Target Audience:
Buick LeSabre owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnosis, and repairs themselves; independent repair shops.
Competitors 2002:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Oldsmobile Aurora.
Manual Advantage:
Provides vehicle-specific, dealership-level information; comprehensive coverage; digital format offers convenience and portability.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Starting and Charging System, Automatic Transmission.
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering (including Power Steering), Brakes (including Parking Brake), Wheels, Tires.
Electrical:
Wiring Schematics, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Horn, Wiper and Washer System, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Engine Immobilizer, Air Conditioning System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Audio/Visual Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication.
Body:
Exterior and Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Glass, Mirrors, Seats, Instrument Panel.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for all systems.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, emissions data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and diagnostic routines.
Engine Type:
3800 Series II V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3791 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V6
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.39 in (96.5 mm x 86.0 mm)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-Near-Plug
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with modes such as 'Normal' and 'Sport'.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent specified fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.7 US quarts (10.1 Liters) for a complete refill (check manual for precise capacity).
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2002 model year).
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
4-Star Driver, 5-Star Rear Passenger (for 2002 model year).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Standard Dual Frontal Airbags. Optional Side-Impact Airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, often with premium sound system options (e.g., Bose).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Multiplex Communication:
Features Multiplex/CAN communication for integrated control of various vehicle systems, detailed in the manual's electrical section.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or 2-3 years, depending on coolant type.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 160,000 km), depending on usage. Fluid and filter change is often recommended.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 3.8L V6: SAE 5W-30 (API certified with the starburst symbol).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12378394 (Dex-Cool, Orange) or equivalent orange long-life coolant. Older recommendations might have used traditional green coolant; consult manual.
Common Problems:
Lower intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 Series I/II), spark plug issues (particularly the rear bank due to access), power steering pump leaks, window regulator failures, wheel bearing noise, coolant leaks from various points.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, quiet, and well-equipped sedans targeted at a mature demographic.
Lesabre Evolution:
The LeSabre, in its various iterations, has been a staple of Buick's lineup since the 1950s, evolving from large, body-on-frame cars to the front-wheel-drive H-body platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Detroit, Michigan, USA (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly).
Production Years:
The H-body LeSabre was produced from 1986-2005.
