
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
132 Instruments and Controls
If this message appears, stop when
it is safe to do so and turn off the
ignition for 30 seconds. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
does not appear it is not necessary
to take your vehicle to the dealer.
If the message still displays or
appears again when you begin
driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
If this message appears, try to reset
the system. Stop; turn off the engine
for at least 15 seconds; then start
the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is aproblem. See your dealer for
service. The vehicle is safe to drive;
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SPORT MODE ON
This message displays when using
the Selective Ride Control. See
Selective Ride Control
0185.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message is displayed when
attempting to start the vehicle
without first pressing the brake
pedal.
SERVICE KEYLESS START
SYSTEM
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the pushbutton start
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation 0253.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Lighting 143
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . 143
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 145
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Battery Power Protection . . . . . 148
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel on the outboard
side of the steering wheel.
Turn the control to the following
positions:
O: Turns off the exterior lamps.
The knob returns to the AUTO
position after it is released. Turn to
Oagain to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
shift lever is moved out of the
P (Park) position. AUTO :
Automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off,
depending on outside lighting.
;: Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.
2: Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder
A warning chime sounds if the driver
door is opened while the ignition is
off and the exterior lamps are on.
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
Push the turn signal lever away
from you and release to turn the
high beams on. To return to low
beams, push the lever again or pull
it toward you and release.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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146 Lighting
If after signaling a turn or lane
change the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulb
might be burned out.
Have any burned out bulbs
replaced. If the bulb is not burned
out, check the fuse. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers 0238.Fog Lamps
To turn on the fog lamps,
if equipped, the ignition and the
headlamps or parking lamps must
be on.
#:If equipped, press to turn on or
off. An indicator light on the
instrument cluster comes on when
the fog lamps are on.
Some localities have laws that
require the headlamps to be on
along with the fog lamps.
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
The brightness of the instrument
panel lighting and steering wheel
controls can be adjusted.
D: Move and hold the thumbwheel
up or down to brighten or dim the
lights.

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Climate Controls 153
MorL:If equipped, pressMorLto heat the driver or passenger seat.
See Heated Front Seats 052.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation (If Equipped) :
If equipped with the remote start
feature, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system uses the
driver ’s previous settings to heat or
cool the inside of the vehicle. The
rear defog may come on during
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. If the vehicle has heated
or ventilated seats, they may come
on during a remote start.
See Remote Vehicle Start 032 and
Heated Front Seats 052.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
To open a vent, move the
thumbwheel to | . To close the vent,
move the thumbwheel to
9.
Operation Tips
. Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
. Keep the paths under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.

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Driving and Operating 155
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 160
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 160
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 166
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 176
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 182
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 185
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 188
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 195
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 196
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 202
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 207
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

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156 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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158 Driving and Operating
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Vehicle Messages
0 125.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.Curve Tips
. Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery

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Driving and Operating 159
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. .
Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt. .
Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Racing, track testing, or competitive
driving may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty manual
before using the vehicle for racing
or other competitive driving.
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil 0218.