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178 Driving and Operating
Automatic Transmission
Adaptation Feature :While the
vehicle is being driven and gear
shifting takes place, the
transmission will learn and adapt.
This increases durability and
maintains the best shift quality of
the life of the vehicle.
During vehicle break-in (initial
driving), it is normal to experience
some shift bumps. Shift quality will
improve with the normal gear
shifting as the transmission learns
and adapts.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a
lower gear than normal to improve
vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may
be an increase in noise during the
following conditions:
. When climbing a grade
. When driving downhill
. When driving in hot
temperatures or at high altitudeManual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to shift an
automatic transmission similar to a
manual transmission. To use the
DSC feature:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual Mode).
While driving in manual mode,
the transmission will remain in
the driver selected gear. When
coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into
1 (First) gear.
2. Press the + (plus) end of the button on the top of the shift
lever to upshift, or press the −
(minus) end of the button to
downshift.
The instrument cluster will change
from the currently displayed
message to the letter “M,”for
Manual position, and a number
indicating the requested gear.
While using the DSC feature, the
transmission will have firmer shifting
and sportier performance. This can
be used for sport driving or when
climbing 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 allow
shifting to the next higher gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too low.
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244 Vehicle Care
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 246.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 163.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0163.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0163.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles. Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0163.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
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Vehicle Care 253
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01–52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be freeof grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0240.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0251. However, if it is
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254 Vehicle Care
necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0247.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 163.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
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292 Technical Data
Technical Data
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Vehicle Data
Capacities andSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . 294
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
This legal identifier is in the front
corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver side of the vehicle. It can
be seen through the windshield from
outside. The Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) also appears on the
Vehicle Certification and Service
Parts labels and certificates of title
and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in the VIN is
the engine code. This code
identifies the vehicle's engine,
specifications, and replacement parts. See
“Engine Specifications”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 293 for the vehicle's engine code.
Service Parts
Identification Label
There may be a label on the inside
of the glove box that contains the
following information:
.
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
. Model designation.
. Paint information.
. Production options and special
equipment.
If there is no label, there is a
barcode on the certification label on
the center (B) pillar to scan for this
same information.
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296 Customer Information
resolved by your dealership without
further help, in the U.S., call
1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact
General Motors of Canada
Customer Care 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 the
inquiry prompt attention. Have the
following information available to
give the Customer Assistance
representative:
.Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). 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 the 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.
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.
3033 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
http://www.bbb.org/council/
programs-services/
dispute-handling-and-resolution/
bbb-auto-line
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
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Customer Information 297
and Two, General Motors of Canada
Company wants you to be aware of
its participation in a no-charge
Mediation/Arbitration program.
General Motors of Canada
Company 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 about 70 days. We
believe our impartial program offers
advantages over courts in most
jurisdictions because it is informal,
quick, and free of charge.
For further information concerning
eligibility in the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
call toll-free 1-800-207-0685, or call
the General Motors Customer Care
Centre, 1-800-263-3777 (English),
1-800-263-7854 (French),
or write to:Mediation/Arbitration Program
c/o Customer Care Centre
General Motors of Canada
Company
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
The inquiry should be accompanied
by the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
Customer Assistance
Offices
Buick encourages customers to call
the toll-free number for assistance.
However, if a customer wishes to
write or e-mail Buick, the letter
should be addressed to:
United States and Puerto Rico
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
www.Buick.com
1-800-521-7300
1-800-832-8425 (For Text
Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance:
1-800-252-1112
From U.S. Virgin Islands:
1-800-496-9994
Canada
General Motors of Canada
Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
www.gm.ca
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text
Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance:
1-800-268-6800
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298 Customer Information
All Overseas Locations
Please contact the local General
Motors Business Unit.
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
To assist customers who are deaf,
hard of hearing, or speech-impaired
and who use Text Telephones
(TTYs), Buick has TTY equipment
available at its Customer Assistance
Center. Any TTY user can
communicate with Buick by dialing:
1-800-832-8425. TTY users in
Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.
Online Owner Center
Online Owner Experience
(U.S.) my.buick.com
The Buick online owner experience
allows interaction with Buick and
keeps important vehicle-specific
information in one place.Membership Benefits
E:
Download owner ’s manuals
and view vehicle-specific how-to
videos.
G: View maintenance schedules,
alerts, and Vehicle Diagnostic
Information. Schedule service
appointments.
I: View and print dealer-recorded
service records and self-recorded
service records.
D: Select a dealer and view
locations, maps, phone numbers,
and hours.
r: Track your vehicle’s warranty
information.
J: View active recalls by Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). See
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
0 292.
H:View GM Card, SiriusXM
Satellite radio (if equipped), and
OnStar account information.
F: Chat with online help
representatives. See my.buick.com to register your
vehicle.
Buick Owner Centre (Canada)
www.buickowner.ca
Visit the Buick Owner Centre:
.
Chat live with online help
representatives.
. Use the Vehicle Tools section.
. Access third party enthusiast
sites and social media networks.
. Locate owner resources such as
lease-end, financing, and
warranty information.
. Retrieve your favorite articles,
quizzes, tips, and multimedia
galleries organized into the
Featured Articles and Auto Care
Sections.
. Download the owner ’s manual
for your vehicle, quickly and
easily.
. Find the Buick-recommended
maintenance services for your
vehicle.