towing BUICK LUCERNE 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (30,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers
are seeing the signal when they are not. It is important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 9.6 km (6 miles). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transmission
to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear beforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle's speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑35.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on
a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
5-30

Black plate (31,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
.start the engine,
.shift into a gear, and
.release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See Scheduled Maintenanceon page 7‑3for
more information. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake system. It is
a good idea to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 6‑35.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer, be
sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
5-31

Black plate (37,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the temperature overheat gauge is no longer in
the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
is displayed, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in
power and engine performance. This operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be
avoided. Notice:
After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil
on
page 6‑18.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment
Overviewon page 6‑14for information on the
location of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-37

Black plate (5,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control function
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑6.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑6.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
.If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit, check the sealant expiration date printed on
the instruction label of the kit. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 6‑80.
.Underbody flushing service.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass Support Gas Strut
Service: Visually inspect gas strut, if equipped, for
signs of wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the gas strut. Contact your
dealer if service is required.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
More frequent replacement may be needed if
you drive in areas with heavy traffic, areas with
poor air quality, or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if you notice
reduced air flow, windows fogging up, or odors.
Your dealer can help you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑23.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used
for taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check
all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition. Check that the
purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly.
7-5

Black plate (8,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
.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 to change a flat tire
with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inflated.
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 to jump start a dead
battery.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.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 Specific 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 Benefits and Assistance: Must
be over 250 kilometers 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.
8-8

Black plate (12,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are significant 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 ensure that 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 ensures 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
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 the vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.Give only the necessary information to police and other
parties involved in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance
Program on page 8‑7.
Gather the following information:
.Driver's name, address, and telephone number
.Driver's license number
.Owner's name, address, and telephone number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the other
vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility that uses quality
replacement parts. See “Collision Parts”earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates? on page 2‑62.
8-12

Black plate (10,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . .6-4
Perimeter Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
PhoneBluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-107
Lumbar Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column . . . . . . . . 4-4
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16 Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
R
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-69
Radios Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-97
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Rearview Mirrors
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-89
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
i - 10

Black plate (13,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Theater Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Tilt Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Time, Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-88
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-105
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-97
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78
Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70
Installing the Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-90
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-66
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Removing the Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-89
Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-80, 6-87 Tires (cont.)
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-96
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-75
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Towing
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Control System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Transmission Operation, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
i - 13