Black plate (1,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 Vehicle Features
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or USB Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
1-1
Black plate (2,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Section 3 Features and Controls
Object Detection Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-35
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) . . . . . . . . 3-35
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-42
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42 Storage Areas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Front Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Center Flex Storage Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
3-2
Black plate (36,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The system can be disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See“Park Assist”under
DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑42for more
information.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
SERVICE PARK ASSIST: If this message occurs, take
the vehicle to your dealer to repair the system.
PARK ASSIST OFF: If the URPA system does not
activate due to a temporary condition, the message
displays on the DIC, see DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑42for more information. This can occur
under the following conditions:
.The driver disables the system.
.The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the
vehicle's rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice
and slush. For cleaning instructions, see Washing
Your Vehicle on page 6‑102.
.A trailer was attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was hanging out of the trunk during the
last drive cycle. Once the object is removed, URPA
will return to normal operation.
.A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
.The vehicle's bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer to repair the system.
.Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at
least 40 km/h (25 mph), take the vehicle to your dealer.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have a Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system. Read this entire section before using the
system.
{WARNING:
SBZA is only a lane changing aid and does not
replace driver vision. SBZA does not detect:
.Vehicles outside the side blind zones which
may be rapidly approaching.
.Pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. (Continued)
3-36
Black plate (42,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
LDW Error Message
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM:This
message may appear in the DIC to indicate that LDW is
not working properly. If this message remains on after
continued driving, the system needs service. Take your
vehicle to your dealer.
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE: This
message may appear in the DIC if LDW does not
activate due to a temporary condition.
Universal Home Remote
System
See Radio Frequency Statementon page 8‑18for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry
Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With Three Round LED)
This vehicle may have the Universal Home Remote
System. If there are three round Light Emitting Diode
(LED) indicator lights above the Universal Home
Remote buttons, follow the instructions below.
This system provides a way to replace up to
three remote control transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
Do not use this system with any garage door opener
that does not have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982.
Read the instructions completely before attempting to
program the transmitter. Because of the steps involved,
it may be helpful to have another person assist with
programming the transmitter.
3-42
Black plate (35,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
This light may come on while the vehicle is first driven
and the STABILITRAK NOT READY message will
appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
StabiliTrak
®Systemon page 5‑5for more
information.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving a
SERVICE STABILITRAK message will appear in the
DIC. This indicates that there may be a problem with
the StabiliTrak system and the vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message appears on the DIC, the
system will not assist with controlling the vehicle.
When the system is active, the light will flash while the
system is assisting with controlling the vehicle.
See StabiliTrak
®Systemon page 5‑5andDIC
Warnings and Messageson page 4‑49for more
information.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
For vehicles with the
lane departure warning
system, this light briefly
comes on green while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally the indicator light then
goes off.
This light also comes on green if the system detects
a left or right lane marking. It flashes, changes to
amber, and three beeps sound, if a detected lane
marking is crossed without using a turn signal. See
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
on page 3‑40for
more information.
4-35
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 (8,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking—if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action —steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking
on
page 5‑3. It is better to remove as much speed as
possible from a collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the space
available.
5-8
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.
5-14