climate control BUICK REGAL 2018 Owner's Guide

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Climate Controls 171
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following:
6:Air is directed to the floor
outlets, with some air to the
windshield and side windows.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
X: Clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield.
1MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield, the fan runs at a higher
speed, and the temperature of the
air is increased if not already at
maximum. This mode overrides the
previous mode selected and clears
fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the control is
pressed again, the system returns
to the previous mode setting and
fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
A/C (Air Conditioning) : Touch A/C
on the climate control display to
cycle between the MAX, ECO, and OFF modes. The MAX, ECO,
or OFF indicator will appear on the
display. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run and the
indicator light will turn off.
Touch AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner
runs automatically as needed. The
A/C will return to ECO a/c operation.
For MAX a/c, touch A/C.
For ECO a/c, touch A/C again. This
setting balances fuel economy and
air conditioning comfort. This setting
allows higher humidity inside the
vehicle, and window fogging may
occur before the engine restarts.
@:
Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle or to reduce the
entry of outside air and odors.
If selected during cool or cold
weather, the windshield and
windows may fog. Turn off
recirculation to help clear the
windshield and windows. Auto Defog :
If equipped, the
climate control system may have a
sensor to automatically detect high
humidity inside the vehicle. When
high humidity is detected, the
climate control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. The fan speed may
slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0150.
Ionizer : If equipped with an ionizer,
this feature helps to clean the air
inside the vehicle and remove
contaminants such as pollen, odors,
and dust. If the climate control
system is on and the ionizer is
enabled, the ionizer status indicator
will be lit on the climate control
display. To turn the ionizer on or off,
see “Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0150.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
172 Climate Controls
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the control comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the engine is running.
It turns off when the ignition is
turned off or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0150.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected,
the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the interior
temperature is cold and the outside
temperature is about 4 °C (40 °F)
and below. The auto rear defogger
turns off automatically after about
10 minutes, or after five minutes if
the outside temperature is not
as cold.
The upper gridlines on the rear
window are antenna lines and are
not intended to heat when the
defogger is activated. The heated outside mirrors turn on
when the rear window defogger
control is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror.
See
Heated Mirrors 053.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
LorM:If equipped, pressLorMto heat the driver or passenger seat.
{orC:If equipped, press{orCto ventilate the driver or
passenger seat. See Heated and
Ventilated Seats 015. Remote Start Climate Control
Operation :
If equipped with remote
start, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. If equipped with heated or
ventilated seats, they may come on
during a remote start.
See Remote Vehicle Start 036 and
Heated and Ventilated Seats 015.
Sensors
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
Do not cover the solar sensor or the
system will not work properly.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Climate Controls 173
Air Vents
Use the slider knob on the air vent
louvers to change the amount and
direction of the airflow.
To close the outboard air vents,
move the slider knob to the full
outboard position.
To close the center air vents, move
the slide knob to the full inboard
position.
To close the rear passenger air
vents, move the slider knob to the
full inboard position.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle. .
Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle.
. Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
. Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See Maintenance Schedule 0332
for replacement intervals. For more
information, see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
174 Climate Controls
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
176 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information(Hatchback Models) . . . . . . . . . 231
General Towing Information (Station Wagon Models) . . . . . 231
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
182 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0193.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 201.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
232 Driving and Operating
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0196.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Parking Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB) If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
.
Forward Automatic Braking
System (FAB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer: . Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0193.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
292 Vehicle Care
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
374 Index
Child Restraints (cont'd)Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 106
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 353
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296, 302
Connections OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 130
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 206
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 349 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Customer Information Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 355
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 353
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2 Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 359
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 358
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 345
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 197, 261
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 213
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 217
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Index 375
Driving (cont'd)Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 28
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 180
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 182
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 198
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 135
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 244
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 194
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 358
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 159 Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 160
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 162
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 250
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 219
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140