mirror BUICK LUCERNE 2006 User Guide

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
GTurn and Lane-Change Signals. SeeTurn and
Lane-Change Signals on page 3-7.
3Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer. See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Flash-To-Pass Feature. SeeFlash-to-Pass
on page 3-8.
NWindshield Wipers. SeeWindshield Wipers on
page 3-8.
LWindshield Washer. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-10.
_Heated Washer Fluid. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-10.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
To signal a turn, move the lever on the left side of the
steering wheel all the way up or down. The lever returns
automatically when the turn is complete.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will ash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
You may also have an arrow in the outside mirror that
ashes when the turn signal is used. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 2-36for more information.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to ash to
signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane
change is complete. If you momentarily press and
release the lever, the turn signal will ash three times.
If the arrows ash very fast as you signal a turn or
a lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and
other drivers will not see your turn signal. If a bulb
is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident.
If the arrows do not go on at all when you signal a turn,
check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-93.
3-7

Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do
become worn or damaged, replace with new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Your vehicle is equipped with wiper-activated
headlamps. After the windshield wipers have been on
for approximately six seconds, the headlamps will
automatically turn on. SeeWiper Activated Headlamps
on page 3-15for more information.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
If your vehicle has this feature, the moisture sensor
is mounted on the interior of the windshield beside the
rearview mirror and is used to automatically operate
the wipers. This system operates by monitoring
the amount of moisture build-up on the windshield.
Wipes occur as needed to clear the windshield
depending on the driving conditions and the sensitivity
setting. In light rain or snow, fewer wipes will occur.
In heavy rain or snow, wipes will occur more frequently.The system will operate in the delay, low speed and
high speed modes. If the system is left on for long
periods of time, occasional wipes may occur without
any moisture on the windshield. This is normal and
indicates that the Rainsense™ system is active.
The Rainsense™ system is activated by turning the
wiper control band to one of the ve sensitivity levels
within the delay area. The delay position closest to
9(off) is the lowest sensitivity setting, level one.
The highest sensitivity setting, level ve, is closest to
6(low). A single wipe will occur each time you turn
the wiper control band to a higher sensitivity level to
indicate that the sensitivity level has been increased.
Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
The MIST and wash cycles operate as normal and are
not affected by the Rainsense™ function. The system
can be overridden at any time by manually changing the
wiper control to
6(low) or1(high) speed.
Notice:Do not place stickers or other items on the
exterior glass surface directly in front of the rain
sensor. Doing this could cause the rain sensor
to malfunction.
3-9

Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps, located on the headliner, are
turned on or off by pressing one of the buttons
located near each lamp.
Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle at a
higher RPM setting than normal to make sure the
battery charges. High electrical loads may occur when
several of the following are on: headlamps, high beams,
rear window defogger, fan at high speed, heated
seats (if equipped), and engine cooling fans.
If your vehicle’s battery remains in a heavy discharge
condition for a long period of time, the fan, rear
defogger, heated seats, and heated mirrors will be
disabled and the DIC will display SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM. This can happen either under
long periods of idling or low speed driving with high
electrical loading, or in the event of a charging system
fault. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for more information.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s battery
against drainage from the interior lamps, or garage
door opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power
to these features will automatically turn off after
10 minutes. Power will be restored for an additional
10 minutes if any door is opened, the trunk is opened or
the courtesy lamp switch is turned on.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
If your vehicle is equipped, the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system is designed to help you park
while in REVERSE (R). It operates only at speeds less
than 5 mph (8 km/h). URPA helps make parking
easier and helps you avoid colliding with objects such
as parked vehicles. The URPA system detects
objects that are close to the rear of the vehicle which
are at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and
below hood or trunk level. The system detects objects
up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind your vehicle. URPA
determines how close these objects are from your
bumper within this area. Ultrasonic sensors on the rear
bumper are used to detect the distance to the object.
3-18

See “Rear Window Defogger” later in this section for
information on clearing the rear window of fog or ice.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets and half to the
oor outlets. When you select this mode, the system
turns recirculation off and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing. Pressing the recirculation button
will have no effect other than turning on the indicator
light while in defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets. When you select
this mode, the system turns recirculation off. Pressing the
recirculation button will have no effect other than turning
on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window 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 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 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.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,
the 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 anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-25

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

APPROACH LIGHTING
This feature allows you to select whether or not to have
the exterior lights turn on briey during low light
periods after unlocking the vehicle using the remote
keyless entry transmitter.
Press the customization button until APPROACH
LIGHTING appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following choices:
OFF:The exterior lights will not turn on when you
unlock the vehicle with the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
ON (default):If it is dark enough outside, the exterior
lights will turn on briey when you unlock the vehicle
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
The lights will remain on for 20 seconds or until the lock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is
pressed, or the vehicle is no longer off. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-6for more
information.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.
CHIME VOLUME
This feature allows you to select the volume level of
the chime.
Press the customization button until CHIME VOLUME
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button to
access the settings for this feature. Then press the
customization button to scroll through the following
choices:
NORMAL (default):The chime volume will be set to a
normal level.
LOUD:The chime volume will be set to a loud level.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.
PARK TILT MIRRORS
If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
whether or not the outside mirror(s) will automatically tilt
down when the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE (R).
SeeOutside Curb View Assist Mirror on page 2-36
for more information.
3-70

Press the customization button until PARK TILT
MIRRORS appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following choices:
OFF (default):Neither outside mirror will be tilted down
when the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE (R).
DRIVER MIRROR:The driver’s outside mirror will be
tilted down when the vehicle is shifted into
REVERSE (R).
PASSENGER MIRROR:The passenger’s outside
mirror will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted into
REVERSE (R).
BOTH MIRRORS:The driver’s and passenger’s outside
mirrors will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted
into REVERSE (R).
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.EASY EXIT SEAT
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the easy exit seat feature.
SeeMemory Seat and Mirrors on page 2-47for more
information.
Press the customization button until EASY EXIT SEAT
appears in the display. Press the set/reset button to
access the settings for this feature. Then press the
customization button to scroll through the following
choices:
OFF (default):No seat exit recall will occur.
ON:The driver’s seat will move back when the key is
removed from the ignition.
The automatic easy exit seat movement will only occur
one time after the key is removed from the ignition. If the
automatic movement has already occurred, and you put
the key back in the ignition and remove it again, the seat
will stay in the original exit position, unless a memory
recall took place prior to removing the key again.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.
3-71

MEMORY SEAT RECALL
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the memory seat recall feature.
SeeMemory Seat and Mirrors on page 2-47for more
information.
Press the customization button until MEMORY SEAT
RECALL appears in the display. Press the set/reset
button to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the customization button to scroll through the following
choices:
OFF (default):No memory seat recall will occur.
ON:The driver’s seat will automatically move to the
stored driving position when the unlock button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.
REMOTE START
If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to turn the
remote start off or on. The remote start feature allows
you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle using
your remote keyless entry transmitter. See “Remote
Vehicle Start” underRemote Keyless Entry System
Operation on page 2-6for more information.
Press the customization button until REMOTE START
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button to
access the settings for this feature. Then press the
customization button to scroll through the following
choices:
OFF:The remote start feature will be disabled.
ON (default):The remote start feature will be enabled.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this
feature. The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it.
3-72

Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass
while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one thing,
following too closely reduces your area of vision,
especially if you are following a larger vehicle. Also,
you will not have adequate space if the vehicle
ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.
When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do
not get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into
the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will
have a running start that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your
pass, you need only slow down and drop back again
and wait for another opportunity.
If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle,
wait your turn. But take care that someone is not
trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow
vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder
and check the blind spot.
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. Remember that
your passenger side outside mirror is convex. The
vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away
from you than it really is.
Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not ashing, it may
be slowing down or starting to turn.
If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can
ease a little to the right.
4-14

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by
not overdriving those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your
wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid,
too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force. And in the
acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot
off the accelerator pedal.Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. 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.
Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-15