BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

Courtesy Lamps
If it is dark enough outside, when any door is opened,
several lamps go on. They make it easy for you to enter
and leave the vehicle. Turn these lamps on manually
by turning the instrument panel brightness control
completely clockwise.
Entry Lighting
If it is dark enough outside when you press the unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the
interior courtesy lamps will turn on and stay on for about
40 seconds. The lamps can be turned off immediately
by pressing the lock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, turning the ignition key to C (RUN) or
activating the power door locks.
Delayed Entry Lighting
The interior lamps will turn on if you open the door when it
is dark enough outside. When you close the door with
the ignition off, the interior lamps will stay on for up to
25 seconds or until the ignition is turned to an on position.
When the lamps turn off as a result of the 25 second
timer or the ignition switch being turned on, the lighting
will deactivate by way of the theater dimming effect.
Locking the doors will override the delayed entry lighting
feature and the lamps will turn off right away.
Theater Dimming
This feature allows for a three to ve-second fade out of
the courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn off.
Delayed Exit Lighting
If it is dark enough outside when you remove the key
from the ignition, the interior lamps will turn on and
stay on for about 25 seconds. This will give you time to
nd the door pull handle or lock switches. Once the
key is inserted into the ignition, the exit lighting will be
cancelled and the lighting will fade out.
Perimeter Lighting
If it is dark enough outside when the unlock button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the
DRL, parking lamps and back-up lamps will come on.
This feature can be programmed in the on for various
amounts of seconds or off mode for each transmitter.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-65for
information on programming.
3-17

Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps, located on the headliner, are
turned on or off by pressing one of the buttons
located near each lamp.
Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle at a
higher RPM setting than normal to make sure the
battery charges. High electrical loads may occur when
several of the following are on: headlamps, high beams,
rear window defogger, fan at high speed, heated
seats (if equipped), and engine cooling fans.
If your vehicle’s battery remains in a heavy discharge
condition for a long period of time, the fan, rear
defogger, heated seats, and heated mirrors will be
disabled and the DIC will display SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM. This can happen either under
long periods of idling or low speed driving with high
electrical loading, or in the event of a charging system
fault. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for more information.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s battery
against drainage from the interior lamps, or garage
door opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power
to these features will automatically turn off after
10 minutes. Power will be restored for an additional
10 minutes if any door is opened, the trunk is opened or
the courtesy lamp switch is turned on.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
If your vehicle is equipped, the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system is designed to help you park
while in REVERSE (R). It operates only at speeds less
than 5 mph (8 km/h). URPA helps make parking
easier and helps you avoid colliding with objects such
as parked vehicles. The URPA system detects
objects that are close to the rear of the vehicle which
are at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and
below hood or trunk level. The system detects objects
up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind your vehicle. URPA
determines how close these objects are from your
bumper within this area. Ultrasonic sensors on the rear
bumper are used to detect the distance to the object.
3-18

{CAUTION:
Even with the Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist
system, the driver must check carefully before
backing up. The system does not operate above
speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h). The system does not
detect objects more than 8 feet (2.5 meters)
behind the vehicle. Also, the system does not
detect objects that are below your bumper,
underneath your vehicle, or some objects very
close to the vehicle. The system is not designed
to detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or pets.
So, unless you check carefully behind your
vehicle while you are backing up, they could be
injured or killed.
Whether or not you are using rear park assist,
always check carefully behind your vehicle
before backing up and then watch closely
as you do.The display is located near
the rear window and can
be seen by looking
over your right shoulder.
The display has three color-coded lights. The URPA
lights are used to provide distance and system
information, along with beeps played out the speakers.
How the System Works
When the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R),
the rear display will briey illuminate to let you know
the display is operating correctly. URPA comes on
automatically when the shift lever is moved into
REVERSE (R). The system also does not work at a
reverse speed greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). To remind
you of this, the red light on the rear display will ash.
The system can be disabled using the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Controls and Displays on
page 3-50.
3-19

How the System Works when Backing
If the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), URPA detects
objects close to the rear bumper. The rst time an object
is detected a single beep will sound. If an object is
detected at a REVERSE (R) speed between 0 mph
(0 km/h) and 5 mph (8 km/h), the following describes
what will occur based on your distance to a detected
object located behind the vehicle:
At distances between 40 inches (1 m) and
8 ft (2.5 m), a single amber light will be lit.
At distances between 23 inches (0.6 m) and
40 inches (1 m), both amber lights will be lit.
At distances between 12 inches (0.3 m) and
23 inches (0.6 m), all three lights (amber/amber/red)
will be lit.
At distances less than 12 inches (0.3 m), a beeping
sound will repeat for a short time and all three lights
(amber/amber/red) will be lit and ashing.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
If the URPA system will not activate due to a temporary
condition, the message PARK ASSIST OFF will be
displayed on the DIC and a red light will be shown on the
rear URPA display when the shift lever is moved into
REVERSE (R). This occurs under the following conditions:
The driver disables the system. SeeDIC Controls
and Displays on page 3-50.
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle
or an object was hanging out of your trunk during
your last drive when you turned off the vehicle.
If the attached objects are removed from your
vehicle before the start of your next drive,
the system will return to normal operation unless
an object is detected when the vehicle is shifted into
REVERSE (R). If this occurs, URPA assumes the
object is still attached, so you will have to wait until
the vehicle is driven forward above 15 mph (25 km/h)
before URPA will return to normal operation.
3-20

The ultrasonic sensors are not kept clean. So, be
sure to keep your vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud,
dirt, snow, ice, and slush. For cleaning instructions,
seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-87. If the DIC
still displays the PARK ASSIST OFF message after
cleaning the bumper and driving forward at a speed
of at least 15 mph (25 km/h), see your dealer.
Other conditions that may affect system performance
include vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck or
other mechanical devices that interfere with URPA
performance.
When URPA is disabled without driver action and the
driver attempts to turn URPA back on using the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the PARK ASSIST
ON option will not be selectable if the necessary
conditions stated above for normal system operation
are not met.
As always, drivers should use care when backing up a
vehicle. Always look behind you, being sure to check
for other vehicles, obstructions and blind spots.
For Driver Information Center messages related to
URPA, seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
If the bumper is damaged, your URPA system may
not work properly. Take the vehicle to your dealer
to repair the system.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle has two power outlets. One is located next
to the ashtray and the other is located on the right
forward lower edge of the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may have a small cap that must be pulled
down to access the accessory power outlet. If it does,
when not using the outlet be sure to cover it with
the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible to
the accessory power outlets and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power outlets.
3-21

Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check
with your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Push down on the front center tray to reveal the front
ashtray, cigarette lighter, and accessory power outlet.
The ashtray can be removed for cleaning. Hold the sides
of the ashtray and then pull the ashtray up and out.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
To use the lighter, push the center all the way in and
let it go. When it is ready, the center will pop back
out by itself. Pull out the entire unit to use it.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
3-22

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system will automatically
cool the vehicle if the temperature is greater than
90°F (32°C) and heat the vehicle if the temperature is
below 37°F (3°C). If the temperature is between
37°F (3°C) and 90°F (32°C), the last control setting
selected when the engine was running will be used.
Normal operation and the last setting of the climate
control system will return after the ignition key is turned
to the C (RUN) position. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-6for more information.
Operation
(
(Off):Turn the left knob to this position to turn the
climate control system off.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan speed will be temporarily reduced between
the transition to a new mode. The fan will resume when
the new mode is complete.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air lter may
need to be replaced. For more information, see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-31and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to warm or cool the air coming
through the outlets.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This mode directs outside air to the
instrument panel outlets. If driving in city traffic, and the
vehicle is stopped and idling, or the weather is hot,
turn on the recirculation mode.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed to
the oor outlets.
3-23

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed toward the side
window outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
In this mode, the system will automatically use
outside air.
If recirculation is selected, it will stay on for three minutes
to reduce windshield fogging. The led will come on.
You can also select modes by using the following
buttons:
h(Recirculate):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more
quickly. An indicator light below the button will come on
in this mode. Operation in this mode during periods
of high humidity and cool outside temperatures
may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When this button is
pressed, an indicator light below the button will come on
to let you know the air conditioning is activated. Air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as the
fan knob is not in the off position. When in defrost
and defog the air-conditioning compressor will come on
automatically.On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent air mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the vehicle is a result of high humidity
causing moisture to condense on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear frost or fog
from the windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of condensation and to warm the vehicle’s
occupants. Use the defrost mode to remove frost or
condensation from the windshield quickly. Recirculation
cannot be selected when in these modes (the indicator
light will come on when pressed).
3-24

See “Rear Window Defogger” later in this section for
information on clearing the rear window of fog or ice.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets and half to the
oor outlets. When you select this mode, the system
turns recirculation off and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing. Pressing the recirculation button
will have no effect other than turning on the indicator
light while in defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets. When you select
this mode, the system turns recirculation off. Pressing the
recirculation button will have no effect other than turning
on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to turn
the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light
below the button will come on to let you know that the
rear window defogger is activated. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the rear window as possible.The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in run. The rear window defogger will stay on
for approximately 20 minutes after the button is
pressed if you are traveling at slower vehicle speeds.
At higher vehicle speeds, the rear defogger may stay on
continuously. If turned on again, the defogger will only
run for approximately 10 minutes before turning off.
The defogger can be turned off by pressing the button
again, by turning the ignition to B (ACCESSORY) or
C (RUN), or by turning off the engine.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,
the mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear window defogger
is on. SeeOutside Automatic Dimming Heated
Mirror on page 2-37for more information.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-25

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system will automatically
cool the vehicle if the temperature is greater than
90°F (32°C) and heat the vehicle if the temperature is
below 37°F (3°C). If the temperature is between
37°F (3°C) and 90°F (32°C), the last control setting
selected when the engine was running will be used.
Normal operation and the last setting of the climate
control system will return after the ignition key is turned
to the C (RUN) position. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-6for more information.
Automatic Operation
AUTO9(Automatic Fan):When this position is
selected on the fan control, the system will adjust the fan
speed. If the OnStar
®system is activated when this
position is selected, the fan speed will lower.
AUTO (Automatic Mode)
1. Turn the fan control to the AUTO position.
2. Turn the mode control to the AUTO position.
3. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting
between 68°F (21°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool
any faster. In cold weather, the system will start at
reduced fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air
into your vehicle until warmer air is available.
The system will start out blowing air at the oor but
may change modes automatically as the vehicle
warms up to maintain the chosen temperature
setting. The length of time needed to warm the
interior will depend on the outside temperature.
4. Wait a few minutes for the system to automatically
regulate. Then adjust the temperature as necessary
to nd your comfort setting.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of
the instrument panel, near the windshield. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
3-26