warning light BUICK LUCERNE 2009 Owner's Guide

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure light, this light
comes on briey when
the engine is started and
provides information about
tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as
it is safe to do so. If a tire is underinated, inate
to the proper pressure. SeeTires on page 5-59
for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about
a minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-67
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
3-43

Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in
the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side of the
vehicle the fuel door is on.The gage works only when the ignition is on. When the
indicator moves to the edge of the low fuel warning band,
the low fuel warning light comes on and a chime sounds.
The vehicle still has a little fuel left, but the vehicles fuel
tank should be lled soon.
Here are some things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gage:
At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes more (or less) fuel to ll up than the gage
indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated
half full, but it took more (or less) than half the tank’s
capacity to ll it.
The gage moves up a little while turning a corner,
speeding up or making a hard stop.
The gage does not go back to empty when the
ignition is turned off. United States
Canada
3-48

To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass, check that the
compass zone is set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located. See “Compass
Variance (Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section.
Do not operate any switches such as window,
sunroof, climate controls, seats, etc. during
the calibration procedure.
2. Press the vehicle information button until
PRESS
VTO CALIBRATE COMPASS displays.
3. Press the set/reset button to start the compass
calibration.
4. The DIC will display CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in tight circles at less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the calibration.
The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE
for a few seconds when the calibration is complete.
The DIC display will then return to PRESS
VTO
CALIBRATE COMPASS.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. Multiple messages may appear one after
another. Some messages may not require immediate
action, but you can press the set/reset button to
acknowledge that you received the message and clear
it from the DIC display. Pressing any of the DIC buttons
also acknowledges and clears any messages. Some
messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display
because they are more urgent. These messages require
action before they can be cleared. You should take any
messages that appear on the display seriously and
remember that clearing the messages will only make
the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information about them.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-15for
more information.
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AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-15for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the
charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service is required for
the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-17andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
Acknowledging the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
That must be done at the OIL LIFE screen under the
vehicle information menu. See “Oil Life” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-49andEngine Oil
Life System on page 5-20.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to
be checked. This message also displays LEFT FRONT,
RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to
indicate which tire needs to be checked. You can receive
more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read
the other messages that may have been sent at the
same time, press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can.
Have the tire pressures checked and set to those shown
on the Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on
page 5-59,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-18, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-49. If the tire pressure is low,
the low tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-43.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the driver door is not
closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
3-57

OIL LEVEL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message displays when the
vehicle’s engine oil is low. Fill the oil to the proper level as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for the engine oil ll location. Also, seeEngine
Oil on page 5-17for information on the kind of oil to use
and the proper oil level.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure
Light on page 3-46.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has this feature, after the vehicle has
been started, this message will reminder the driver
that the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system
has been turned off. Press the set/reset button to
acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC
display. To turn the URPA system back on, see “Park
Assist” underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-38
for more information.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the front passenger door
is not closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
RAINSENSE WIPERS ACTIVE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays while the Rainsense™ system is active.
SeeRainsense™ II Wipers on page 3-10for more
information.
3-60

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays while you are matching a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49
for more information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the battery in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery, see “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed properly. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop
in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-36for more information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the 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
dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and
the antilock brake system warning light may also be
displayed on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-38andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-39for 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 dealer/retailer as
soon as possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-40for more
information.
3-61

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 3-38.
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 (LDW) 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 2-38for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-8.
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 (SBZA) on
page 2-40for more information.
3-62

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 4-6
for 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 dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message displays to indicate that the suspension
system is not operating properly. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays 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 dealer/retailer before turning off
the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
on page 2-18for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also ashes
and then remains on during the same ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-43. Several conditions
may cause this message to appear. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-69for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be
a problem with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is not functioning properly. A warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 3-40. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-7for more information. Have the TCS serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
3-63

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 2-40andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49
for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYS. UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be
blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.
It may also come on when driving in isolated areas with
no guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic. Your
vehicle does not need service. For cleaning instructions,
seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-96. SeeSide Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-40for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays 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 dealer/retailer.
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 4-6for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17for more information.
3-64

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with
the traffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect vehicle’ performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
4-4