Black plate (25,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-25
P (Park):This position locks the
drive wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9-21 andDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9-51.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be
fully applied first and then the shift
lever button pressed before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition key
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park on
page 9-22.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-8.
Black plate (27,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-27
DSC allows you to shift an
automatic transmission similar to a
manual transmission. To use the
DSC feature:
1. Move the shift lever fromD (Drive) to the left into the (+) or
(−) manual position.
2. Press the shift lever forward (+)to upshift or rearward (−) to
downshift. An M and the current
gear will be displayed in the DIC.
While using the DSC feature, the
vehicle will have firmer, quicker
shifting. You can use this for sport
driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear
longer, or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm). The transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine rpm is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine rpm is reached.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the currently selected gear
will flash multiple times, indicating
that the transmission has not shifted
gears.
While in the DSC mode, the
transmission will automatically
downshift when the vehicle comes
to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear allows the
vehicle to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
Black plate (29,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-29
{Caution
Do not skip gears while
upshifting. This can cause
premature wear in the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral: Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R (Reverse): To back up, with the
vehicle at a complete stop, press
down the clutch pedal. Then pull up
on the button on the shift lever, and
shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing
the accelerator pedal. If R (Reverse) gear does not engage, shift the
transmission to Neutral, release the
clutch pedal, and press it back
down. Repeat the gear selection.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Use R (Reverse) along with the
parking brake to park the vehicle.
When operating, press the clutch
pedal down completely. Do not use
the pedal as a foot rest.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-18.
Black plate (32,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-32 Driving and Operating
{Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. When no roll back is desired, an
applied EPB will allow both feet tobe used for the clutch and
accelerator pedals in preparation for
starting the vehicle moving in the
intended direction. In this case,
there is no need to push the switch
to release the EPB.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see
Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips on
page 9-51.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade (less than 10%). This feature
is designed to prevent the vehicle
from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
Black plate (35,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-31.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
g
button. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off. The
appropriate message will display in
the DIC.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads. The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) or StabiliTrak system
that begins to limit wheel spin while
using cruise control and the cruise
control will automatically disengage.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-33. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise
control is activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System on page 9-38.
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, cruise control
can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Black plate (38,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-38 Driving and Operating
Driver Assistance
Systems
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
The Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
system may help to avoid or reduce
the harm caused by front-end
crashes. FCA provides a visual alert
and beeps when approaching a
vehicle directly ahead too quickly.
The forward-looking FCA camera
sensor is on the windshield ahead
of the rearview mirror. FCA detects
vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and
operates at speeds above 40 km/h
(25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. FCA does not warn
of pedestrians, animals, signs,
guardrails, bridges, construction
barrels, or other objects. Be ready
to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. The vehicle ahead indicator
will display green when a vehicle is detected in front. Vehicles may not
be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills; or due to poor
visibility. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Black plate (42,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-42 Driving and Operating
over that is in the side blind zone.
This indicates it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the SBZA display,
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror SBZA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is moving forward, the left or
right side mirror display will light up
if a vehicle is detected in that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated
in the same direction of a detected
vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes. SBZA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-33. If SBZA is disabled by
the driver, the SBZA mirror displays
will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly or
when towing a trailer. The SBZA
detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is
towed. Use caution while changing
lanes when towing a trailer. SBZA
may alert to objects attached to the
vehicle, such as a trailer, bicycle,
or object extending out to either side
of the vehicle. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA may not always alert the
driver to vehicles in the side blind
zone, especially in wet conditions.
The system does not need to be serviced. The system may light up
due to guardrails, signs, trees,
shrubs, and other non-moving
objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA may not operate when the
SBZA sensors in the left or right
corners of the rear bumper are
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing
the Vehicle" under
Exterior Care on
page 10-75. If the DIC still displays
the system unavailable message
after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of
the vehicle, see your dealer.
If the SBZA displays do not light up
when vehicles are in the blind zone
and the system is clean, the system
may need service. Take the vehicle
to your dealer.
Black plate (3,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
OnStar 14-3
Security
OnStar provides services including
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote
Ignition Block, and Roadside
Assistance, if equipped. OnStar can
unlock the vehicle doors remotely,
if equipped with automatic door
locks, and can help police locate the
vehicle if it is stolen.
Navigation
OnStar navigation requires a
specific OnStar subscription plan.
Press
Qto receive directions or
have them sent to the vehicle
navigation screen, if equipped.
Destinations can also be forwarded
to the vehicle from MapQuest.com.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation
1. PressQto connect to a live
Advisor.
2. Request directions.
3. Directions are downloaded to the vehicle. 4. Follow the voice-guided
commands.
Using Voice Commands
During a Planned Route
Cancel Route
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone. Say
“Cancel route.” System
responds: “Do you want to
cancel directions?”
2. Say “Yes.”System responds:
“OK, request completed, thank
you, goodbye.”
Route Preview
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Route preview.” System
responds with the next three
maneuvers.
Repeat
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone. 2. Say
“Repeat.” System responds
with the last direction given, then
responds with “OnStar ready,”
then a tone.
Get My Destination
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Get my destination.”
System responds with the
address and the distance to the
destination, then responds with
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
Other Navigation Services
Available from OnStar
OnStar eNav:Subscribers can
send destinations from
MapQuest.com to the vehicle
Turn-by-Turn Navigation or
screen-based navigation system (if
equipped). When ready, the
directions will be downloaded to the
vehicle.