check engine BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Guide

{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do
not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If
you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive
the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they are not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
(4.6L V8 Engine Only) on page 5-28for information
on driving to a safe place in an emergency.
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 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.
5-35

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the level is not at the FULL COLD mark located
on the side of the surge tank, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant at the coolant surge tank to bring the level to
the FULL COLD mark, but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap (if
equipped), is cool before you do it. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23for more information.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Never turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap,
is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant
surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
5-36

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
information on the
location of the power
steering uid reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-38

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

{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to
the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable
does notgo to the dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at
least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery,
but not near engine parts that move. The electrical
connection is just as good there, and the chance of
sparks getting back to the battery is much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If
it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
5-47

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

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer rst.
Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they
should.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-67.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers in the rear fuse block protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the
current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and
closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is xed
or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of res
caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
You will nd a fuse puller clipped in both of the fuse
blocks. Snap the wide end of the fuse puller at the side
indentations and pull the fuse out.
The MaxiFuses are located in two fuse blocks, one
located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s
side and the other under the rear seat on the driver’s
side. If a MaxiFuse should blow, have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer immediately.
5-93

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 1.43 lbs 0.65 kg
Automatic Transaxle- Drain and Rell
3.8L V6 Engine 7.4 qt 7.0L
4.6L V8 Engine 7.0 qt 6.6 L
Engine Cooling System
3.8L V6 Engine 12.0 qt 11.4 L
4.6L V8 Engine 13.0 qt 12.2 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.8L V6 Engine 4.5 qt 4.3 L
4.6L V8 Engine 7.5 qt 7.1 L
Fuel Tank 18.5 gal 70.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
5-101

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary
to keep your vehicle in good working condition. Any
damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance may not be covered by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level of
emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we do not know
exactly how you will drive it. You may drive very
short distances only a few times a week. Or you may
drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty
weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to do errands, or in many
other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your GM Goodwrench
®dealer.
6-2

Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your GM
Goodwrench
®dealer has GM-trained service technicians
who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are described in the
following for “MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.”
Generally, it is recommended that your rst service be
MaintenanceI, your second service be MaintenanceII,
and that you alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceII
thereafter. However, in some cases, MaintenanceII
may be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on
within 10 months since the vehicle was purchased or
MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the message comes on
10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4