Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-58
Restraint System Check
............................1-74
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-20
Mirrors
....................................................2-34
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-38
OnStar
®System
......................................2-46
Universal Home Remote System
................2-50
Storage Areas
.........................................2-57
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-32
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-49
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-75Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-23
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-51
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-57
Tires
......................................................5-59
Appearance Care
.....................................5-92
Vehicle Identi cation
...............................5-100
Electrical System
....................................5-100
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-109
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Buick Lucerne Owner ManualM
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems, rear window defogger, and heated
seats. SeeHeated Seats on page 1-6andHeated and
Cooled Seats on page 1-7for additional information.
When the remote start system is active, the climate
control system will heat or cool the inside of the vehicle at
the setting the vehicle was set to when the vehicle was
last turned off. The rear window defogger will be turned
on by the climate control system when it is cold outside.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they may also turn on
when it is cold outside. Cooled seats are not activated
during a remote start. Normal operation of the system will
return after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws may require a person
using the remote start to have the vehicle in view when
doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button, then
immediately press and hold the transmitter’s remote
start button until the turn signal lights ash or if the
vehicle’s lights are not visible, press and hold the
remote start button for at least four seconds. The
vehicle’s doors will lock.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done.
2-8
Trunk
{CAUTION:
Exhaust gases may enter the vehicle if it is driven
with the liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with any
objects that pass through the seal between the
body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate, or
trunk/hatch open:
Close all of the windows
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate,
disable the power liftgate function.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust on page 2-32.
Remote Trunk Release
On vehicles with this
feature, the remote trunk
release button
Fis
located on the instrument
panel. SeeInstrument
Panel Overview on
page 3-4.
Press the button to open the trunk. To use this feature,
your vehicle must be in (P) Park or (N) Neutral.
You can also press the remote trunk release button on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to open
the trunk. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
2-13
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has memory mirrors, the outside mirrors
have park tilt mirrors. This feature tilts the driver’s side
and passenger side mirror to a factory programmed
position when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This feature
may be useful in allowing you to view the curb when you
are parallel parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse) and
either a ve second delay has occurred, or the ignition
is turned to LOCK/OFF, the driver’s and passenger
side mirrors return to their original position.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-66for more
information.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with this feature:
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to heat the
mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate
Control System on page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24for more information.
2-37
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-16
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-17
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-18
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Theater Dimming..........................................3-18Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-18
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s)....................................................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Trip Odometer..............................................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-35
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-37
Charging System Light..................................3-38
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-40
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49
(If Equipped).
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-33.
E.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F.Audio System(s) on page 3-75.
G.Exterior Lamps on page 3-15.
H. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-13.
I.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
J.Hood Release on page 5-13.
K.Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 2-44
(If Equipped).
L.Cruise Control on page 3-12.Heated Steering Wheel
on page 3-7(If Equipped).M.Parking Brake on page 2-27.
N.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-104
(If Equipped).
O.Climate Control System on page 3-21orDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24.
P.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
Q.Front Storage Area on page 2-57.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-25.
S.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
T.Glove Box on page 2-57.
3-5
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not
be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
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.
3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from
being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps,
reading/map lamps, visor vanity lamps or trunk
lamp are accidentally left on. If any of these lamps
are left on, they automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come back on
again until one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The exterior lamps control is turned off, then on
again.
The headlamps will time-out after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on before the ignition is off.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
The vehicle may have up to three power outlets
depending on the type of front seat installed. If the
vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console,
there are two outlets inside the rear storage
compartment. An extra power outlet can be found
under the climate control system next to the ashtray.
The vehicle may have a small cap that must be pulled
down to access the accessory power outlet. Cover the
outlet with the protective cap when it is not being used.Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
turn off electrical equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible to
the accessory power outlets and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on the
accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-20