🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

LeSabre

Year:

1999

Market Segment:

Full-Size Sedan

Platform:

GM H-Body (Limited)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre was positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and value-oriented full-size American sedan, appealing to buyers prioritizing a smooth ride and ample interior space.

Competitors:

Competed with models like the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler Concorde/LHS.

Key Features:

Comfortable ride quality, large interior volume, focus on relaxed cruising, optional V6 engines, front-wheel drive.

Manual Purpose:

To empower owners with knowledge of their vehicle's operation, maintenance requirements, and safety features to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Features, controls, maintenance/service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety considerations.

Estimated Page Count:

250-350 (typical for a 1999 full-size sedan owner's manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Panel And Controls:

Gauges, warning lights, steering wheel controls, climate control, audio system, power accessories, lighting controls, wiper/washer controls.

Engine And Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel recommendations, engine oil, coolant, basic troubleshooting, starter system, charging system.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, fluid level check, transmission service precautions.

Brakes:

Brake system description, parking brake operation, ABS warnings.

Suspension And Steering:

Basic operation and maintenance advice, tire pressure checks.

Electrical System:

Fuse box locations, bulb replacement (headlights, taillights, interior), battery maintenance.

Safety And Security:

Seat belts, airbags, child restraints, child security locks, anti-theft system (if equipped), door locks, keyless entry (if equipped).

Comfort And Convenience:

Power seats, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, climate control operation, audio system, trunk/hood operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil and filter change, air filter replacement, coolant level check, windshield washer fluid refill, tire inflation and inspection.

Do It Yourself Activities:

Basic fluid checks, tire pressure adjustment, bulb replacement, fuse replacement, jump starting.

Towing Considerations:

Towing capacity, trailer wiring, trailer brake considerations, weight distribution, driving techniques for towing.

Safety Considerations:

Driving in various weather conditions, emergency procedures, accident reporting, vehicle safety checks.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting warning lights, addressing minor operational issues.

Depth Level:

Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

Cross-platform compatible (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if the PDF was created from a digitized original with OCR.

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Engine Displacement:

3.8 L (3800 Series II)

Engine Code:

L36 (for naturally aspirated)

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 AKI) or higher recommended.

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (GM's Orange Extended Life Antifreeze) or equivalent HOAT coolant.

Oil Viscosity Recommendation:

SAE 3W-30

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Optional Transmission:

N/A (4T65-E was standard for all 1999 LeSabre models with the 3800 V6)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Performance/Sport, or Overdrive Lockout depending on specific configuration).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent meeting GM specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 203.5 inches (5169 mm)

Width:

Approximately 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112 inches (2845 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3450 - 3600 lbs (1565 - 1633 kg), depending on trim and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 4600 - 4700 lbs (2087 - 2132 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 17.0 cubic feet (481 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:

4 Stars (1999 Model Year Assessment)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 Model Year Assessment)

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (1999 Model Year Assessment)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (often linked with ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions; lap belts for center rear seat.

Child Safety:

Rear door child security locks; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system may be present on rear seats depending on early implementation or specific build dates.

Anti Theft:

Factory-installed PASSLock immobilizer system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Optional premium audio systems (e.g., Monsoon) may be present.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (often referred to as 'Comfort-Grip' or similar branding).

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional electronic cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system with remote fob.

Headlights:

Composite halogen headlights, often with automatic headlamp control as an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km), or more frequently if driving in dusty conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km), depending on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 5 years/100,000 miles for Dex-Cool, then every 2 years/50,000 miles thereafter.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid.

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Automotive windshield washer fluid, or a mixture of water and mild soap in warm weather.

Common Issues 3800 V6:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially earlier 3800 engines, less common on Series II but still possible), power steering pump leaks, coolant elbow failures (plastic elbows cracking).

Common Issues Transmission:

Torque converter shudder, occasional transmission control module (TCM) issues.

Common Issues Suspension:

Strut mount wear, lower ball joint wear, control arm bushings.

Common Issues Electrical:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failure, intermittent warning light illumination.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

AC-Delco PF1218 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3737, Wix 51049).

Engine Air Filter Part Number Example:

AC-Delco A3055C or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA8755, Wix 46013).

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and reliable American sedans, often associated with a mature demographic.

Previous Generations:

The LeSabre has a lineage dating back to the 1950s, evolving through various iterations of full-size sedans, with the 1992-1999 generation being known for its refined ride and the introduction of the highly regarded 3800 Series II V6 engine.

Production Location:

General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.

Generation Production Years:

1992-1999 (Third Generation H-Body LeSabre)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not specifically for the '99 model, the 3800 Series II V6 engine itself was highly regarded and frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best Engines list for its smoothness and efficiency.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for the 1999 LeSabre from sources like Consumer Reports varied; while the 3800 engine was generally praised, some specific components or electronic systems could be points of concern.