2008 BUICK LUCERNE Transmission

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-19Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-20
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-20
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-22
Starting the Engine.......................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-24
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-25
Parking Brake..............................................2-27
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-28
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-31
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-32
Engine Exhaust............................................2-32
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-33
Mirrors...........................................................2-34
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-34
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-37
Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-38
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-38
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror........2-38
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Q(Lock):Press the lock button to lock all the doors.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center
(DIC), the parking lamps will ash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled through the DIC, the
horn will chirp when the lock button is pressed
again within ve seconds of the previous press of the
lock button. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on
page 3-66for additional information. Pressing the lock
button may arm the content theft-deterrent system.
SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.
"(Unlock):Press the unlock button to unlock the
driver’s door. If the button is pressed again within
ve seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior
lamps will come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until
the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the
parking lamps will ash once to indicate unlocking has
occurred. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-66.
Pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter will
disarm the content theft-deterrent system. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and hold this
button for about one second to release the trunk lid.
The transmission must be in PARK (P) for this feature
to operate.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
this button to locate your vehicle. The turn signal
lamps will ash and the horn will sound three times.
Press and hold this button for more than two seconds to
activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps will ash
and the horn will sound repeatedly for 30 seconds. The
alarm will turn off when the ignition is moved to ON/RUN
or the alarm button is pressed again. The ignition must be
in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. Remember to bring any
additional transmitters so they can also be re-coded to
match the new transmitter. Once your dealer/retailer
has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will
not unlock your vehicle. The vehicle can have a
maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See
“Remote Key” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-49.
2-6

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

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle can be used
for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off.
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel (if equipped)
Clock
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories works up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.The instrument panel cluster lights stay on for a few
seconds, then will go out. Once the driver’s door
is opened, the power shuts off to these accessories.
Your vehicle has a feature designed to protect the
battery against drainage. For more information
seeInadvertent Power Battery Saver on page 3-19and
Electric Power Management on page 3-19.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this is a
safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-22

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up
and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
2-23

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle may have a shift lever located either on the
steering column or on the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the
shift lever into the gear you want. SeeShifting Out of
PARK (P) on page 2-31.
2-25

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-18.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have more
power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-10
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
It reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without
using your brakes. You might choose THIRD (3) instead
of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding roads,
when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between
gears and when going down a steep hill.
2-26

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