air conditioning BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems, rear window defogger, and
heated seats. SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4and
Heated and Cooled Seats on page 1-5for additional
information. When the remote start system is active, the
climate control system will heat and cool the inside of
the vehicle based on the outside temperature. The rear
window defogger will be turned on by the climate
control system when it is heating the inside of the
vehicle. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may also
turn on. Cooled seats are not activated during a
remote start. Normal operation of the system will return
after the key is turned to the RUN position.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using the remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has remote start, the keyless entry
transmitter provides, an increased range of operation.
However, the range may be less while the vehicle
is running. As a result, you may need to be closer to
your vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-5for additional information.
/(Remote Start):Press and release the lock button
and then press and hold the remote start button to
start the vehicle.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the turn signal lights
ash or if the vehicle’s lights are not visible, press
and hold the remote start button for at least
four seconds. The vehicle’s doors will lock. Pressing
the remote start button again after the vehicle
has started will turn off the ignition.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
4. If it is your rst remote start since last driving,
repeat these steps while the engine is still
running for a 10 minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended one time.
2-9

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed toward the side
window outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
In this mode, the system will automatically use
outside air.
If recirculation is selected, it will stay on for three minutes
to reduce windshield fogging. The led will come on.
You can also select modes by using the following
buttons:
h(Recirculate):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more
quickly. An indicator light below the button will come on
in this mode. Operation in this mode during periods
of high humidity and cool outside temperatures
may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When this button is
pressed, an indicator light below the button will come on
to let you know the air conditioning is activated. Air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as the
fan knob is not in the off position. When in defrost
and defog the air-conditioning compressor will come on
automatically.On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent air mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the vehicle is a result of high humidity
causing moisture to condense on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear frost or fog
from the windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of condensation and to warm the vehicle’s
occupants. Use the defrost mode to remove frost or
condensation from the windshield quickly. Recirculation
cannot be selected when in these modes (the indicator
light will come on when pressed).
3-24

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

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

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

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This warning message and the tire pressure light on
the instrument panel cluster will appear when the
air pressure in one of the tires is too low or too high.
Check the vehicle’s tire pressure as soon as possible,
and ll or deate the affected tire to the appropriate
level. The correct tire ination pressure should be set to
those shown on the tire-loading information label on
the vehicle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29and
Tire Pressure Light on page 3-44for more information.
This message is reset when it is acknowledged.
However, you must also reset the tire pressure system.
See “Reset Tire Pressure System” underDIC Controls
and Displays on page 3-50for more information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the driver’s door is not
closed properly. When this message appears, you should
make sure that the driver’s door is closed completely.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message will display when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the A/C operation will automatically resume. You can
continue to drive your vehicle. If this message continues
to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer
as soon as possible to avoid compressor damage.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
is low. Fill the oil to the proper level as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the engine oil ll location. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-15for information on the kind of
oil to use and the proper oil level.
3-57

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

Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overow tube on the radiator
ller neck.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a hot engine warning light as well as an engine
coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument
panel cluster.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), you will nd an ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFF, or a ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE message displayed on the DIC. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56DIC
Warnings and Messages for more information.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
5-27

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60
percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
5-59