seats BUICK LUCERNE 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (24,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle may have a shift lever located either on the
steering column or on the console between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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). See Shifting Into
Park
on page 3‑27. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Towing a Trailer on page 5‑25.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from
P (Park) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever
and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever
into the gear you want. See Shifting Out of Park
on
page 3‑28.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
3-24

Black plate (14,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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 gauge 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. See DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4‑49.
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.
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Black plate (15,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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 timeout after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on with the ignition on or off.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3
player.
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 center console storage
bin, one accessory power outlet and one USB port
outlet. An extra accessory power outlet can be found
under the climate control system next to the ashtray. Remove the cover to access and replace when not
in use.
{WARNING:
Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not
leave electrical equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could
catch fire and cause injury or death.
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in
for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical
equipment when not in use and do not plug in
equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could overload
vehicle or adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced,
see your dealer.
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Black plate (16,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment. SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
on
page 6‑107.
Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty. The power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone
charge cords.
Ashtray(s)
Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are
put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
For vehicles without the floor console, pull the tray
located below the climate controls to reveal the ashtray.
The ashtray can be removed by pulling on the ledge
located at the top of the ashtray.
The vehicles with a full floor console do not have an
ashtray. There is a storage bin below the climate control
system. For more information, see Front Storage Area
on page 3‑49.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
For vehicles with the remote start feature, when
activated, the climate control system heats or cools the
inside of the vehicle with the settings used before the
vehicle was turned off. The heated seats, if the vehicle
has them, and the rear window defogger will also be
turned on when it is cold outside. The cooled seat
setting is not activated during a remote start. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is
turned to the ON/RUN position. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3‑4for more
information.
4-16

Black plate (20,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
For vehicles with the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system heats or cools the
inside of the vehicle, with the settings used before the
vehicle was turned off. The heated seats, if the vehicle
has them, and the rear window defogger will be turned
on by the climate control system when it is cold outside.
The cooled seat setting is not activated during a remote
start. Normal operation of the system will return after
the key is turned to the ON/RUN position. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3‑4for more information.
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. Display
D. Air Delivery Mode Control E. 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.
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Black plate (25,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Outlet Adjustment
Use the levers, located in the middle of the front
outlets, to change the direction of the airflow. Use the
thumbwheel located between the outlets to turn them on
and off.
If the vehicle has rear seat outlets, adjust the direction
of the airflow using the lever in the center of each outlet.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that could block
the flow of air into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the vehicle
better.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Outside air is routed through a passenger compartment
air filter before entering the vehicle. This filter removes
certain particles from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. The filter should be replaced as part of routine
scheduled maintenance. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3for when to replace the filter. The access panel for the passenger compartment air
filter is located under the hood near the windshield, on
the passenger's side of the vehicle.
To access the passenger compartment air filter, do the
following:
1. Press the tabs back and left to remove the cover.
2. Insert a tool behind the push pin located on the inboard side of the air filter compartment to
carefully pry the pin out.
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Black plate (48,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
2. Find the vehicle's current location and variancezone number on the map.
Zones 1 through 15 are available.
3. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and select the appropriate variance zone.
4. Press the trip/fuel button until the vehicle heading, for example, N for North, is displayed in the DIC.
5. If calibration is necessary, calibrate the compass. See “Compass Calibration Procedure” following.
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate
the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location,
such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate
away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers,
or other industrial structures, if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the
compass should be calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a heading, for
example, N for North, or the heading does not change
after making turns, there may be a strong magnetic
field interfering with the compass. Interference may be
caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note
pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off the
vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on the
vehicle and calibrate the compass.
To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass, check that the
compass zone is set to the variance zone in which
the vehicle is located. See “Compass Variance
(Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section.
Do not operate any switches such as window,
sunroof, climate controls, seats, etc. during the
calibration procedure.
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Black plate (22,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
If there is a heavy load, it should be spread out.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could cause loss of
control and a crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Notice:Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.
If things like suitcases, tools, packages,
or anything else are put inside the vehicle, they
will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to
stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.
{WARNING:
Things inside the vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put them
as far forward as possible. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of the
seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded down unless
needed.
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Black plate (61,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two‐digit number that
indicates the tire height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire's sidewall is 60 percent as high as it
is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carrying
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa). Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire's height to
its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑64
.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
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Black plate (111,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
Notice:If you touch the exposed wires with the
metal on the seat cushion, you could cause a short
that could damage the battery and or wires. Avoid
contact between the rear seat and the fuse center
whenever you remove or reinstall the rear seat. Do
not remove covers from any of the covered parts,
and do not store anything under the seats.
To remove the rear seat cushion, do the following:
1. Pull up on the front of the cushion to release the front hooks.
2. Pull the cushion up and out toward the front of the vehicle.
To access the fuse block, pull out and lift up on the
cover latch, located at the end of the fuse block, near
the battery cable.
6-111