Black plate (16,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-16 Driving and Operating
The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN,
but the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in
Service Only Mode. Push the button
again to turn the vehicle off.
Ignition Positions (Key
Access)
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the
brake pedal.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF): When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9-21. This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. This locks
the ignition and automatic
transmission.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to Neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to Neutral,
continue to firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
Black plate (17,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-17
3. Come to a complete stop. Shiftto P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-30.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This
position provides power to some of
the electrical accessories. To move
the key from ACC/ACCESSORY to
LOCK/OFF, push in the key and
then turn it to LOCK/OFF. 3 (ON/RUN):
The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can
be used to operate the electrical
accessories, including the
ventilation fan and 12-volt power
outlet, as well as to display some
warning and indicator lights. This
position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
4 (START): This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving. A warning tone sounds when the
driver door is opened if the ignition
is still in ACC/ACCESSORY and the
key is in the ignition.
If the ignition becomes difficult to
turn, see
Keys on page 2-1.
Key Lock Release
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission and a key start
system, are equipped with an
electronic key lock release. The key
lock release is designed to prevent
ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park).
Black plate (18,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
The key lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. If the vehicle has an
uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump
starting the battery. SeeJump
Starting on page 10-70.
If charging or jump starting the
battery does not work, locate the
hole below the ignition lock. Insert a
flat bladed tool or another key from
the key chain into the opening.
When the lever can be felt, actuate
the lever toward the driver, and
remove the key from the ignition.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle
when it is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
{Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-56.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the
floor and start the engine. Starting Procedure (Key Access)
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
Black plate (19,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-19
2. If the engine does not start afterfive to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there as you
hold the key in START for a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the
procedure. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts. Starting Procedure (Keyless
Access)
1. With the Keyless Access
system, the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter must be
in the vehicle. Press the
ENGINE START/STOP button
with the brake pedal applied.
When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Allow the oil to
warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or the RKE battery
is low, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a
message. See Key and Lock
Messages on page 5-29 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-3.{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
as you press the ENGINE
START/STOP button, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button, and
the accelerator. If the vehicle
Black plate (20,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-20 Driving and Operating
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below−18°C (0°F) for easier starting
and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the heater
at least four hours before starting
the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. For vehicles with
a 2.4L engine, the electrical cord
is located on the passenger side
of the engine compartment, near
the air cleaner. For vehicles with
a 2.0L turbo engine, the
electrical cord is located on the
front of the engine, on the driver
side of the vehicle.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do not
use it. See your dealer for a
replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an electric
shock.
.Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension cord
in good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
(Continued)
Black plate (21,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-21
Warning (Continued)
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater cord
and thermostat damage could
occur.
.While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach the
cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from any
moving parts.4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Sunroof The power windows and sunroof will
continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until any door is
opened. The radio will work when
the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
the radio will continue to work for
10 minutes, or until the driver door is
opened or the key is removed from
the ignition.
Shifting Into Park
Use this procedure to shift into
P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on page 9-30
for more information.
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward the
front of the vehicle into P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key (if equipped).
Black plate (22,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
9-22 Driving and Operating
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
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.
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. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9-51. If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking
brake set.
Release the button and check that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly; then it is difficult to
shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see
“Shifting Into Park”
listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The shift lock control
system is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
.Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged
or low voltage (less than 9‐volt)
battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting on
page 10-70.
Black plate (23,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707488) - 2015 - CRC - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-23
If the shift lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regularbrakes.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 9-14
or Ignition Positions (Key
Access) on page 9-16 for more
information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is
pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.
Parking
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into R (Reverse) if parking on a downhill
slope. On a level surface or an
uphill slope, use 1 (First) gear.
Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn
the wheels toward the curb for a
downhill slope, or away from the
curb for an uphill slope. Once the
shift lever has been placed into gear
with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key, and release the
clutch.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)