Black plate (36,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no
sign of steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode
on page 6‑37for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
6-36
Black plate (37,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the temperature overheat gauge is no longer in
the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
is displayed, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in
power and engine performance. This operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be
avoided. Notice:
After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil
on
page 6‑18.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment
Overviewon page 6‑14for information on the
location of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-37
Black plate (67,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑18.
A message to check the pressure in a specific tire
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The
low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inflated to the correct inflation pressure. Using the
DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the driver.
For additional information and details about the DIC
operation and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑42andDIC Warnings and Messageson
page 4‑49.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs
to be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation
pressure for the tires when they are cold. See
Loading
the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑70and Tires on page 6‑57.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are not all the same.
A non-approved tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by
using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM-approved
tire sealant available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80for information regarding
the inflator kit materials and instructions.
6-67
Black plate (68,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When
the system detects a malfunction, the low tire pressure
warning light flashes for about one minute and then
stays on for the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message also displays. The malfunction light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC message
should go off after the road tire is replaced and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See "TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully after rotating the
tires. The malfunction light and the DIC message
should go off after successfully completing the
sensor matching process. See "TPMS Sensor
Matching Process" later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your dealer for
service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match the
original equipment tires or wheels. Tires and
wheels other than those recommended could
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. See
Buying New Tires on page 6‑72.
.Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it cannot detect
or signal a low tire condition. See your dealer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
6-68
Black plate (69,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.
The identification code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors. Also, the
TPMS sensor matching process should be performed
after replacing a spare tire with a road tire containing
the TPMS sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition cycle. The
sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions, using a
TPMS relearn tool, in the following order: driver side
front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear. See your dealer for service or
to purchase a relearn tool.
There are two minutes to match the first tire/wheel
position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/
wheel positions. If it takes longer, the matching process
stops and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter's lock and unlock buttons at the same
time for approximately five seconds. The horn
sounds twice to signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen. 4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall,
near the valve stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor. A horn chirp confirms
that the sensor identification code has been
matched to this tire and wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to
indicate the sensor identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer active. The
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DIC
display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
6-69
Black plate (3,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed. Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑70.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18. An Emission Control Service.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays, service is required for the vehicle as soon as
possible, within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving
under the best conditions, the engine oil life system
might not indicate the need for vehicle service for more
than a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed
at least once a year and the oil life system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last
service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑22.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oilon page 6‑18andEngine Oil Life
Systemon page 6‑22. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolant
(4.6L Engine)on page 6‑28or Engine Coolant
(3.9L Engine) on page 6‑31.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps
and replacement, if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑38.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑103.
Worn or damaged wiper blade replacement.
See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑55.
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑64.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑70.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑70.
7-3
Black plate (8,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the
regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held
by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil
approved to the dexos specification.
Oils meeting this specification can be
identified with the dexos certification
mark. Look for and use only an
engine oil that displays the dexos
certification mark of the proper
viscosity grade. See
Engine Oil
on
page 6‑18.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant
(4.6L Engine)
on page 6‑28or
Engine Coolant (3.9L Engine)on
page 6‑31.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 88862806, in
Canada 88862807).
7-8
Black plate (4,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Customer Information Service Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 8-14
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Delayed Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Delayed Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
DIC Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-47
Disc, MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-78
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4 Door
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
DIC Operation and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
DIC Vehicle Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49
Driving At Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Before a Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
In Rain and on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
i - 4