2011 BUICK LUCERNE maintenance

Black plate (1,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Buick Lucerne Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Seats and Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Object Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 4-27
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-67
Driving Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Black plate (2,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Buick Lucerne Owner ManualM
Service and Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-98
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-116 Maintenance Schedule
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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 (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.
1-22

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.
1-23

Black plate (24,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.:1-800-252-1112
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Buick, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 8‑7for
more information.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar subscription, press
the
Qbutton and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your
problem, contact Roadside Assistance, and relay
exact location to get you the help you need.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service
that includes online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner manual, special
privileges and more.
Sign up today at: www.buickownercenter.com (U.S.)
or www.gm.ca (Canada).
OnStar®
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security,
navigation, diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors can automatically alert an
OnStar Advisor who is immediately connected to the
vehicle to see if you need help.
How OnStar Service Works
Q
: This blue button connects you to a specially
trained OnStar Advisor to verify your account
information and to answer questions.
]: Push this red emergency button to get priority help
from specially trained OnStar Emergency Advisors.
X: Push this button for hands‐free, voice‐activated
calling and to give voice commands for Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
1-24

Black plate (70,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip
apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get
a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders
on page 4‑29for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts
on page 6‑101.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑30for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an
Airbag Inflate?
on page 2‑61. See your dealer for
service.
2-70

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.
4-17