steering wheel BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel, which
shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-36
for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
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The roof-mounted side impact airbag for the right front
passenger and the person seated directly behind
that passenger is in the ceiling above the side windows.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the airbag might not inate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant and an airbag,
and do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering. Never secure anything to the
roof of your vehicle by routing the rope or
tie-down through any door or window opening.
If you do, the path of an inating airbag will be
blocked. Do not let seat covers block the
ination path of a side impact airbag. The path
of an inating airbag must be kept clear.
1-58

What Makes an Airbag Inate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash.
The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the
inator, which inates the airbag. The inator, airbag and
related hardware are all part of the airbag modules
inside the steering wheel, instrument panel, the side
of the front seatbacks closest to the door and the ceiling
of the vehicle, near the side windows.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel
or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually.But the frontal airbags would not help you in many
types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and
many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s
motion is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags
would not help you in many types of collisions, including
many frontal or near frontal collisions, and rear impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and
then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe
side collisions for side impact airbags.
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What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates?
After the airbags inate, they quickly deate, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the airbags
inated. Some components of the airbag module — the
steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the instrument
panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the
seatback closest to the door for seat-mounted side
impact airbags, and the area along the ceiling of your
vehicle near the side windows for roof-mounted side
impact airbags — may be hot for a short time. The parts
of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and
dust coming from the vents in the deated airbags. Airbag
ination does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do
so. If you have breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an airbag inates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or a
door. If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you should
seek medical attention.
Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock
the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the airbags
inate (if battery power is available). You can lock the
doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using the
door lock and interior lamp controls. The hazard warning
ashers will also come on when the airbags deploy. If you
want to turn them off, press the hazard warning asher
button twice.
1-62

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Keep safety belts clean and
dry. SeeCare of Safety Belts on page 5-86for
more information.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the airbag
covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s
seatback, or the side impact airbag covering on
the ceiling near the side windows, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the
airbag module in the steering wheel, both the airbag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s airbag, the airbag module and
seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
seat-mounted side impact airbags, or side impact
airbag module and ceiling covering for the
roof-mounted side impact airbag. Do not open or
break the airbag coverings.
1-69

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature.B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of
the warning and indicator lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR OPEN when
the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in OFF,
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for more
information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have power to such accessories as the
power windows, clock, radio, and if the vehicle has
them, audio steering wheel controls and sunroof. The
power to the accessories can last up to 10 minutes. The
instrument panel cluster lights will stay on for a few
seconds, then will go out. Once you open a door, the
power will shut off. Your vehicle has a feature designed
to protect the battery against drainage. For more
information seeInadvertent Power Battery Saver on
page 3-18.
2-22

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on
the steering column.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
You or others could be injured. To be sure
your vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-29.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-36.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to fully apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
while the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into
the gear you want. SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on
page 2-30.
2-25

OnStar®Personal Calling
As an OnStar®subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability allows you to make hands-free calls using a
wireless system that is integrated into the vehicle.
Calls can be placed nationwide using simple voice
commands with no additional contracts and no additional
roaming charges. To nd out more about OnStar
®
Personal Calling, refer to the OnStar®User’s Guide in
the vehicle’s glove box, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, or speak with an OnStar
®advisor by
pressing the OnStar®button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature of
OnStar®Personal Calling that uses your minutes to
access weather, local traffic reports and sports updates.
By pressing the phone button and giving a few simple
voice commands, you can browse through the
various topics. Customize your information prole at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®user’s guide for
more information.
OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a Talk/Mute
button that can be used
to interact with OnStar
®.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-99
for more information.
When calling into voice mail systems or to dial directory
numbers, press the control, wait for the “number
please” response, say the number(s) to be dialed, wait
for the number(s) to be repeated and then say “dial.”
See the OnStar
®User’s Guide for more information.
2-39

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light..............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-43
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-43
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-44
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-44
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-47
Security Light...............................................3-48
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-48
Cruise Control Light......................................3-48
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-48
Fuel Gage...................................................3-49
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-50
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-56
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-65Audio System(s).............................................3-74
Setting the Time
(Without Date Display)...............................3-75
Setting the Time
(With Date Display)....................................3-76
Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-77
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-82
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-98
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-98
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-99
Radio Reception.........................................3-100
Care of Your CDs.......................................3-100
Care of the CD Player.................................3-101
Backglass Antenna......................................3-101
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-101
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons
(If Equipped). SeeDIC Controls and Displays
on page 3-50.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-34.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-74.
G. Exterior Lamp Buttons. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
H. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
I. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
J. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11.K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-28.
L. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-99.
M. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-23orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-26.
N. Traction Control/StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9andStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-10.
O. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-22.
P. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-25.
Q. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-21.
R. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-14.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
3-5