2006 BUICK LUCERNE service

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature.B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of
the warning and indicator lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR OPEN when
the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in OFF,
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for more
information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have power to such accessories as the
power windows, clock, radio, and if the vehicle has
them, audio steering wheel controls and sunroof. The
power to the accessories can last up to 10 minutes. The
instrument panel cluster lights will stay on for a few
seconds, then will go out. Once you open a door, the
power will shut off. Your vehicle has a feature designed
to protect the battery against drainage. For more
information seeInadvertent Power Battery Saver on
page 3-18.
2-22

Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal down with your left foot. When you lift your
left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h). The brake light will come on and
stay on until the parking brake is released. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-40for more
information.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-36.
2-28

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-29.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is RUN. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-25.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P).
Prevent movement of the console shift lever out of
PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position other
than OFF.
The shift lock control system is always functional except
in the case of a dead battery or low voltage (less
than 9 V) battery.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease the pressure
on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have your
vehicle serviced soon.
2-30

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and live advisors
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services. If your airbags
deploy, the system is designed to make an automatic call
to OnStar
®Emergency where we can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you lock your keys in
the car, call OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can
send a signal to unlock your doors. If you need roadside
assistance, press the OnStar
®button and they will get
you the help you need.
A complete OnStar
®User’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca. Contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
to an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca.
OnStar®Services
The OnStar®Directions and Connections Plan is
included on new vehicles for the rst year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the
rst year to meet your needs. For more information,
press the OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Directions and Connections Plan

Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-38

Universal Home Remote
System
The Universal Home Remote System, a combined
universal transmitter and receiver, provides a way to
replace up to three hand-held transmitters used to
activate devices such as gate operators, garage door
openers, entry door locks, security systems, and
home lighting.If your vehicle has the Universal Home Remote
Transmitter, it complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes and modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
2-40

Memory Seat and Mirrors
Your vehicle may have the memory package.
The controls for this feature are located on the driver’s
door panel, and are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver’s seat and the outside
mirrors.
To save your positions in memory, do the following:
1. Adjust the driver’s seat, including the seatback
recliner and lumbar, and both outside mirrors to
your preferred position.
2. Press and hold button 1 until two beeps sound
through the driver’s side front speaker to let you
know that the position has been stored.
A second seating and mirror position can be
programmed by repeating the above steps and pressing
button 2 for a second driver.To recall your memory positions, the vehicle must be in
PARK (P). Press and release either button 1 or
button 2 corresponding to the desired driving position.
The seat and outside mirrors will move to the position
previously stored for the identied driver. You will hear a
single beep.
If you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to enter
your vehicle and the remote recall memory feature
is on, automatic seat and mirror movement will occur.
See “MEMORY SEAT RECALL” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-65for more information.
To stop recall movement of the memory feature at any
time, press one of the power seat controls, memory
buttons, or power mirror buttons.
If something has blocked the driver’s seat while recalling
a memory position, the driver’s seat recall may stop
working. If this happens, press the appropriate control
for the area that is not recalling for two seconds,
after the obstruction is removed. Then try recalling the
memory position again by pressing the appropriate
memory button. If the memory position is still not
recalling, see your GM dealer for service.
2-47

Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps, located on the headliner, are
turned on or off by pressing one of the buttons
located near each lamp.
Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle at a
higher RPM setting than normal to make sure the
battery charges. High electrical loads may occur when
several of the following are on: headlamps, high beams,
rear window defogger, fan at high speed, heated
seats (if equipped), and engine cooling fans.
If your vehicle’s battery remains in a heavy discharge
condition for a long period of time, the fan, rear
defogger, heated seats, and heated mirrors will be
disabled and the DIC will display SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM. This can happen either under
long periods of idling or low speed driving with high
electrical loading, or in the event of a charging system
fault. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for more information.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s battery
against drainage from the interior lamps, or garage
door opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power
to these features will automatically turn off after
10 minutes. Power will be restored for an additional
10 minutes if any door is opened, the trunk is opened or
the courtesy lamp switch is turned on.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
If your vehicle is equipped, the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system is designed to help you park
while in REVERSE (R). It operates only at speeds less
than 5 mph (8 km/h). URPA helps make parking
easier and helps you avoid colliding with objects such
as parked vehicles. The URPA system detects
objects that are close to the rear of the vehicle which
are at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and
below hood or trunk level. The system detects objects
up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind your vehicle. URPA
determines how close these objects are from your
bumper within this area. Ultrasonic sensors on the rear
bumper are used to detect the distance to the object.
3-18

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to RUN or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds to
remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This would only occur if the passenger airbag is
enabled. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-63
for more information. The passenger safety belt light
will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then
it will ash for several more.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-52.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out.
This means the system
is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
3-36