cooling BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on, do the following:
1. Unlock the door using the remote keyless entry
transmitter, if the vehicle has one, the power
door lock switch, or by lifting the rear door
manual lock.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
If the key is in the ignition and the power door lock
switch is used to lock the doors, all doors will lock and
then the driver’s door will unlock. It is always
recommended that you remove the ignition key when
locking your vehicle.
The lockout protection feature can be overridden by
holding the power door lock switch for three seconds or
longer.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-31.
2-14

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

Climate Controls
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.
Operation
(
(Off):Turn the left knob to this position to turn the
climate control system off.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan speed will be temporarily reduced between
the transition to a new mode. The fan will resume when
the new mode is complete.
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.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to warm or cool the air coming
through the outlets.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This mode directs outside air to the
instrument panel outlets. If driving in city traffic, and the
vehicle is stopped and idling, or the weather is hot,
turn on the recirculation mode.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed to
the oor outlets.
3-23

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.
3-26

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in at or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can
make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
4-22

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you nd them quickly. If you’re trailering,
it’s a good idea to review this information before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
4-42

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (4.6L V8 Engine Only).......................5-28
Cooling System (3.8L V6 Engine)....................5-29
Cooling System (4.6L V8 Engine)....................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-52
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-66
Buying New Tires.........................................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-44.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-93.
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
(3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-29orCooling System
(4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-34.
F. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
(3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-29orCooling System
(4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-34.G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-21.
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-40.
K. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-38.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
5-13

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-93.
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-44.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System
(3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-29orCooling System
(4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-34.
E. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-38.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-40.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out of
View). SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-21.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.Engine Oil
If the ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL message appears in
the Driver Information Center (DIC), it means you
need to check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, seeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

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