Black plate (14,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery's temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gauge or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest
levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible. See DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4‑49.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle's
battery against drainage from the interior lamps,
or garage door opener. When the ignition is turned
off, the power to these features will automatically turn
off after 10 minutes. Power will be restored for an
additional 10 minutes if any door is opened, the trunk
is opened or the courtesy lamp switch is turned on.
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Black plate (16,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment. SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
on
page 6‑107.
Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty. The power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone
charge cords.
Ashtray(s)
Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are
put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
For vehicles without the floor console, pull the tray
located below the climate controls to reveal the ashtray.
The ashtray can be removed by pulling on the ledge
located at the top of the ashtray.
The vehicles with a full floor console do not have an
ashtray. There is a storage bin below the climate control
system. For more information, see Front Storage Area
on page 3‑49.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
For vehicles with the remote start feature, when
activated, the climate control system heats or cools the
inside of the vehicle with the settings used before the
vehicle was turned off. The heated seats, if the vehicle
has them, and the rear window defogger will also be
turned on when it is cold outside. The cooled seat
setting is not activated during a remote start. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is
turned to the ON/RUN position. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3‑4for more
information.
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Black plate (17,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control D. Recirculation
E. Air Conditioning F. Rear Window Defogger
Operation
(
(Off): Turns the climate control system off. Outside
air still enters the vehicle and is directed to the floor.
The airflow direction and temperature can be adjusted.
Temperature Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan speed
is temporarily reduced between the transition to a new
mode. The fan will resume when the new mode is
complete.
If the airflow seems low when the fan speed is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air filter
may need to be replaced. For more information, see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 4‑25and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7‑3.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow
in the vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the floor outlets. Slightly cooler air is
directed to the instrument panel outlets and warmer air
is directed to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
If recirculation is selected while in this mode, it stays on
for three minutes to reduce windshield fogging.
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Black plate (18,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
-(Floor/Defog):This clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and side
window outlets and to the floor outlets. The system runs
the air conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is near or below freezing.
0(Defrost): This mode clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window outlets. The system runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is near or below freezing.
#(Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light
below the button comes on to show that this mode
is on. Air conditioning can be selected in any mode
as long as the fan knob is not in the off position.
On hot days during the vehicle's initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently. For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select
H.
2. Select
h.
3. Select
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This
is normal.
h(Recirculation): Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light below the button comes on
to show that this mode is on. This mode recirculates
and helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle.
It can be used to prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle. This mode cannot be selected
while in the defog or defrost modes. If you try to select
the recirculation mode, the indicator light flashes
three times and turns off.
Operation in this mode during periods of high humidity
and cool outside temperatures may result in increased
window fogging. If window fogging is experienced,
select the defrost mode.
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Black plate (19,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light below the
button comes on to show that the rear window defogger
is on. Be sure to clear as much snow from the rear
window as possible.
The rear window defogger only works when the
ignition is in ON/RUN. The rear window defogger stays
on for about 20 minutes after the button is pressed if
traveling at slow speeds. At higher vehicle speeds, the
rear defogger may stay on continuously. If turned on
again, the defogger only runs for about 10 minutes
before turning off. The defogger can be turned off by
pressing the button again, by turning the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, or by turning off the
engine. If the vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface
of the mirror when the rear window defogger is on.
See
Outside Heated Mirrors
on page 3‑34for more
information.
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
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Black plate (20,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
For vehicles with the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system heats or cools the
inside of the vehicle, with the settings used before the
vehicle was turned off. The heated seats, if the vehicle
has them, and the rear window defogger will be turned
on by the climate control system when it is cold outside.
The cooled seat setting is not activated during a remote
start. Normal operation of the system will return after
the key is turned to the ON/RUN position. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3‑4for more information.
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. Display
D. Air Delivery Mode Control E. Air Conditioning
F. Outside Air
G. Recirculation
H. PASS I. Rear Window Defogger
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic Fan): When AUTO is selected on
the fan control, the system automatically adjusts the fan
speed. If the OnStar
®system is activated when this
position is selected, the fan speed will lower.
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Black plate (21,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
AUTO (Automatic Mode)
1. Turn the fan control to AUTO.
2. Turn the mode control to AUTO.
3. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable settingbetween 68°F (21°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool
any faster. In cold weather, the system starts at
reduced fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air
into the vehicle until warmer air is available. The
system will start out blowing air to the floor, but
may change modes automatically as the vehicle
warms up to maintain the chosen temperature
setting. The length of time needed to warm the
interior depends on the outside temperature.
4. Wait a few minutes for the system to automatically regulate. Then adjust the temperature as
necessary to find your comfort setting.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of
the instrument panel, near the windshield. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors”later in
this section.
After the vehicle is started, the display shows the
interior temperature settings. When the ENG/MET (English/metric) button on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) is pressed, the display
shows readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Use the
ENG/MET button to toggle between the readings.
AUTO (Automatic Air Conditioning):
If AUTO is
selected on the fan or mode control, the system
automatically controls the air conditioning compressor.
The A/C compressor runs automatically even at cool
outside temperatures in order to dehumidify the air. The
A/C indicator light is lit when the system is operating
automatically. Press the A/C button on the fan control to
turn off the A/C. To clear windows better in defog or
defrost modes, the A/C compressor runs automatically
in damp cool conditions.
h(Auto Recirculation): If AUTO is selected on
either the fan or mode control, the system automatically
controls the supply of fresh outside air or recirculates
the interior air to cool the car faster. The indicator light
on the recirculation button will light whenever the
system switches to recirculation. You may force outside
air by pressing the outside air button. The next time
AUTO fan or mode is selected, it will reset back to
AUTO operation.
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Black plate (22,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Manual Operation
9(Off):Turns the climate control system off. Outside
air still enters the vehicle and is directed to the floor.
The airflow direction and temperature can be adjusted.
If the temperature is adjusted while the system is off,
the display will light to show the current settings.
w x(Driver Temperature Controls): Press these
buttons next to the fan control to increase or decrease
the temperature inside the vehicle.
w x(Passenger Temperature Controls): Press
these buttons next to the mode control to increase or
decrease the temperature for the front passenger. If the
passenger climate control system is off, pressing one of
these buttons turns it on.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turning this
control completely counterclockwise turns on the
automatic fan operation.
If the airflow seems low when the fan speed is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air filter
may need to be replaced. For more information, see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 4‑25and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7‑3.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow
in the vehicle. To change the current mode, select one of the following:
F(Vent):
Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
*(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the floor outlets. In automatic
operation, cooler air is directed to the upper outlets
and warmer air to the floor outlets.
7(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
If recirculation is selected while in this mode, it stays on
for three minutes to reduce windshield fogging.
W(Floor/Defog): This mode clears the windows of fog
or moisture. Air is directed to the floor outlets, with
some air directed to the windshield and side window
outlets. The system turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the floor/defog mode.
0(Defrost): This mode removes fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window outlets. The system
automatically turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation
cannot be selected while in the defrost mode.
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