tow BUICK LUCERNE 2009 Workshop Manual

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys,
etc., can damage the vehicle’s nish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or
caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed
to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer uid or
a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are worn
or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
5-97

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for conditions such
as ice and dust. Always wash the vehicle’s chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Notice:Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the warranty. Use
only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could damage the surface.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice:Driving the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes, could damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
5-98

Rear Underseat Fuse Block
The rear fuse block is located under the rear seat on
the driver side. The rear seat cushion must be removed
to access the rear fuse block.
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
Notice:If you touch the exposed wires with the
metal on the seat cushion, you could cause a short
that could damage the battery and or wires. Avoid
contact between the rear seat and the fuse center
whenever you remove or reinstall the rear seat.
Do not remove covers from any of the covered parts,
and do not store anything under the seats.To remove the rear seat cushion, do the following:
1. Pull up on the front of the cushion to release the
front hooks.
2. Pull the cushion up and out toward the front of the
vehicle.
To access the fuse block, pull out and lift up on the
cover latch, located at the end of the fuse block, near
the battery cable.
5-104

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-74.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to
a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant (4.6L Engine)
on page 5-28 or Engine Coolant (3.9L Engine) on
page 5-32 for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes rst.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered.
In Canada, a person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Buick and General Motors of Canada
Limited reserve the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Buick and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner
or driver if they decide the claims are made too often,
or the same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock
the vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock
may be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway:Tow to the nearest Buick dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash
and cannot be driven. Assistance is also given when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inated.
It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain warranty
period. Items considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
7-8

Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
There is a six request limit per year. Additional
travel information is also available. Allow
three weeks for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:Must
be over 250 kilometres from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization
has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and explain how to
receive payment.
Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistance
advisor may give you permission to get local
emergency road service. You will receive payment,
up to $100, after sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and labor for
repairs not covered by the warranty are the owner
responsibility.
7-9

Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are signicant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide reduced protection to
your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage
repairs by using aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend that
you assure your vehicle will be repaired with GM original
equipment collision parts. If such insurance coverage
is not available from your current insurance carrier,
consider switching to another insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged
at the end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you
are uninjured, make sure that no one else in
your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until
all matters have been taken care of. Move your
vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or
you are instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash. This will
help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
7-13

Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of
the damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states/provinces
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its repair.
If you have a pre-determined repair facility of choice, take
your vehicle there, or have it towed there. Specify to the
facility that any required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new Genuine GM parts
or recycled original GM parts. Remember, recycled parts
will not be covered by your GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may initially value the repair
using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember
if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have
the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your
insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with
that company. In such cases, you can have control of
the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
7-14

Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-101
Inadvertent Battery Saver.............................3-19
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-5
Retained Accessory.....................................2-22
Seat ............................................................ 1-5
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column....... 3-7
Windows....................................................2-16
Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-17
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar .......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-18
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-35
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-18
Radio(s)........................................................3-78
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual...................................................3-93
Reception.................................................3-105
Setting the Clock.........................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-104
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-10Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-57
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-34
Rearview Mirror with Compass and
Temperature...............................................1-12
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-24
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-8
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-84
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-83
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-57
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-13
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-75
Retained Accessory Power...............................2-22
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-18
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-14
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-33
10

Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-24
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-25
Your Vehicle...............................................4-23
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-7
Control System Warning Light.......................3-40
Stabilitrak
®System........................................ 4-6
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-25
Trip Odometer................................................3-34
Trunk............................................................2-13
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-38
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-76
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-50
Operation...................................................2-50
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-18
Running While Parked..................................2-33
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-66
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-17
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-100
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-100
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-8
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Visors...........................................................2-17
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