inability to see in dim light -- and aren’t even aware of it.

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Driving in the Rain

Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. It's wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.

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Some Other Rainy Weather Tips

Turn on your low-beam headlights -- not just your parking lights -- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.)

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.

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City Driving

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”) Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

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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.

on

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 flow. 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 flow. 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 flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t 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’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first 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’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll 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? Lights: 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 inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: What’s 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?

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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. Don’t 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 inj ured. 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.

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Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid

levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads.

0 Know how to go down hills. The most important

thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill.

Know how to go uphill. Shift down to “D” (Drive). This will help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.