checking oil BUICK LUCERNE 2011 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27 Engine Coolant (4.6L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Engine Coolant (3.9L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . .6-55
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-66
6-1

Black plate (12,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{WARNING:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
6-12

Black plate (15,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A.Underhood Fuse Block on page 6‑108.
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 6‑44.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on
page 6‑38.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling
System on page 6‑27.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
on
page 6‑27.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power
Steering Fluid on page 6‑37. G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
“When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑18.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑18.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”under
Brakes on page 6‑39.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑23.
6-15

Black plate (17,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A.Underhood Fuse Blockon page 6‑108.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑44.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on
page 6‑38.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 6‑27.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑44.
F. Power Steering Fluid on page 6‑37. G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
“When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑18.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑18.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” under Brakes on page 6‑39.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out of View). See Automatic Transmission Fluid
on page 6‑24.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑23.
6-17

Black plate (18,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and long life,
careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following
these simple, but important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Always use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain
the proper oil level. See“Checking Engine Oil”and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑22.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What
to Do with Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑14for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential: 1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and allow several minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. Checking the oil level
too soon after engine shutoff will not provide an
accurate oil level reading.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-18

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 (30,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at
the coolant recovery tank, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before this is done. See Engine
Coolant (4.6L Engine)
on page 6‑28or Engine
Coolant (3.9L Engine)on page 6‑31for more
information.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank
{WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine. Notice:
This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
{WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank
pressure cap —even a little —they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
6-30

Black plate (33,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark when the engine is cold. The coolant level
should be above the FULL COLD mark under normal
operating conditions. If it is not, you may have a leak in
the cooling system.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before this is done. See Engine Coolant for more
information.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
{WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
6-33

Black plate (4,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑23.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, and
rear compartment, hood, glove box door, and
console door hinges and latches lubrication.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑8. More frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑70.
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑70.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolant
(4.6L Engine)on page 6‑28or Engine Coolant
(3.9L Engine) on page 6‑31.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑38.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑64.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑70.
.Sunroof track and seal inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 3‑51.
7-4