BUICK LUCERNE 2009 Owner's Manual

Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a
an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-46.
Console Shift
If the console shifter cannot be moved out of P (Park)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-21for more information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If the shifter cannot be moved out of P (Park)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-21for more information.
3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral)
position.
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts
under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over
papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
2-31

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
2-32

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For more information,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-32.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-28.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-25.
2-33

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with OnStar®and/or a compass display.
Vehicles with OnStar have three control buttons located
at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer/retailer for
more information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar. SeeOnStar
®System on page 2-46for more
information about the services OnStar provides.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a
soft towel dampened with water.
Compass
Compass Operation
There is a compass display in the upper right corner of
the mirror.
Press
Oto turn the compass display on or off.
Compass Calibration
Press and holdOto activate the compass calibration
mode. CAL displays in the compass window on the
mirror.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
If after a few seconds the display does not show a
compass direction, (N for North for example), there may
be a strong magnetic eld interfering with the compass.
Interference can be caused by a magnetic antenna
mount, note pad holder, or similar object. If CAL displays
in the compass window, the compass may need to be
reset or calibrated.
2-34

Compass Variance
The compass is set to zone eight. If you do not live
in zone eight or drive out of the area, the compass
variance needs to be changed to the appropriate zone.
To adjust for compass variance:
1. Find your current location and variance zone number
on the following zone map.
2. Press and hold
Ountil the zone number displays.
The number shown is the current zone number.
3. Once the zone number displays, press
Orepeatedly
until the correct zone number displays. Stop pressing
the button and the mirror returns to normal operation.
If CAL appears in the compass window, the compass
may need calibration. See “Compass Calibration”
listed previously.
2-35

Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver’s door
armrest.
To adjust the mirror:
1. Press the left or right side of the selector switch
located beneath the control pad to choose the
driver’s or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror to see a little of your
vehicle, and the area behind your vehicle.Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, push
the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return to its original position.
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has this feature, the driver’s side mirror
adjusts for the glare of headlamps behind you.
This feature is controlled by the on and off settings on
the automatic dimming rearview mirror. SeeAutomatic
Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 2-34for more
information.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on the
mirror. An arrow on the outside rearview mirror ashes
in the direction of the turn or lane change. SeeTurn and
Lane-Change Signals on page 3-8for more information.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, seeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-40.
2-36

Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has memory mirrors, the outside mirrors
have park tilt mirrors. This feature tilts the driver’s side
and passenger side mirror to a factory programmed
position when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This feature
may be useful in allowing you to view the curb when you
are parallel parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse) and
either a ve second delay has occurred, or the ignition
is turned to LOCK/OFF, the driver’s and passenger
side mirrors return to their original position.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-66for more
information.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with this feature:
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to heat the
mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate
Control System on page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24for more information.
2-37

Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
For vehicles with the URPA system, it operates at
speeds less than 5mph (8 km/h), and assists the driver
with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse).
The sensors on the rear bumper are used to detect
the distance to an object up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind
the vehicle, and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off
the ground.
{CAUTION:
The Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
system does not replace driver vision. It cannot
detect:
objects that are below the bumper,
underneath the vehicle, or if they are
too close or far from the vehicle
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If you do not use proper care before and while
backing; vehicle damage, injury, or death could
occur. Even with URPA, always check behind the
vehicle before backing up. While backing, be sure
to look for objects and check the vehicle’s mirrors.
The display is located on
the rear shelf, below the
rear window, and can
be seen by looking over
your right shoulder.
URPA uses three color-coded lights to provide distance
and system information.
2-38

How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically when the shift lever is
moved into R (Reverse). The rear display briey
illuminates to indicate the system is working.
URPA operates only at speeds less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
If the vehicle is above this speed, the red light on the rear
display will ash.
To be detected, objects must be at least 10 inches
(25.4 cm) off the ground and below trunk level. Objects
must also be within 8 feet (2.5 m) from the rear bumper.
This distance may be less during warmer or humid
weather.
A single beep will sound the rst time an object is
detected between 23 inches (0.5 m) and 8 feet
(2.6 m) away. Beeping will occur for a short time
when the vehicle is closer than 1 foot (0.3 m) from
the object.The following describes what will occur with the URPA
display as the vehicle gets closer to a detected object:
Description English Metric
amber light 8 ft 2.5 m
amber/amber lights 40 in 1.0 m
amber/amber/red lights 23 in 0.6 m
amber/amber/red lights
ashing and beep for
ve seconds1 ft 0.3 m
The system can be disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “Park Assist” under
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49for more
information.
2-39

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
R (Reverse). This occurs under the following conditions:
The driver disables the system.
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the
vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and
slush. For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your
Vehicle on page 5-96.
A trailer was attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was hanging out of the trunk during the last
drive cycle, the red light may illuminate in the rear
display. Once the attached object is removed, URPA
will return to normal operation.
A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled after driving forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h), take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have a Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system. Read this entire section before using the system.
The SBZA system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Frequency of operation: 24.05GHz – 24.25GHz
Field Strength: Not greater than 2.5V/m peak
(0.25V/m average) at a distance of 3m
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modications to
this equipment. Such modications could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
2-40