
Black plate (53,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems
are no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you notice a drop in heating
and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on
page 4‑30for more information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the generator and battery charging systems. Driving
with this problem could drain the battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your dealer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and
the antilock brake system warning light may also be
displayed on the instrument panel cluster. See Brake
System Warning Light
on page 4‑32and Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Lighton page 4‑33for
more information. If this happens, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle
and check for the message on the DIC display. If the
message is displayed or appears again when you begin
driving, the brake system needs service. See your
dealer as soon as possible. See Brakes
on page 6‑39for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
The brake system warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on
page 4‑32.
4-53

Black plate (54,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system, this message may display to indicate that the
LDW system is not working properly. If this message
remains on after continued driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer. SeeLane Departure Warning
(LDW)
on page 3‑40for more information.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays
if there is a problem with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system. Do not use this system to help
you park. See Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
on page 3‑35for more information. See your dealer for
service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. See Steering on page 5‑8.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may notice that the effort
required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels lighter,
but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and this message displays, 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. See your
dealer. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 3‑36for more information.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays
if there has been a problem detected with StabiliTrak.
A warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light
on page 4‑34. See StabiliTrak®Systemon
page 5‑5for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the ignition off and then
back on. If this message still stays on or turns back on
again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
Have the StabiliTrak System inspected by your dealer
as soon as possible.
4-54

Black plate (55,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message displays to indicate that the suspension
system is not operating properly. See your dealer for
service.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that the
system is disabled and it is not protecting the vehicle.
The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may want to
take the vehicle to your dealer before turning off the
engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizeron
page 3‑17for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS
is not working properly. The tire pressure light also
flashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. See Tire Pressure Light
on page 4‑37. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑66for more
information. If the warning comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is not functioning properly. A warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on
page 4‑34. See Traction Control System (TCS)on
page 5‑6for more information. Have the TCS serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 3‑36andDIC Operation and Displayson
page 4‑42for more information.
4-55

Black plate (56,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYS. UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when 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, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.
It may also come on when driving in isolated areas
with no guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic.
Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning
instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 6‑102.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3‑36for
more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when your vehicle speed is
limited to 128 km/h (80 mph) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering,
magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control
systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may
display and the Traction Control System and StabiliTrak
Warning Light on the instrument panel cluster may be
on after first driving the vehicle and exceeding 30 km/h
(19 mph) for 30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is not
functional until the light has turned off. See StabiliTrak
®
Systemon page 5‑5for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on
page 3‑16for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to
ensure that it is on properly. See Filling the Tank
on
page 6‑9for more information.
4-56

Black plate (57,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS is
re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tire
positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or
after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation
on page 6‑70, Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 6‑65, and Inflation - Tire Pressureon
page 6‑64for more information.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in
one or more of the vehicle's tires is low. This message
also displays LEFT FRT (left front), RIGHT FRT (right
front), LEFT RR (left rear), or RIGHT RR (right rear)
to indicate the location of the low tire. The low tire
pressure warning light will also come on. See Tire
Pressure Light
on page 4‑37. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you
can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to those
shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See Tires
on page 6‑57,Loading the Vehicleon page 5‑18, and
Inflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑64. You can receive
more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read
the other messages that may have been sent at the
same time, press the set/reset button. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and
Displays
on page 4‑42.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned on. See Traction Control
System (TCS)
on page 5‑6for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by the
warranty. Do not drive the vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission fluid
in your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow
it to idle until it cools down. If the warning message
continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
4-57

Black plate (67,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be exited when any of
the following occurs:
.The vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
.The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN.
.The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are
pressed.
.The end of the feature settings menu is reached
and exited.
.A 40 second time period has elapsed with no
selection made.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio the vehicle has and read the
following pages to become familiar with its features.
{WARNING:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.This system provides access to many audio and non
audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,
do the following while the vehicle is parked:
.Become familiar with the operation and controls of
the audio system.
.Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and preset
radio stations.
For more information, see Defensive Driving
on
page 5‑2.
Notice: Contact your dealer before adding any
equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment could
interfere with the operation of the engine, radio,
or other systems, and could damage them. Follow
federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone
equipment.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With
RAP, the audio system can be played even after the
ignition is turned off. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP)
on page 3‑21for more information.
4-67

Black plate (86,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Bluetooth®
For vehicles equipped with Bluetooth capability, the
system can interact with many cell phones, allowing:
.Placement and receipt of calls in a
hands-free mode.
.Sharing of the cell phone’s address book or
contact list with the vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction, before driving, and with
the vehicle parked:
.Become familiar with the features of the cell
phone. Organize the phone book and contact lists
clearly and delete duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial or other shortcuts.
.Review the controls and operation of the
infotainment system.
.Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle. The system
may not work with all cell phones. See “Pairing a
Phone” in this section for more information.
.If the cell phone has voice dialing capability, learn
to use that feature to access the address book or
contact list. See “Voice Pass-Thru” in this section
for more information.
.See “Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers” in this
section for more information.
{WARNING:
When using a cell phone, it can be distracting to
look too long or too often at the screen of the
phone or the infotainment (navigation) system.
Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system can use a Bluetooth
capable cell phone with a Hands Free Profile to make
and receive phone calls. The system can be used while
the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY position.
The range of the Bluetooth system can be up to 9.1 m
(30 ft). Not all phones support all functions, and not all
phones are guaranteed to work with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system. See www.gm.com/bluetooth for more
information on compatible phones.
4-86

Black plate (2,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Your Driving, the Road, and the
Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively
is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts: They
Are for Everyone on page 2‑12.
{WARNING:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
.Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
Drunk Driving
{WARNING:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol. You can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after drinking. Do not
drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been
drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a
group, designate a driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was
drinking and driving. In recent years, more than
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have
been associated with the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.
5-2