warning light BUICK LUCERNE 2007 Owner's Guide

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service is required for
the vehicle. See your dealer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 337andScheduled Maintenance on
page 442for more information.
Acknowledging the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
That must be done at the OIL LIFE screen
under the vehicle information menu. See “Oil Life”
underDIC Controls and Displays on page 212
andEngine Oil Life System on page 340.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the tire pressure in
one of the tires needs to be checked. This message
also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT
REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs
to be checked. You can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the same
time, press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you
can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information Label.SeeTires on page 385,Loading Your Vehicle
on page 307, andInation - Tire Pressure on
page 392. The DIC display also shows the tire
pressure values for the front and rear tires by
pressing the vehicle information button. SeeDIC
Controls and Displays on page 212. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 205.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the driver’s door is
not closed properly. When this message appears,
make sure that the driver’s door is closed
completely.
ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor is automatically
turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to
normal, the A/C operation automatically resumes.
You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this
message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer as soon as possible to
avoid compressor damage.
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OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine oil pressure is low, severe engine
damage may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See
Engine Oil on page 337for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also
appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 209.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage
can result from driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible when this message
is displayed.
PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has this feature, after the vehicle has
been started, this message will reminder the driver
that the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
system has been turned off. Press the set/reset
button to acknowledge this message and clear it
from the DIC display. To turn the URPA system
back on, see “Park Assist” underDIC Controls and
Displays on page 212. SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 178for more information.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the front passenger’s
door is not closed properly. When this message
appears, make sure that the front passenger’s
door is closed completely.
RAINSENSE WIPERS ACTIVE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays while the Rainsense™ system is active.
SeeRainsense™ II Wipers on page 165for
more information.
225

SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and
the anti-lock brake system warning light may also
be displayed on the instrument panel cluster. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 201and
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 202
for more information. If this happens, stop as soon
as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC
display. If the message is displayed or appears
again when you begin driving, the brake system
needs service. See your dealer as soon as
possible. SeeBrakes on page 367for more
information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays if the ignition is on to
inform the driver that the brake uid level is low.
Have the brake system serviced by your dealer as
soon as possible. The brake system warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster
when this message appears on the DIC. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 201.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays if there is a problem with the Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do not
use this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 178for more
information. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist
steering system. SeeSteering on page 285.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle decreases or
feels lighter, but you will still be able to steer the
vehicle.
227

SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message
displays if there has been a problem detected with
StabiliTrak
®. A warning light also appears on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 202. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 284for more
information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off
and then back on. If this message still stays on or
turns back on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the StabiliTrak
®
System inspected by your dealer as soon as
possible.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message displays to indicate that the
suspension system is not operating properly.
See your dealer for service.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem
with the theft-deterrent system programmed in the
key. A fault has been detected in the system which
means that the system is disabled and it is not
protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts;
however, you may want to take the vehicle to
your dealer before turning off the engine. See
PASS-Key
®III+ on page 111for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning
comes on in about 20 minutes. A sensor would be
missing, for example, if you put different wheels on
your vehicle without transferring the sensors. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPM. See your dealer.
228

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is not functioning properly. A warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 202. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 283for more information. Have the TCS
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem
with the transaxle. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions
related malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist
steering, magnetic ride control, or automatic
leveling control systems. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message may
display and the Traction Control System and
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light on the instrument panel
cluster may be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until
the light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 284for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled due to the electronic throttle control
system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
RUN, and will not disappear until the problem
is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
229

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your
vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the
brakes, the steering, and the accelerator. All
three systems have to do their work at the places
where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 283.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 325.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 201.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part.
So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at
60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by
heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have
time to cool between hard stops. The brakes
will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and
allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 325.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system
that will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you may even notice that
your brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning
Light on page 202.
281

Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may
hear the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power (by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark) to limit wheel spin.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®
warning light will ash when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 202for
more information. You may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to safely use
it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 167for more
information.
283

The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message,
the traction control system warning light and
the StabiliTrak
®warning light will come on to let
you know if there is a problem with the traction
control system. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 221.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL message are on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically
comes on whenever you start your vehicle.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the system
on. But you can turn the traction control system off
if you ever need to.
You can turn the system on or off at any time by
pressing the traction control system button located
on the console. The DIC will display TRACTION
CONTROL OFF when you press the button.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 325for more information.
StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle may have this feature. The
StabiliTrak®system is an advanced computer
controlled system that helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This is accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes and
reducing engine power. The StabiliTrak
®system
comes on automatically whenever you start
your vehicle. The system cannot be turned off.
The STABILITRAK NOT READY message may be
displayed in the DIC and the traction control system
and StabiliTrak
®warning light on the instrument
panel cluster will be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is off until the light has
turned off. This could take up to 15 minutes.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®
warning light on the instrument panel cluster will
ash when the system is operating. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 202,
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light on page 203andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 221for more
information. You may also feel or hear the system
working. This is normal.
284

The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be
displayed and the traction control system
and StabiliTrak
®warning light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on if there is a problem with
the system. When this light and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Panic Brake Assist
Your vehicle may have a panic brake assist system
that monitors the intention of the driver while
braking. If the system senses that the driver has
applied hard/fast pressure to the brake pedal, the
system will generate additional pressure, making it
easier for the driver to maintain brake application.
When this happens the brake pedal will feel easier
to push. Just hold the brake pedal down rmly and
let the system work for you. You may feel the
brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise but
this is normal. The brakes will return to normal
operation after the brake pedal has been released.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning,
you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable
speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
285