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 (29,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles or kilometers.
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, the new
one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer.
If this is not possible, it is set to zero and a label must
be put on the driver's door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
A trip odometer show how far the vehicle has been
driven since the odometer was last set to zero. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 4‑42for
information on resetting the trip odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several
seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt,
unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light
comes on and stays on
for several seconds, then
flashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
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Black plate (44,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
To use the retro-active reset feature, press and hold
the set/reset button for at least four seconds. The trip
odometer will display the number of kilometers (km) or
miles (mi) driven since the ignition was last turned on
and the vehicle was moving. Once the vehicle begins
moving, the trip odometer will accumulate mileage. For
example, if the vehicle was driven 8 km (5 miles) before
it is started again, and then the retro-active reset feature
is activated, the display will show 8 km (5 miles). As the
vehicle begins moving, the display will then increase to
8.2 km (5.1 miles), 8.4 km (5.2 miles), etc.
If the retro-active reset feature is activated after the
vehicle is started, but before it begins moving, the
display will show the number of kilometers (km) or
miles (mi) that were driven during the last ignition cycle.
Fuel Range
Press the trip/fuel button until FUEL RANGE displays.
This display shows the approximate number of
remaining kilometers (km) or miles (mi) the vehicle can
be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an average of the
vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving history and
the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. This
estimate will change if driving conditions change. For
example, if driving in traffic and making frequent stops,
this display may read one number, but if the vehicle is
driven on a freeway, the number may change even
though the same amount of fuel is in the fuel tank.This is because different driving conditions produce
different fuel economies. Generally, freeway driving
produces better fuel economy than city driving.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message will be displayed. See
“FUEL LEVEL LOW”
under DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑49for
more information.
Average Economy
Press the trip/fuel button until AVG ECONOMY
displays. This display shows the approximate average
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon
(mpg). This number is calculated based on the number
of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since the last time this
menu item was reset. To reset AVG ECONOMY, press
and hold the set/reset button. The display will return
to zero.
Instantaneous Economy
Press the trip/fuel button until INST ECONOMY
displays. This display shows the current fuel economy
at a particular moment and will change frequently as
driving conditions change. This display shows the
instantaneous fuel economy in liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg). Unlike average
economy, this screen cannot be reset.
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Black plate (5,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 7‑12.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect
the airflow around it. This can cause wind noise and
can affect fuel economy and windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list of marketers
providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.
The eighth digit of the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that identifies
the vehicle's engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 6‑106.
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.
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Black plate (22,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when
to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system must
be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑49.
Change the oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval
and keep it at the proper level. If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed
so that the system can calculate the next engine oil
change. Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after
every oil change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
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%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.
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Black plate (2,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be
resolved by your dealer's sales or service departments.
Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of
all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your
concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the
following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member
of dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service, or parts
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the
general manager.
STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, in the
U.S., call 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact General
Motors of Canada Customer Communication Centre at
1‐800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Have the following
information available to give the Customer Assistance
representative:
.Vehicle Identification Number. This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at
the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.
.Dealership name and location.
.Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting Buick, remember that your concern
will likely be resolved at a dealer's facility. That is why
we suggest following Step One first.
STEP THREE —U.S. Owners: Both General Motors
and your dealer are committed to making sure you are
completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However,
if you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you can file
with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line
®
Program to enforce your rights.
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Black plate (3,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs
or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Although you may be required to resort to this
informal dispute resolution program prior to filing a court
action, use of the program is free of charge and your
case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do
not agree with the decision given in your case, you may
reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief
available to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the
toll-free telephone number or write them at the following
address:BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
www.dr.bbb.org/goauto This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage, and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.
STEP THREE
—Canadian Owners: In the event that
you do not feel your concerns have been addressed
after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and
Two, General Motors of Canada Limited wants you to
be aware of its participation in a no-charge Mediation/
Arbitration program. General Motors of Canada Limited
has committed to binding arbitration of owner disputes
involving factory-related vehicle service claims. The
program provides for the review of the facts involved
by an impartial third party arbiter, and may include an
informal hearing before the arbiter. The program is
designed so that the entire dispute settlement process,
from the time you file your complaint to the final
decision, should be completed in approximately
70 days. We believe our impartial program offers
advantages over courts in most jurisdictions because it
is informal, quick, and free of charge.
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Black plate (10,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be completed
while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait,
GM helps to minimize inconvenience by providing
several transportation options. Depending on the
circumstances, the dealer can offer one of the following:
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is the preferred means of offering
Courtesy Transportation. Dealers may provide shuttle
service to get you to your destination with minimal
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes
one‐way or round‐trip shuttle service within reasonable
time and distance parameters of the dealer's area.
Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If the vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, and
public transportation is used instead of the dealer's
shuttle service, the expense must be supported by
original receipts and can only be up to the maximum
amount allowed by GM for shuttle service. In addition,
for U.S. customers, should you arrange transportation
through a friend or relative, limited reimbursement for
reasonable fuel expenses may be available. Claim
amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported
by original receipts. See the dealer for information
regarding the allowance amounts for reimbursement of
fuel or other transportation costs.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
The dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy
rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle
that you obtain if the vehicle is kept for an overnight
warranty repair. Rental reimbursement will be limited
and must be supported by original receipts. This
requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement
and meet state/provincial, local, and rental vehicle
provider requirements. Requirements vary and may
include minimum age requirements, insurance
coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel
usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes,
levies, usage fees, excessive mileage, or rental usage
beyond the completion of the repair.
It may not be possible to provide a like vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service, may not
be available at every dealer. Please contact the dealer
for specific information about availability. All Courtesy
Transportation arrangements will be administered by
appropriate dealer personnel.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change, or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein
at its sole discretion.
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