air condition BUICK LUCERNE 2006 Owner's Manual

In many crashes severe enough to inate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for your
airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include airbag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information after a
crash. SeeVehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders on page 7-9.
Let only qualied technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly. See your dealer
for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
The passenger airbag status indicator on the overhead
console will be visible when you turn your ignition
key to RUN or START. The words ON and OFF or
the symbol for on and off, will be visible during
the system check. When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the
symbol for on or the symbol for off will be visible.
SeePassenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-37.
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s
airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system.United States
Canada
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Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems, rear window defogger, and
heated seats. SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4and
Heated and Cooled Seats on page 1-5for additional
information. When the remote start system is active, the
climate control system will heat and cool the inside of
the vehicle based on the outside temperature. The rear
window defogger will be turned on by the climate
control system when it is heating the inside of the
vehicle. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may also
turn on. Cooled seats are not activated during a
remote start. Normal operation of the system will return
after the key is turned to the RUN position.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using the remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has remote start, the keyless entry
transmitter provides, an increased range of operation.
However, the range may be less while the vehicle
is running. As a result, you may need to be closer to
your vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-5for additional information.
/(Remote Start):Press and release the lock button
and then press and hold the remote start button to
start the vehicle.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the turn signal lights
ash or if the vehicle’s lights are not visible, press
and hold the remote start button for at least
four seconds. The vehicle’s doors will lock. Pressing
the remote start button again after the vehicle
has started will turn off the ignition.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
4. If it is your rst remote start since last driving,
repeat these steps while the engine is still
running for a 10 minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended one time.
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OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and live advisors
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services. If your airbags
deploy, the system is designed to make an automatic call
to OnStar
®Emergency where we can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you lock your keys in
the car, call OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can
send a signal to unlock your doors. If you need roadside
assistance, press the OnStar
®button and they will get
you the help you need.
A complete OnStar
®User’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca. Contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
to an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca.
OnStar®Services
The OnStar®Directions and Connections Plan is
included on new vehicles for the rst year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the
rst year to meet your needs. For more information,
press the OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Directions and Connections Plan

Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
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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.
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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).
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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.
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After your vehicle is started, the display will show the
interior temperature settings.
When the ENG/MET (English/metric) button on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) is pressed, the display
will show readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Use the
ENG/MET button to toggle between them.
AUTO
#(Automatic Air Conditioning):If the
AUTO position is selected on the fan or mode control,
the system will automatically control the air conditioning
compressor. The A/C compressor will run automatically
even at cool outside temperatures in order to
dehumidify the air. The A/C indicator light will be lit
when the system is operating automatically, even
at near freezing outside temperatures. Press the
A/C button on the fan control to turn off the A/C.
For improved window clearing performance in defog or
defrost modes, the A/C compressor will run
automatically in damp cool conditions.
h(Auto Recirculation):If the AUTO position is
selected on either the fan or mode control, the system
will automatically control the air inlet to supply fresh
outside air or recirculate the interior air to cool the car
faster. The indicator light on the recirculation button
will light whenever the system switches to recirculation.
You may force outside air by pressing the button
when the light is lit. The next time AUTO fan or mode is
selected, the air inlet will reset back to AUTO operation.
Manual Operation
9(Fan):Turn the left knob either to the left or right to
adjust the fan speed. Turning this control completely
counterclockwise will turn on the automatic fan operation.
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.
9(Off):Turn the left control to this position to turn the
entire climate control system off.
To change the current mode, select one of the following
positions using the right control:
F(Vent):Turn the control to this mode to direct air to
the instrument panel outlets.
*(Bi-Level):Turn the control to this mode to direct
approximately half of the air to the instrument panel
outlets and most of the remaining air to the oor outlets.
In automatic operation, cooler air is directed to the
upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
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7(Floor):Turn the control to this mode to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to
the side window outlets and the windshield.
The mode control can also be used to select the
oor/defog mode. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.
?(Recirculation):Press this button to keep outside
air from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering your vehicle
or to help cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
When the button is pressed, an indicator light will
come on.
«ª(Driver’s Temperature Controls):Press these
buttons next to the fan control to manually increase
or decrease the temperature inside your vehicle.
«ª(Passenger’s Temperature Controls):Press
these buttons next to the mode control to manually
increase or decrease the temperature for the front
passenger. If the passenger’s climate control system is
off, pressing one of these buttons will turn it on.PASS (Passenger’s Climate Control):Press this
button to turn the passenger’s climate control systems
on or off.
If the PASS button is pressed to turn the passenger
temperature setting off, the driver’s temperature setting
will control the temperature for the entire vehicle.
:(Outside Air):This mode allows outside air to
enter the vehicle. It can be used to prevent the
inside from becoming too dry. Press this button to turn
outside air on. Pressing the recirculation button will
cancel this mode. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light will turn on.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to override
the automatic system and turn the air conditioning
system on or off. When in AUTO, the air conditioning
compressor will come on automatically, as necessary.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may notice a small amount of water
dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or after
turning off the engine. This is normal.
3-28

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog from
your windshield, defog and defrost.
W(Floor/Defog):Use this mode to clear the windows
of fog or moisture and to warm the passengers.
Turning the control to this mode directs approximately
half of the air to the oor outlets and the remaining air
is directed to the side window outlets and to the
windshield. When you select this mode, the system
turns off recirculation and runs the air-conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the oor/defog mode.
0(Defrost):Use this mode to remove fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly. Turning the control to
this mode directs most of the air to the windshield
and the side window outlets. In this mode, the system
will automatically turn off recirculation and run the
air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation cannot
be selected while in the defrost mode. Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
<(Rear 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 C (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 window 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.
The heated outside rearview 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 a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
3-30

Tire Pressure Light
This light should come on
briey as you start the
engine. It will then come on
only when a at or low
tire pressure condition
exists.
SeeCheck Tire Pressure System on page 5-63for
more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for thelife of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The check engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that
may not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
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