ABS BUICK LUCERNE 2011 User Guide

Black plate (4,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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 might not have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lot
of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on
page 6‑3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent
a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
on
page 4‑33.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each front
wheel and at both rear wheels.
5-4

Black plate (5,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help the
driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or
motor operating might be heard and the brake pedal
might be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more
than even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature
uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module
to supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of
the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist
feature will automatically disengage when the brake
pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a StabiliTrak system which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle in most 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 the vehicle is started. The system cannot be
turned off.
5-5

Black plate (15,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet
ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.The
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 5‑6improves the ability to accelerate on slippery roads,
but slow down and adjust your driving to the road
conditions. When driving through deep snow, turn off
the traction control system to help maintain vehicle
motion at lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 5‑4improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a
slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
5-15

Black plate (30,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers
are seeing the signal when they are not. It is important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 9.6 km (6 miles). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transmission
to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear beforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle's speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑35.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on
a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
5-30

Black plate (24,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
To reinstall the cover:1. Align the two hinges located on the inboard side of the cover.
2. Push the cover slightly down and towards the engine to engage the tabs in the hinges and align
the two screws.
3. Tighten the two screws on the top of the engine air cleaner/filter cover.
{WARNING:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
flames if the engine backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not drive with the
air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can easily
get into the engine, which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are
driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑8.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid (3.9L Engine)
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage
the transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
6-24

Black plate (56,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
To replace the wiper blade assembly:1. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY with the engine off.
2. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
3. Squeeze the tabs on each side of the wiper bladeassembly and slide the assembly off the end of the
wiper arm.
4. Replace the blade assembly with a new one.
Allowing the wiper blade arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is installed could
damage the windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by your warranty. Do not
allow the wiper blade arm to touch the windshield.
5. Repeat the steps for the other wiper.
6-56

Black plate (99,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in the breathing space. Before using
cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions on
the label. While cleaning the interior, maintain adequate
ventilation by opening the doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from the upholstery and
clean the glass can be obtained from your dealer.
Do not clean the vehicle using:
.A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.A stiff brush. It can cause damage to the interior
surfaces.
.Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
.Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide. Use only
mild, neutral-pH soaps.
.Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
.Cleaners that contain solvents can damage the
interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be
used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For any
soil, always try to remove it first with plain water or club
soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the
soil as possible using one of the following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper
towel until no more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
6-99

Black plate (110,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Fuses Usage
9Engine Control Module (ECM),
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
10 Climate Control System, Instrument
Panel Cluster Ignition 1
11 Airbag System
12 Horn
13 Windshield Wiper
14 Fog Lamps
15 Right High-Beam Headlamp
16 Left High-Beam Headlamp
17 Left Low-Beam Headlamp
18 Right Low-Beam Headlamp
19 Windshield Washer Pump Motor
20 Left Front Cornering Lamp
21 Right Front Cornering Lamp
22 Air Pump (J-Case)
23 Antilock Brake System (ABS)
(J-Case)
24 Starter (J-Case)
25 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Motor
(J-Case)
Fuses Usage
26 Cooling Fan 2 (J-Case)
27 Cooling Fan 1 (J-Case)
Relays Usage
29 Powertrain
30 Starter
31 Cooling Fan 2
32 Cooling Fan 3
33 Cooling Fan 1
34 Air Conditioning Clutch
35 Air Injection Reactor (AIR) Solenoid
36 Ignition
37 Air Pump
Rear Underseat Fuse Block
The rear fuse block is located under the rear seat on
the driver side. The rear seat cushion must be removed
to access the rear fuse block.
6-110

Black plate (1,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Accessory Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
AirbagAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69
Airbag System How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 2-68
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . 2-62
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Airbags Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-97
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 4-98 Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Appearance Care Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-106
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-102
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-99
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-102
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-105
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-98
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-105
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-105
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-105
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-102
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-103
Ashtray(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-67
Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94
Navigation/Radio System, see NavigationManual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-97
i - 1

Black plate (8,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
LightsAirbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Exterior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Front Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Highbeam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
StabiliTrak
®Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Loading Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Locks Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Locks (cont.)
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
Lumbar Power Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
M
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Maintenance ScheduleMaintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Memory Seat and Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Message DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49
Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with Compass andTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Outside Convex Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
i - 8