check engine light BUICK LUCERNE 2006 User Guide

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you are about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It
is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug a
trailer lighting system into your vehicle’s lighting
system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if
one of your lamps goes out. So, when you have a trailer
lighting system plugged in, be sure to check your
vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure
they are all working. Once you disconnect the trailer
lamps, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one
of your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.On a long uphill grade, shift down to THIRD (3) and
reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-41

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identication number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
engine. You will nd the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication Number
(VIN) on page 5-92.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.8L V6 engine (VIN Code 2),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you may notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your
engine needs service.If your vehicle has the 4.6L V8 engine (VIN Code Y),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You may also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration may be slightly reduced, and
you may notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is
less than 87, you may notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you might damage your engine. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 in
Canada. Some gasolines may contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). General Motors
recommends against the use of gasolines containing
MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-6for additional
information.
5-5

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-23

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet(s). Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
You will not see the battery of your vehicle under
the hood. It is located under the rear passenger’s
seat. You will not need to access the battery
for jump starting. The remote positive (+) terminal is
for that purpose. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for location.
5-45

The system can alert you about a low tire — but it does
not replace normal tire maintenance. SeeTires on
page 5-56.
When the tire pressure warning light and the CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE message comes on, you should stop
as soon as you can and check all your tires for
damage. If a tire is at, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat on
page 5-72. Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-62.
Any time you adjust a tire’s pressure or have one or
more tires repaired or replaced, you will need to reset
(calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You will
also need to reset the system whenever you rotate the
tires, buy new tires, and install or remove the compact
spare tire.
Do not reset the check tire pressure system without rst
correcting the cause of the problem and checking
and adjusting the pressure in all four tires to the
recommended amount. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-62. If you reset the system when the tire
pressures are incorrect, the check tire pressure system
will not work properly and may not alert you when a
tire is low or high.To reset (calibrate) the system:
1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the vehicle information button on the DIC
until the PRESS
VTO RESET TIRE SYSTEM
message appears on the display.
3. Press and hold the DIC Set/Reset button for about
ve seconds. After ve seconds, the display will
show TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM RESET. If the
TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM RESET message does
not appear in the display after about ve seconds,
repeat the procedure starting with Step 2. If it does
not work after two tries, see your dealer for service.
The system completes the calibration process during
driving. The system learns the pressure at each tire
throughout the operating speed range of your vehicle.
The system normally takes between 20 and 45 minutes of
driving in each of the following speed ranges to learn tire
pressures: 25 to 40 mph (40 to 64 km/h), 40 to 60 mph
(64 to 96 km/h), and 60 to 85 mph (96 to 136 km/h). This
time may be longer depending on your individual driving
habits. Learning need not be accumulated during a single
trip. Once learned, the system will remember the tire
pressures until the system is reset.
5-64

(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(j)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)Inspect throttle body bore and valve plates for
deposits. Open the throttle valve and inspect all
surfaces. Clean as required.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8

Chains, Tire...................................................5-71
Charging System Light....................................3-39
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-44
Tire Pressure System...................................5-63
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-90
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children..................................................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-49
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-22
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-84
Finish Care.................................................5-87
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-86
Leather......................................................5-85
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-23
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-31
Dual Automatic............................................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-31
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-82
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-46
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-43
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-43
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-27
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-5
Cooling System......................................5-29, 5-34
Cornering Lamps............................................3-16
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-93
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-96
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-94
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-43
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-28
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-16
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-72
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-72
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-81
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-48
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-16
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-44
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-49
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
5

Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-96
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-94
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-43
Fuel..........................................................3-49
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-40
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-9
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-49Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Wiper Activated...........................................3-15
Heated Seats............................................1-4, 1-5
Heater...........................................................3-23
Heater...........................................................3-26
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-48
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.......................3-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-62
6

N
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual.................................3-98
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-35
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-47
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-31
Outlet(s), Accessory Power...............................3-21
Outside
Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror..................2-37
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-28
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-89
Panic Brake Assist..........................................4-10
Park Aid........................................................3-18
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Assist........................................................3-18
Brake........................................................2-28
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-37
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-31
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-63
Passing.........................................................4-13
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-20
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-17
Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-21
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-93
9