Black plate (22,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS)
The traction control system limits wheel spin. The
system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is
started.
.To turn off traction control, press and releaseiin
front of the shift lever.
Filluminates and the
appropriate DIC message is displayed. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑49.
.Press and release the button again to turn on
traction control.
For more information, see Traction Control System
(TCS) on page 5‑6.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a StabiliTrak system that assists with
directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. The system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started. The system cannot be
turned off.
For more information, see StabiliTrak
®Systemon
page 5‑5.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS).
The TPMS warming light
alerts you to a significant
loss in pressure of one of
the vehicles tires.
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. The warning light
will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning
light may appear when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire
maintenance. It is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 6‑65and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6‑66.
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Black plate (23,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a
tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to
seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.
SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80for
complete operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 6‑88.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life
based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC for more than five seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑22.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge and a yellow
fuel cap can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol
fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85
(85% Ethanol)
on page 6‑7. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline described under
Gasoline Octane on page 6‑6.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC
Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
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Black plate (37,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring
System, this light comes
on briefly when the engine
is started. It provides
information about tire
pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is
significantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC)
on page 4‑42for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper
pressure. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑64for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light flashes for about a
minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
on
page 6‑66for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on,
but the engine is not
running, as a check to
show it is working. If it
does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp comes on and stays
on, while the engine is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service is required.
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Black plate (46,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Park Assist
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this display allows the system to be
turned on or off. Press the vehicle information button
until PARK ASSIST displays. Once in this display, press
the set/reset button to select between ON or OFF. If you
choose ON, the system will be turned on. If you choose
OFF, the system will be turned off. The URPA system
automatically turns back on after each vehicle start.
When the URPA system is turned off and the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK (P), the DIC will display the PARK
ASSIST OFF message as a reminder that the system
has been turned off. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑49andUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA)on page 3‑35for more information.
Side Blind Zone
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this display allows the system to be turned on
or off. Press the vehicle information button until SIDE
BLIND ZONE displays. Once in this display, press the
set/reset button to select between ON or OFF. If you
choose ON, the system will be turned on. If you choose
OFF, the system will be turned off. When the SBZA
system is turned off, the DIC will display the SIDE
BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF message as a
reminder that the system has been turned off. See DIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑49and Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3‑36for more information.
Tire Pressure
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), the pressure for each tire can be viewed in the
DIC. The tire pressure will be shown in either pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the
vehicle information button until the DIC displays FRONT
TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press the vehicle
information button again until the DIC displays REAR
TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to check
the pressure in a specific tire will appear in the display.
See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑64andDIC
Warnings and Messageson page 4‑49for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer for service.
Change Compass Zone
Your vehicle may have this feature. To change the
compass zone through the DIC, see DIC Compasson
page 4‑47.
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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.
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Black plate (13,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
.Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean —inside and outside?
.Wiper Blades: In good shape?
.Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked?
.Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
.Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inflated to
recommended pressure?
.Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
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Black plate (14,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in
these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down and they could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none going
down a hill. You could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in gear when
going downhill.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that
let you stay in your own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
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Black plate (19,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The Tire and Loading Information label also lists
the tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D).
For more information on tires and inflation, see
Tires
on page 6‑57andInflation - Tire Pressureon
page 6‑64
.
There is also important loading information on the
Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle,
see “Certification Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle's placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the“XXX”amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 −750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity for your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, see Towing a
Trailer
on page 5‑25for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
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