power steering BUICK LUCERNE 2008 Owner's Manual

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle can be used
for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off.
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel (if equipped)
Clock
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories works up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.The instrument panel cluster lights stay on for a few
seconds, then will go out. Once the driver’s door
is opened, the power shuts off to these accessories.
Your vehicle has a feature designed to protect the
battery against drainage. For more information
seeInadvertent Power Battery Saver on page 3-19and
Electric Power Management on page 3-19.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this is a
safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-15
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Fog Lamps..................................................3-17
Cornering Lamps..........................................3-17
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Theater Dimming..........................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-18
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
.............................3-20
Ashtray(s)....................................................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Trip Odometer..............................................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-34
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (If
Equipped). SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-49.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-33.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-75.
G. Exterior Lamp Buttons. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
H. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-13.
I. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Lane Departure Warning Button. SeeLane
Departure Warning on page 2-44.L. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-12.
Heated Steering Wheel Button (If Equipped).
SeeHeated Steering Wheel on page 3-7.
M. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
N. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-95.
O. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-24.
P. Traction Control/StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-5andStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-6.
Q. Front Storage Area. SeeFront Storage Area on
page 2-56.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-25.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-56.
3-5

Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column
If your vehicle has this
feature, the power tilt
wheel control is located on
the left side of the
steering column.
To operate the power tilt feature, push the control up
and the steering wheel tilts up. Push the control
down and the steering wheel goes down.
Push the control forward and the steering wheel moves
toward the front of the vehicle. Push the control
rearward and the steering wheel moves toward the rear
of the vehicle.
Heated Steering Wheel
Your vehicle may have a heated steering wheel.
The button with this
symbol is located on the
left side of the steering
wheel.
Press the button to turn the heated steering wheel on or
off. A light on the button will display when the feature
is turned on.
The steering wheel will take about three minutes to start
heating.
3-7

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
GTurn and Lane-Change Signals. SeeTurn and
Lane-Change Signals on page 3-8.
23Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer. See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9.
Flash-To-Pass Feature. SeeFlash-to-Pass
on page 3-9.
NWindshield Wipers. SeeWindshield Wipers on
page 3-9.
LWindshield Washer. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-11.
_Heated Washer Fluid. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-11.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
To signal a turn, move the lever on the left side of the
steering wheel all the way up or down. The lever returns
automatically when the turn is complete.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will ash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
You may also have an arrow in the outside mirror that
ashes when the turn signal is used. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 2-37for more information.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to ash to
signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane
change is complete. If you momentarily press and
release the lever, the turn signal will ash three times.
If the arrows ash very fast as you signal a turn or
a lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and
other drivers will not see your turn signal. If a bulb
is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident.
If the arrows do not go on at all when you signal a turn,
check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-105.
3-8

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. The brake system warning light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster when this message
appears on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-39.
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) system, this message may display to indicate
that the LDW system is not working properly. If
this message remains on after continued driving, the
system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeLane Departure Warning on page 2-44for more
information.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays 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 2-39for more information. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-7.
This message displays 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 SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and this message displays, both SBZA displays
will remain on indicating there is a problem with the
SBZA system. If these displays remain on after
continued driving, the system needs service. See your
dealer/retailer. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert on page 2-41
for more information.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays if
there has been a problem detected with StabiliTrak®.
A warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-40. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-6for more information.
3-62

EASY EXIT SEAT
If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the automatic easy exit seat feature.
SeeMemory Seat and Mirrors on page 1-6for more
information.
Press the customization button until EASY EXIT SEAT
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature. Then
press the customization button to scroll through the
following settings:
OFF (default):No automatic seat exit recall will occur.
ON:The driver’s seat will move back, and if the
vehicle has the power tilt wheel and telescopic steering
feature, the power steering column will move up and
forward when the key is removed from the ignition.
The automatic easy exit seat movement will only occur
one time after the key is removed from the ignition.
If the automatic movement has already occurred, and
you put the key back in the ignition and remove it again,
the seat and steering column will stay in the original
exit position, unless a memory recall took place prior to
removing the key again.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
MEMORY SEAT RECALL
If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the remote memory seat recall
feature. SeeMemory Seat and Mirrors on page 1-6for
more information.
Press the customization button until MEMORY SEAT
RECALL appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following settings:
OFF (default):No remote memory seat recall will occur.
ON:The driver’s seat and outside mirrors will
automatically move to the stored driving position when
the unlock button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter is pressed. The steering column will
also move on vehicles with the power tilt and telescopic
steering feature. SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column on page 3-7for more information.
See “Relearn Remote Key” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-49for more information on matching
transmitters to driver ID numbers.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-72

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read
the pages following to familiarize yourself with its
features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with 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. 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/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to do
it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere
with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22for more
information.
3-75

ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear
the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system works
the front brakes and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to limit
wheel spin.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®warning
light will ash when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-40for more information. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12for more information.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message, the
traction control system warning light and the StabiliTrak
®
warning light will come on to let you know if there is a
problem with the traction control system. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
4-5

The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be displayed
and the traction control system and StabiliTrak®warning
light on the instrument panel cluster will come on if there
is a problem with the system. When this light and the
SERVICE STABILITRAK message are on, the system is
not operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Panic Brake Assist
Your vehicle may have a panic brake assist system that
monitors the intention of the driver while braking. If
the system senses that the driver has applied hard/fast
pressure to the brake pedal, the system will generate
additional pressure, making it easier for the driver
to maintain brake application. When this happens the
brake pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let the system work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice
some noise but this is normal. The brakes will return to
normal operation after the brake pedal has been
released.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-6.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
4-7