2008 BUICK LUCERNE power steering

ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear
the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system works
the front brakes and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to limit
wheel spin.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®warning
light will ash when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-40for more information. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12for more information.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message, the
traction control system warning light and the StabiliTrak
®
warning light will come on to let you know if there is a
problem with the traction control system. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
4-5

The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be displayed
and the traction control system and StabiliTrak®warning
light on the instrument panel cluster will come on if there
is a problem with the system. When this light and the
SERVICE STABILITRAK message are on, the system is
not operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Panic Brake Assist
Your vehicle may have a panic brake assist system that
monitors the intention of the driver while braking. If
the system senses that the driver has applied hard/fast
pressure to the brake pedal, the system will generate
additional pressure, making it easier for the driver
to maintain brake application. When this happens the
brake pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let the system work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice
some noise but this is normal. The brakes will return to
normal operation after the brake pedal has been
released.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-6.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
4-7

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
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................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-28
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-30
Cooling System (3.8L V6 Engine)....................5-30
Cooling System (4.6L V8 Engine)....................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-40
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-46
Jump Starting...............................................5-48
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-56
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-56
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-56
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-57
License Plate Lamp......................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-59
Tires..............................................................5-60
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-61
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-64
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-67
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-69
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-70
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-74
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-28.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-41.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-48.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-106.
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Index.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-40.
G. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. See Index.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-42.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-106.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-41.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-28
andCooling System (3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-30
orCooling System (4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-36.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
F. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-40.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-42.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out
of View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-21.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
information on the
location of the power
steering uid reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage your
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the correct uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-40

(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is
60, as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as
high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
5-64

Fuses Usage
8 Steering Wheel Illumination
9 Front Heated/Cooled Seat Module
10Run 2 - Heated/Cooled Seats,
Heated Washer Fluid
11 Rear Heated Seat Module (optional)
12 RPA Module
13 PASS-Key
®III System
14 Unlock/Lock Module
15 Magnetic Ride Control
16 Not Used
17 Sunroof
18 Body Control Module (BCM) Dim
19 Body Control Module (BCM)
20 Run 1-Heated Steering Wheel
21 Ignition Switch
22 Driver Door Module
23 Rear Lumbar (optional)
24 Electronic Leveling Control Module
25Body Control Module (Left Turn
Signal)
26Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power
Outlet
Fuses Usage
27 Navigation (optional)
28 Retained Accessory Power 1 (RAP)
29 Passenger Door Module
30 Sensing and Diagnostic Module
31 Accessory Power Outlets
32Body Control Module (BCM)
(Inadvertent)
33 Retained Accessory Power 2 (RAP)
34 CanisterVent Solenoid
35 Body Control Module (Courtesy)
36Body Control Module (Right Turn
Signal)
37 Trunk Release
38 Amplier, Radio
39 Body Control Module (CHMSL)
40 Body Control Module
41 Stoplamp (optional)
42 OnStar
®Module
43 Body Modules
44 Radio
45 Door Unlatch (optional)
46 Rear Defogger (J-Case)
5-111