2008 BUICK LUCERNE service

Arming with the Power Lock Switch
The alarm system will arm when you use either power
lock switch to lock the doors while any door or the trunk
is open and the key is removed from the ignition.
Arming with the RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will arm when you use your RKE
transmitter to lock the doors, if the key is not in
the ignition.
Disarming with the RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when you use your RKE
transmitter to unlock the doors.
The rst time a remote unlock command is received,
three ashes will be seen and three horn chirps heard to
indicate an alarm condition has occurred since last
arming.
Disarming with Your Key
The alarm system will disarm when you use your key to
unlock the doors or insert your key in the ignition and
turn it from the LOCK/OFF position.
PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device 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 or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
2-18

PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light on the instrument panel
cluster comes on, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be not damaged, try another ignition key. At this
time, you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-105. If the engine
still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-8.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to “learn”
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The
following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-19

To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the
ON/RUN position within ve seconds of the original
key being turned to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-26for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-20

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal must be applied.
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 (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This position
locks the ignition and transmission and steering column.
It is a theft-deterrent feature.
If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to left
and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To
use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns to
after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPEN
when the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the
ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for more information.
2-21

SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You
can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control
your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but
then you would also want to use your brakes off
and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D)
instead of SECOND (2).
FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than SECOND (2) without using your brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while going
forward, the transmission will not shift into rst gear until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.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.
2-27

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of
a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-48.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-21for more information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-21for more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-31

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®and Compass
Your vehicle may have an automatic-dimming rearview
mirror with a compass.
There may be three additional buttons for the OnStar
®
system. See your dealer/retailer for more information
on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar®.
SeeOnStar®System on page 2-46for more information
about the services OnStar®provides.
O(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror comes on each time the
ignition is turned to start. To turn the automatic
dimming feature off or back on, press the on/off button.
The indicator light on the mirror is lit when the
automatic dimming feature is on.
Compass Operation
Press the on/off button once to turn the compass
on or off.
There is a compass display in the window in the upper
right corner of the mirror face.
Compass Calibration
Press and hold the on/off button to activate the compass
calibration mode. CAL will be displayed in the compass
window on the mirror.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
If after a few seconds the display does not show a
compass direction, (N for North for example), there may
be a strong magnetic eld interfering with the compass.
Such interference may be caused by a magnetic
antenna mount, note pad holder, or similar object. If the
letter C or CAL appears in the compass window, the
compass may need to be reset or calibrated.
2-34

When the System Does Not Seem To Work
Properly
If the SBZA displays do not light up when the system is
on and vehicles are in the blind zone, the system
needs service. Take your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
SBZA displays may occasionally light up due to guard
rails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other stationary objects.
This is normal system operation, your vehicle does
not need service.
SBZA does not operate when the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-98.If
the DIC still displays the CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT SYSTEM message after cleaning the bumper,
see your dealer/retailer.
The SBZA displays may remain on if a trailer is attached
to your vehicle, or a bicycle or object is extending out
to either side of the vehicle.
When SBZA is disabled without the driver turning it off
and the driver attempts to turn SBZA back on using
the DIC, the SIDE ALERT ON option will not be
selectable if the necessary conditions for normal system
operation are not met.
SBZA Error Messages
The following messages may appear in the DIC:
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF:This
message indicates that the driver has turned the
system off.
CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM:This
message indicates that the SBZA system is disabled
because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be blocked
by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate during heavy rain or
due to road spray. Your vehicle does not need service.
For cleaning, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-98.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM:If
this message appears, both SBZA displays will remain
on indicating there is a problem with the SBZA
system. If these displays remain on after continued
driving, the system needs service. Take your vehicle to
your dealer/retailer.
2-43