ect BUICK LUCERNE 2009 Manual Online

Rainsense™ II Wipers
If the vehicle has this feature, the moisture sensor is
mounted on the interior of the windshield beside the
rearview mirror and is used to automatically operate the
wipers. This system operates by monitoring the amount
of moisture build-up on the windshield. Wipes occur as
needed to clear the windshield depending on the driving
conditions and the sensitivity setting. In light rain or snow,
fewer wipes will occur. In heavy rain or snow, wipes will
occur more frequently. The system operates in the delay
mode. If the system is left on for long periods of time,
occasional wipes may occur without any moisture on
the windshield. This is normal and indicates that the
Rainsense™ system is active.
The Rainsense™ system is activated by turning the
wiper control band to one of the ve sensitivity levels
within the delay area. The position closest to off is the
lowest sensitivity setting, level one. This allows more
rain or snow to collect on the windshield between wipes.Turning the wiper band away from you to higher
sensitivity levels increases the sensitivity of the system
and frequency of wipes. The highest sensitivity setting,
level ve is closest to low. A single wipe will occur each
time you turn the wiper stalk to a higher sensitivity level
to indicate that the sensitivity level has been increased.
Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
The MIST and wash cycles operate as normal and are
not affected by the Rainsense™ function. The system
can be overridden at any time by manually changing the
wiper control to low or high speed.
Notice:Do not place stickers or other items on the
exterior glass surface directly in front of the rain
sensor. Doing this could cause the rain sensor
to malfunction.
3-10

Setting Cruise Control
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is set, or
if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
The cruise control light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on after the cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. SeeInstrument Panel Cluster on
page 3-33.
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you are
not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to use cruise
control.
1. Press the
Tbutton.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release the SET– button located on the
steering wheel.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator.
Resuming a Set Speed
If cruise control is set at a desired speed and the
brakes are applied, this shuts off the cruise control.
However, it does not need to be reset.
Once your vehicle reaches a speed of about 25 mph
(40 km/h) or more, press the +RES button on the
steering wheel. The vehicle goes back to the previously
selected speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
To increase the cruise speed while using cruise control:
Press and hold the +RES button on the steering
wheel until the desired speed is reached, then
release it.
To increase vehicle speed in small increments,
press the +RES button. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
3-13

Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button is located on
the exterior lamps control. The exterior lamps control is
located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering
column.
#(Fog Lamps):Press the exterior lamps button
to turn the fog lamps on or off. A light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster to show that the fog lamps
are on. SeeInstrument Panel Cluster on page 3-33.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position and
the parking lamps must be on for the fog lamps to
illuminate.
The fog lamps will go off while you change to high-beam
headlamps.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Cornering Lamps
For vehicles with this feature, the cornering lamps come
on when: the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the
vehicle is not in P (Park), and you signal a turn with
the turn signal/multifunction lever. They provide
more light for cornering.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
If the exterior lamp button has been left on, the exterior
lamps will turn off about 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to LOCK/OFF and a door has been opened. This
protects against draining the battery if the headlamps or
parking lamps are accidentally left on. If you need to
leave the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, use the
exterior lamp control to turn the lamps back on after the
ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF and any door is opened.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D(Instrument Panel Brightness):This feature
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights.
The knob for this control is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
Push the knob in and release when it pops out.
Turn the knob clockwise to increase the brightness
of the instrument panel lights and counter clockwise to
decrease the brightness. Turning the knob completely
clockwise to the detent will turn on the courtesy lamps.
3-17

Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several lamps turn on
making it easier for you to enter and exit the vehicle.
Turn the instrument panel brightness control completely
clockwise to manually turn on these lamps.
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 ON/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 on for various amounts
of time in seconds for each transmitter.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-66for
information on programming.
Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are located on the headliner.
Press the button near each lamp to turn them on or off.
3-18

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not
be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
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.
3-19

Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from
being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps,
reading/map lamps, visor vanity lamps or trunk
lamp are accidentally left on. If any of these lamps
are left on, they automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come back on
again until one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The exterior lamps control is turned off, then on
again.
The headlamps will time-out after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on before the ignition is off.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
The vehicle may have up to three power outlets
depending on the type of front seat installed. If the
vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console,
there are two outlets inside the rear storage
compartment. An extra power outlet can be found
under the climate control system next to the ashtray.
The vehicle may have a small cap that must be pulled
down to access the accessory power outlet. Cover the
outlet with the protective cap when it is not being used.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/retailer for additional information on the
accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer 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 the 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.
3-20

A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
ControlD. Recirculation
E. Air Conditioning
F. Rear Window
Defogger
Operation
(
(Off):Turns the climate control system off. Outside
air still enters the vehicle and is directed to the oor.
The airow direction and temperature can be adjusted.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan speed is
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 3-30and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets. Slightly cooler air is
directed to the instrument panel outlets and warmer
air is directed to the oor outlets.
3-22

6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some air directed to the windshield and side window
outlets.
If recirculation is selected while in this mode, it stays on
for three minutes to reduce windshield fogging.
-(Floor/Defog):This clears the windows of fog
or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and side
window outlets and to the oor outlets. The system
runs the air conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is near or below freezing.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and
side window outlets. The system runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light below the button
comes on to show that this mode is on. Air conditioning
can be selected in any mode as long as the fan knob
is not in the off position.
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
H.
2. Select
h.
3. Select
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light below the button comes on
to show that this mode is on. This mode recirculates and
helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be
used to prevent outside air and odors from entering the
vehicle. This mode cannot be selected while in the defog
or defrost modes. If you try to select the recirculation
mode, the indicator light ashes three times and turns off.
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.
3-23

A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. Display
D. Air Delivery Mode
ControlE. Air Conditioning
F. Outside Air
G. Recirculation
H. PASS
I. Rear Window
Defogger
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic Fan):When AUTO is selected on
the fan control, the system automatically adjusts 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 AUTO.
2. Turn the mode control to AUTO.
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 starts at reduced
fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system will start
out blowing air to 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 depends 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.
After the vehicle is started, the display shows the
interior temperature settings.
3-25

When the ENG/MET (English/metric) button on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) is pressed, the display
shows readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Use the
ENG/MET button to toggle between the readings.
AUTO (Automatic Air Conditioning):If AUTO
is selected on the fan or mode control, the system
automatically controls the air conditioning compressor.
The A/C compressor runs automatically even at cool
outside temperatures in order to dehumidify the air.
The A/C indicator light is lit when the system is operating
automatically. Press the A/C button on the fan control
to turn off the A/C. To clear windows better in defog or
defrost modes, the A/C compressor runs automatically
in damp cool conditions.
h(Auto Recirculation):If AUTO is selected on
either the fan or mode control, the system automatically
controls the supply of fresh outside air or recirculates 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 outside air button. The next time AUTO fan
or mode is selected, it will reset back to AUTO operation.
Manual Operation
9(Off):Turns the climate control system off. Outside
air still enters the vehicle and is directed to the oor.
The airow direction and temperature can be adjusted.
If the temperature is adjusted while the system is
off, the display will light to show the current settings.
wx(Driver Temperature Controls):Press
these buttons next to the fan control to increase
or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
wx(Passenger Temperature Controls):Press
these buttons next to the mode control to increase
or decrease the temperature for the front passenger.
If the passenger climate control system is off, pressing
one of these buttons turns it on.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turning this
control completely counterclockwise turns 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,
seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-30
andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
3-26