traction control BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-15
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-17
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-17
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Battery Load Management.............................3-18
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-21
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Climate Control System.................................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Trip Odometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-35
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-37
Charging System Light..................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-41
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

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

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, cruise control is turned off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system (if equipped) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When
road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you
may turn the cruise control back on.
The cruise control buttons
are located on left side of
the steering wheel.
T(On/Off):Press this button to turn cruise control
on and off. The indicator will be lit when cruise control
is on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press this button to
make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously
set speed.
SET–:Press this button to set the speed or make the
vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise control.
3-11

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light(s) will
come on when your engine
is started and may stay
on for several seconds.
That’s normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon
as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays
on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your vehicle
needs service. If the regular brake system warning
light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have
anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes
and there’s a problem with your regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-40.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN. This is
normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it xed so
it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This warning light should
come on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving
a SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message will
appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
This indicates that there may be a problem with your
traction control system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on and the SERVICE
TRACTION CONTROL message appears on the DIC,
the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
3-41

If the traction control system is manually turned off,
this light will come on and the TRACTION CONTROL
OFF message will appear on the DIC. When the system
is active, the light will ash while the system is limiting
wheel spin or assisting you in controlling the vehicle.
You may also feel or hear the system working. This is
normal.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for
more information.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light should
come on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.This light may come on after you rst start to drive and
the STABILITRAK NOT READY message will appear
in the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-10for more information.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you are driving
a SERVICE STABILITRAK message will appear in
the DIC. This indicates that there may be a problem with
the StabiliTrak
®system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message appears on the DIC, the
system will not assist you in controlling the vehicle.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the system is active, the light will ash while
the system is assisting you in controlling the vehicle.
You may also feel or hear the system working.
This is normal.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-56for more information.
3-42

SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message will display if there is a problem with the
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system.
Do not use this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 3-18for more
information. See your GM dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-11.
This message will display if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels
lighter, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message will
display if there has been a problem detected with
StabiliTrak
®. A warning light will also appear on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-41.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for more
information.If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message will display to indicate that the suspension
system is not operating properly. See your GM dealer
for service.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however,
you may want to take the vehicle to your GM dealer
before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+
on page 2-19for more information.
3-62

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the system is not functioning
properly. A warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-41. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
Have the traction control system serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the transaxle. See your GM dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message will display when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message will display when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering,
magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control
systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message may
display and the Traction Control System and
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light on the instrument panel
cluster may be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-10
for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message will display if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
immediately.
This message will only appear while the ignition is in RUN,
and will not disappear until the problem is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message will display if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18for more information.
3-63

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8
for more information.
TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM RESET
This message will display after the tire pressure system
has been reset. See “Reset Tire Pressure System”
underDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-50for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message will display when the TCS is turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it
to idle until it cools down. If the warning message
continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when the trunk is not closed
completely. You should make sure that the trunk is
closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-14.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message will display as a reminder to turn off the
turn signal if you drive your vehicle for more than
about 0.75 mile (1.2 km) with a turn signal on.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
This message displays and a chime sounds only when
the ignition is in RUN. The message will not disappear
until the turn signal is manually turned off, or a turn
is completed.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message will display when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of the windshield
washer reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-39for more information.
3-64

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, set up your
audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone, and adjusting the speakers. Then,
when driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
3-74

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
StabiliTrak
®System......................................4-10
Panic Brake Assist........................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17
City Driving..................................................4-19
Freeway Driving...........................................4-20
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-21
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-22
Winter Driving..............................................4-24
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-28
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-28
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-29
Towing..........................................................4-34
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-34
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-34
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-36
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1