climate control BUICK LUCERNE 2006 User Guide

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system will automatically
cool the vehicle if the temperature is greater than
90°F (32°C) and heat the vehicle if the temperature is
below 37°F (3°C). If the temperature is between
37°F (3°C) and 90°F (32°C), the last control setting
selected when the engine was running will be used.
Normal operation and the last setting of the climate
control system will return after the ignition key is turned
to the C (RUN) position. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-6for more information.
Automatic Operation
AUTO9(Automatic Fan):When this position is
selected on the fan control, the system will adjust the fan
speed. If the OnStar
®system is activated when this
position is selected, the fan speed will lower.
AUTO (Automatic Mode)
1. Turn the fan control to the AUTO position.
2. Turn the mode control to the AUTO position.
3. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting
between 68°F (21°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool
any faster. In cold weather, the system will start at
reduced fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air
into your vehicle until warmer air is available.
The system will start out blowing air at the oor but
may change modes automatically as the vehicle
warms up to maintain the chosen temperature
setting. The length of time needed to warm the
interior will depend on the outside temperature.
4. Wait a few minutes for the system to automatically
regulate. Then adjust the temperature as necessary
to nd your comfort setting.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of
the instrument panel, near the windshield. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
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After your vehicle is started, the display will show the
interior temperature settings.
When the ENG/MET (English/metric) button on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) is pressed, the display
will show readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Use the
ENG/MET button to toggle between them.
AUTO
#(Automatic Air Conditioning):If the
AUTO position is selected on the fan or mode control,
the system will automatically control the air conditioning
compressor. The A/C compressor will run automatically
even at cool outside temperatures in order to
dehumidify the air. The A/C indicator light will be lit
when the system is operating automatically, even
at near freezing outside temperatures. Press the
A/C button on the fan control to turn off the A/C.
For improved window clearing performance in defog or
defrost modes, the A/C compressor will run
automatically in damp cool conditions.
h(Auto Recirculation):If the AUTO position is
selected on either the fan or mode control, the system
will automatically control the air inlet to supply fresh
outside air or recirculate the interior air to cool the car
faster. The indicator light on the recirculation button
will light whenever the system switches to recirculation.
You may force outside air by pressing the button
when the light is lit. The next time AUTO fan or mode is
selected, the air inlet will reset back to AUTO operation.
Manual Operation
9(Fan):Turn the left knob either to the left or right to
adjust the fan speed. Turning this control completely
counterclockwise will turn on the automatic fan operation.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air lter
may need to be replaced. For more information, see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-31and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
9(Off):Turn the left control to this position to turn the
entire climate control system off.
To change the current mode, select one of the following
positions using the right control:
F(Vent):Turn the control to this mode to direct air to
the instrument panel outlets.
*(Bi-Level):Turn the control to this mode to direct
approximately half of the air to the instrument panel
outlets and most of the remaining air to the oor outlets.
In automatic operation, cooler air is directed to the
upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
3-27

7(Floor):Turn the control to this mode to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to
the side window outlets and the windshield.
The mode control can also be used to select the
oor/defog mode. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.
?(Recirculation):Press this button to keep outside
air from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering your vehicle
or to help cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
When the button is pressed, an indicator light will
come on.
«ª(Driver’s Temperature Controls):Press these
buttons next to the fan control to manually increase
or decrease the temperature inside your vehicle.
«ª(Passenger’s Temperature Controls):Press
these buttons next to the mode control to manually
increase or decrease the temperature for the front
passenger. If the passenger’s climate control system is
off, pressing one of these buttons will turn it on.PASS (Passenger’s Climate Control):Press this
button to turn the passenger’s climate control systems
on or off.
If the PASS button is pressed to turn the passenger
temperature setting off, the driver’s temperature setting
will control the temperature for the entire vehicle.
:(Outside Air):This mode allows outside air to
enter the vehicle. It can be used to prevent the
inside from becoming too dry. Press this button to turn
outside air on. Pressing the recirculation button will
cancel this mode. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light will turn on.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to override
the automatic system and turn the air conditioning
system on or off. When in AUTO, the air conditioning
compressor will come on automatically, as necessary.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may notice a small amount of water
dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or after
turning off the engine. This is normal.
3-28

Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the defrost grille, middle of
the instrument panel, monitors the solar radiation.
Do not cover the solar sensor or the system will not work
properly.
There is also an interior temperature sensor located
next to the steering wheel that measures the
temperature of the air inside your vehicle.There is also an exterior temperature sensor located
behind the front grille. This sensor reads the outside air
temperature and helps maintain the temperature
inside the vehicle. Any cover on the front of the
vehicle could cause a false reading in the displayed
temperature.
In order to prevent false temperature readings at
startup, the displayed temperature will not change
until the following occurs:
Vehicle speed is above 10 mph (16 k/mh) for
5 minutes.
Vehicle speed is above 32 mph (51 k/mh) for
2 and a half minutes.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the
air delivery mode. The system may also supply
cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun.
The recirculation mode will also be used as needed to
maintain cool outlet temperatures.
3-29

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog from
your windshield, defog and defrost.
W(Floor/Defog):Use this mode to clear the windows
of fog or moisture and to warm the passengers.
Turning the control to this mode directs approximately
half of the air to the oor outlets and the remaining air
is directed to the side window outlets and to the
windshield. When you select this mode, the system
turns off recirculation and runs the air-conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the oor/defog mode.
0(Defrost):Use this mode to remove fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly. Turning the control to
this mode directs most of the air to the windshield
and the side window outlets. In this mode, the system
will automatically turn off recirculation and run the
air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation cannot
be selected while in the defrost mode. Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
<(Rear Defogger):Press this button to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light below
the button will come on to let you know that the rear
window defogger is activated. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in C (RUN). The rear window defogger will
stay on for approximately 20 minutes after the button is
pressed if you are traveling at slower vehicle speeds.
At higher vehicle speeds the rear window defogger may
stay on continuously. If turned on again, the defogger
will only run for approximately 10 minutes before turning
off. The defogger can be turned off by pressing the
button again, by turning the ignition to B (ACCESSORY)
or C (RUN), or by turning off the engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors will heat to help clear
fog or frost from the surface of the mirror when the rear
window defogger is on. SeeOutside Automatic Dimming
Heated Mirror on page 2-37for more information.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
3-30

SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message will display when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your GM dealer if you notice a drop
in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message will display when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-36for more information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the generator and battery charging systems. Driving
with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your GM dealer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message will display if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and
the anti-lock brake system warning light may also be
displayed on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-40andAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-41for more
information. If this happens, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC display. If the
message is displayed or appears again when you begin
driving, the brake system needs service. See your
GM dealer as soon as possible. SeeBrakes on
page 5-40for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message will display if the ignition is on to inform
the driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the
brake system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as
possible. The brake system warning light will also
appear on the instrument panel cluster when this
message appears on the DIC. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-40.
3-61

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Warning:The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning:The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underination, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
5-69

Fuses Usage
F1 Spare
F2 Driver’s Side Low-Beam
F3 Passenger’s Side Low-Beam
F4 Airbag Ignition
F5 Engine Control Module
F6 Transaxle Ignition
F7 Spare
F8 Spare
F9 Spare
F10 High-Beam Headlamp
F11 High-Beam Headlamp
F12 Windshield Washer Pump
F13 Spare
F14Climate Controls, Instrument Panel
Cluster
F15 Spare
F16 Fog Lamps
F17 Horn
F18 Windshield Wiper
F19 Driver’s Side Corner Lamp
F20 Passenger’s Side Corner Lamp
F21 Oxygen Sensor
F22 PowertrainFuses Usage
F23Engine Control Module (ECM),
Crank
F24 Injector Coil
F25 Injector Coil
F26 Air Conditioning
F27 Air Solenoid
F28Engine Control Module, Transaxle
Control Module (ECM/TCM)
F29 Spare
F30 Spare
F31 Spare
F32 Spare
J-Case Fuse Usage
JC1 Heated Windshield Washer
JC2 Cooling Fan 1
JC3 Spare
JC4 Crank
JC5 Cooling Fan 2
JC6 Anti-lock Brake System 2
JC7 Anti-lock Brake System 1
JC8 Air Pump
5-95

J-Case Fuses Usage
JC1 Climate Control Fan
JC2 Rear Defogger
JC3Electronic Leveling
Control/CompressorFuses Usage
F1 Amplier (Option)
F2 Not Used
F3 Interior Lamps
F4Courtesy/Passenger Side Front
Turn Signal
5-98

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
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