2006 BUICK LUCERNE steering

Fog Lamps
-(Fog Lamps):If your vehicle is equipped with fog
lamps, it is located on the exterior lamps control.
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column.
Your ignition must be in C (RUN) for the fog lamps to
illuminate.
To turn the fog lamps on, press the exterior lamps button.
A light will come on in the instrument panel cluster to let
you know that the fog lamps are on. Press the exterior
lamps button again to turn the fog lamps off.
The ignition must be in C (RUN) and the parking lamps
must be on for your fog lamps to work.
The fog lamps will go off while you change to high-beam
headlamps.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Cornering Lamps
If your vehicle has this feature, the cornering lamps
come on when: the headlamps or parking lamps are on,
the vehicle is not in PARK (P), and you signal a turn
with the turn signal/multifunction lever. They provide
more light for cornering.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
If the exterior lamp button has been left on, the exterior
lamps will turn off about 10 minutes after the ignition
is turned to A (OFF) and a door has been opened.
This protects against draining the battery in case you
have accidentally left the headlamps or parking
lamps on. If you need to leave the lamps on for more
than 10 minutes, use the manual control to turn the
lamps back on after the ignition is turned to A (OFF) and
any door is opened. To delay the lamps from turning
off, seeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-65.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D(Instrument Panel Brightness):This feature
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights.
The button for this control is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
Push the button in and release to extend the button.
Turn the button clockwise to increase the brightness of
the instrument panel lights and counter clockwise to
decrease the brightness. Turning the button completely
clockwise to the detent will turn on the courtesy lamps.
3-16

Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the defrost grille, middle of
the instrument panel, monitors the solar radiation.
Do not cover the solar sensor or the system will not work
properly.
There is also an interior temperature sensor located
next to the steering wheel that measures the
temperature of the air inside your vehicle.There is also an exterior temperature sensor located
behind the front grille. This sensor reads the outside air
temperature and helps maintain the temperature
inside the vehicle. Any cover on the front of the
vehicle could cause a false reading in the displayed
temperature.
In order to prevent false temperature readings at
startup, the displayed temperature will not change
until the following occurs:
Vehicle speed is above 10 mph (16 k/mh) for
5 minutes.
Vehicle speed is above 32 mph (51 k/mh) for
2 and a half minutes.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the
air delivery mode. The system may also supply
cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun.
The recirculation mode will also be used as needed to
maintain cool outlet temperatures.
3-29

SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message will display if there is a problem with the
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system.
Do not use this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 3-18for more
information. See your GM dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-11.
This message will display if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels
lighter, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message will
display if there has been a problem detected with
StabiliTrak
®. A warning light will also appear on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-41.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for more
information.If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message will display to indicate that the suspension
system is not operating properly. See your GM dealer
for service.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however,
you may want to take the vehicle to your GM dealer
before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+
on page 2-19for more information.
3-62

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the system is not functioning
properly. A warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-41. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
Have the traction control system serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the transaxle. See your GM dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message will display when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message will display when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering,
magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control
systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message may
display and the Traction Control System and
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light on the instrument panel
cluster may be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-10
for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message will display if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
immediately.
This message will only appear while the ignition is in RUN,
and will not disappear until the problem is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message will display if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18for more information.
3-63

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, set up your
audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone, and adjusting the speakers. Then,
when driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
3-74

Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to your
favorite stations using the presets, favorites button, and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has this feature.
SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
FAV (Favorites):A maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the six pushbuttons
positioned below the radio station frequency labels and
by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button).
Press the FAV button to go through up to six pages
of favorites, each having six favorite stations available
per page. Each page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped)
stations. To store a station as a favorite, perform the
following steps:
1. Tune to the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page where
you want the station stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until you
hear a beep. Whenever that pushbutton is pressed
and released, the station that was set will return.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio station
you want stored as a favorite.The number of favorites pages can be setup using the
MENU button. To setup the number of favorites
pages, perform the following steps:
1. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
2. Press the pushbutton located below the
FAV 1-6 label.
3. Select the desired number of favorites pages by
pressing the pushbutton located below the
displayed page numbers.
4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu time out,
to return to the original main radio screen showing
the radio station frequency labels and to begin
the process of programming your favorites for the
chosen amount of numbered pages.
3-84

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
The audio steering wheel
controls may be different
depending on your vehicles
options. Some audio
controls can be adjusted
at the steering wheel.
They include the following:
xw(Next/Previous):Press the up or the down
arrow to go to the next or to the previous radio station
stored as a favorite.
When a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow
to go to the next or previous track.
g(Mute/Voice Recognition):Press and release this
button to silence the system. Press and release this
button again, to turn the sound on.If your vehicle has the navigation system, press and
hold this button for longer than one second to initiate
voice recognition. See “Voice Recognition” in the
Navigation System manual for more information.
If your vehicle has OnStar
®, press and hold this button
for longer than one second to interact with the
OnStar
®system. If your vehicle is also equipped with
the Navigation system, push this button to initiate voice
recognition, and say “OnStar” to enter OnStar
®mode.
See theOnStar®System on page 2-38in this manual for
more information.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
AM, FM, XM (if equipped), CD, and AUX jack.
+−(Volume):Press the plus or minus button to
increase or to decrease the radio volume.
¨(Seek):Press the seek arrow to go to the next
radio station and stay there.
If you have the navigation system, some of the audio
steering wheel controls work when a DVD is playing in
the navigation radio. See the Navigation System
manual for more information.
3-99

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
StabiliTrak
®System......................................4-10
Panic Brake Assist........................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17
City Driving..................................................4-19
Freeway Driving...........................................4-20
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-21
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-22
Winter Driving..............................................4-24
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-28
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-28
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-29
Towing..........................................................4-34
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-34
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-34
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-36
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1