TIRE PRESSURE BUICK LUCERNE 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (66,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under‐inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is
not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When
the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start‐ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑66for
additional information.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry Canada
See Radio Frequency Statementon page 8‑18for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry
Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmits the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the
vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
cluster.
6-66

Black plate (67,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑18.
A message to check the pressure in a specific tire
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The
low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inflated to the correct inflation pressure. Using the
DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the driver.
For additional information and details about the DIC
operation and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑42andDIC Warnings and Messageson
page 4‑49.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs
to be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation
pressure for the tires when they are cold. See
Loading
the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑70and Tires on page 6‑57.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are not all the same.
A non-approved tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by
using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM-approved
tire sealant available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80for information regarding
the inflator kit materials and instructions.
6-67

Black plate (68,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When
the system detects a malfunction, the low tire pressure
warning light flashes for about one minute and then
stays on for the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message also displays. The malfunction light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC message
should go off after the road tire is replaced and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See "TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully after rotating the
tires. The malfunction light and the DIC message
should go off after successfully completing the
sensor matching process. See "TPMS Sensor
Matching Process" later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your dealer for
service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match the
original equipment tires or wheels. Tires and
wheels other than those recommended could
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. See
Buying New Tires on page 6‑72.
.Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it cannot detect
or signal a low tire condition. See your dealer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
6-68

Black plate (69,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.
The identification code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors. Also, the
TPMS sensor matching process should be performed
after replacing a spare tire with a road tire containing
the TPMS sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition cycle. The
sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions, using a
TPMS relearn tool, in the following order: driver side
front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear. See your dealer for service or
to purchase a relearn tool.
There are two minutes to match the first tire/wheel
position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/
wheel positions. If it takes longer, the matching process
stops and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter's lock and unlock buttons at the same
time for approximately five seconds. The horn
sounds twice to signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen. 4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall,
near the valve stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor. A horn chirp confirms
that the sensor identification code has been
matched to this tire and wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to
indicate the sensor identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer active. The
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DIC
display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
6-69

Black plate (71,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑64and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑18
.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑66.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑116.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑88. Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions
influence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining. See
Tire
Inspection and Rotation
on page 6‑70for
additional information.
6-71

Black plate (72,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The rubber in tires ages over time, even if they are not
being used. This is also true for the spare tire, if your
vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance. Tires
will typically need to be replaced due to wear before
they may need to be replaced due to age. Consult the
tire manufacturer for more information on when tires
should be replaced.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on a parked
vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area away from direct
sunlight to slow aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause flat spots
on the tires that may result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for
your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new, were designed
to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system rating. If you
need replacement tires, GM strongly recommends
that you get tires with the same TPC Spec rating.
This way, your vehicle will continue to have tires
that are designed to give the same performance
and vehicle safety, during normal use, as the
original tires.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical specifications that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all‐season tread design, the TPC
Spec number will be followed by an MS for
mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on
page 6‑58
for additional information.
6-72

Black plate (74,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
Using bias-ply tires on the vehicle may
cause the wheel rim flanges to develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly and cause
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial and bias‐belted tires)
as your vehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low‐pressure
warning if non‐TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on your vehicle. Non‐TPC Spec rated tires may
give a low‐pressure warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor
System
on page 6‑65. Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information Label. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for more
information about the Tire and Loading
Information Label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If different sized wheels are used, there may not
be an acceptable level of performance and safety
if tires not recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM specific wheel
and tire systems developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
6-74

Black plate (77,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors
for your vehicle.
{WARNING:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts can be dangerous. It could affect
the braking and handling of the vehicle. Tires can
lose air, and cause loss of control, causing a
crash. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
See Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑88for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING:
Replacing a wheel with a used one is dangerous.
How it has been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could fail suddenly and
cause a crash. When replacing wheels, use a new
GM original equipment wheel.
6-77

Black plate (80,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{WARNING:
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 3‑30.
{WARNING:
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire to
rupture and you or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the tire sealant and
compressor kit instructions and inflate the tire to
its recommended pressure. Do not exceed the
recommended pressure.
{WARNING:
Storing the tire sealant and compressor kit or
other equipment in the passenger compartment of
the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could strike someone.
Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit,
there may not be a spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not be a place to store
a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor can be used to
temporarily seal punctures up to 6 mm (¼ in) in the
tread area of the tire. It can also be used to inflate an
under inflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has
damaged sidewalls, or has a large puncture, the tire
is too severely damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 8‑7.
6-80

Black plate (81,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Read and follow all of the tire sealant and compressor
kit instructions.
The kit includes:
A. On/Off Button
B. Selector Switch(Sealant/Air or
Air Only)
C. Pressure Relief Button D. Pressure Gauge
E. Air Only Hose (Black) F. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
G. Power Plug
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling instructions on the
label adhered to the compressor.
Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant
canister. The sealant canister should be replaced before
its expiration date. Replacement sealant canisters are
available at your local dealer. See “Removal and
Installation of the Sealant Canister” following.
There is only enough sealant to seal one tire. After
usage, the sealant canister and sealant/air hose
assembly must be replaced. See “Removal and
Installation of the Sealant Canister” following.
6-81