2006 BUICK LUCERNE compartment overview

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
If you need help guring out a specic name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
Climate Controls in Section 3
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
Audio System(s) in Section 3
Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-15
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-17
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-17
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Battery Load Management.............................3-18
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-21
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Climate Control System.................................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Trip Odometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-35
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-37
Charging System Light..................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-41
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This warning message and the tire pressure light on
the instrument panel cluster will appear when the
air pressure in one of the tires is too low or too high.
Check the vehicle’s tire pressure as soon as possible,
and ll or deate the affected tire to the appropriate
level. The correct tire ination pressure should be set to
those shown on the tire-loading information label on
the vehicle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29and
Tire Pressure Light on page 3-44for more information.
This message is reset when it is acknowledged.
However, you must also reset the tire pressure system.
See “Reset Tire Pressure System” underDIC Controls
and Displays on page 3-50for more information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the driver’s door is not
closed properly. When this message appears, you should
make sure that the driver’s door is closed completely.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message will display when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the A/C operation will automatically resume. You can
continue to drive your vehicle. If this message continues
to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer
as soon as possible to avoid compressor damage.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
is low. Fill the oil to the proper level as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the engine oil ll location. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-15for information on the kind of
oil to use and the proper oil level.
3-57

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8
for more information.
TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM RESET
This message will display after the tire pressure system
has been reset. See “Reset Tire Pressure System”
underDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-50for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message will display when the TCS is turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it
to idle until it cools down. If the warning message
continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when the trunk is not closed
completely. You should make sure that the trunk is
closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-14.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message will display as a reminder to turn off the
turn signal if you drive your vehicle for more than
about 0.75 mile (1.2 km) with a turn signal on.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
This message displays and a chime sounds only when
the ignition is in RUN. The message will not disappear
until the turn signal is manually turned off, or a turn
is completed.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message will display when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of the windshield
washer reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-39for more information.
3-64

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (4.6L V8 Engine Only).......................5-28
Cooling System (3.8L V6 Engine)....................5-29
Cooling System (4.6L V8 Engine)....................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-52
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-66
Buying New Tires.........................................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3.8L V6 engine, here is what you will see:
5-12

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-93.
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-44.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System
(3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-29orCooling System
(4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-34.
E. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-38.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-40.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out of
View). SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-21.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.Engine Oil
If the ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL message appears in
the Driver Information Center (DIC), it means you
need to check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, seeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

When to Add Engine OilIf the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of
the dipstick, you will need to add at least one quart/liter
of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section
explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and Specications on
page 5-101.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range in the cross-hatched
area. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you
are through. V6 Engine
V8 Engine
5-16