2008 BUICK LUCERNE check engine light

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4.6L Engine)
For the 4.6L V8 engine, it is not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. A transmission uid leak is
the only reason for uid loss. If a leak occurs, take your
vehicle to the dealer/retailer service department and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-24

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-50

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-74.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed
to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

Audio System(s).............................................3-78
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-25
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-97
Battery..........................................................5-46
Electric Power Management..........................3-19
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-17
Inadvertent Power Saver..............................3-19
Run-Down Protection...................................3-20
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-42
Panic Assist................................................. 4-7
System Warning Light..................................3-39
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-56
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-56
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
License Plate Lamps....................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-59
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-56
Buying New Tires...........................................5-76
C
Calibration.............................1-11, 2-34, 2-36, 3-54
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-113
Carbon Monoxide...................2-13, 2-32, 4-15, 4-26
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-97
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-89
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-56
Center Flex Storage Unit.................................2-57
Center Seat...................................................1-11
Chains, Tire...................................................5-82
Charging System Light....................................3-38
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-44
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-102
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-40
Infants and Young Children...........................1-36
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-43
Older Children.............................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-50
2

DDaytime Running Lamps..................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
DIC Compass.................................................3-54
Disc, MP3......................................................3-89
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-48
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-49
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-66
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-56
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-11
Before a Long Trip......................................4-13
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-14
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-12
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-19
Winter........................................................4-15
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-24E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-105
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-105
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-105
Rear Underseat Fuse Block.........................5-108
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-106
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-42
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-30
Overheating................................................5-28
Running While Parked..................................2-33
Starting......................................................2-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
4

O
Odometer......................................................3-34
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-34
Off-Road Recovery........................................... 4-9
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-46
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-33
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-46
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-50
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-38
Convex Mirror.............................................2-38
Power Mirrors.............................................2-37
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-30
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-102
Panic Brake Assist............................................ 4-7
Park Aid........................................................2-39
Park Brake....................................................2-27
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-31
Park Tilt Mirrors..............................................2-38
Parking
Assist........................................................2-39
Over Things That Burn.................................2-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-36
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-30
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-67
Passing........................................................... 4-9
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-19
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-18
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-105
Inadvertent Battery Saver.............................3-19
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-22
9