park assist BUICK REGAL 2011 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-7
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 1-9
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-10
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-13
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-14
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 1-16
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-16
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-18
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-18
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-19
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Black plate (3,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-3
A.Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑4.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑4.
B. Air Vents on page 8‑4.
C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑3.
Driver Information Center
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑22.
D. Cruise Control on page 9‑39.
E. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8.
F. Horn on page 5‑2.
Driver Airbag. See Where Are
the Airbags? on page 3‑29.
G. Driver Information Center Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑22.
H. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2. I.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
J. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
K. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑34/ StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑36 (If
Equipped).
Interactive Drive Control
System on page 9‑38
(If Equipped).
L. Info Display. See Operation on
page 7‑4.
M. Power Door Locks on page 2‑5.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑3.
N. Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑42.
O. Front Passenger Airbag. See Where Are the Airbags? on
page 3‑29.
P. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5. Q. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5‑13.
R. Instrument Panel Fuse Block on
page 10‑40.
Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.
S. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
T. Ignition Positions on page 9‑17.
U. Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑8.
V. Storage Compartment.
W. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑25 or
Manual Transmission on
page 9‑29.
X. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.
Y. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (16,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
1-16 In Brief
MENU:Press to get to the Trip/
Fuel Menu and the Vehicle
Information Menu.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑22.
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the audio
system controls. These features
include:
.Climate and Air Quality
.Comfort and Convenience
.Collision/Detection Systems
.Language
.Lighting
.Power Door Locks
.Remote Lock/Unlock
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) uses sensors on the rear
bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
URPA uses audio beeps to provide
distance and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
The system can be disabled by
pressing the park assist button
located next to the radio.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑42 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone, an MP3
player, etc.
This outlet is located under the
armrest inside the center console
storage. The vehicle may have a 110v power
outlet located on the rear of the
center floor console.
Open the protective cover to use the
outlets.
See
Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switch is located on the overhead
console.

Black plate (14,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
5-14 Instruments and Controls
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
can affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause
this light to come on. Modifications to these systems
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
See
Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades. If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park. Turn the
vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds,
and restart the engine. If the light is
still flashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady:
An emission
control system malfunction has
been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be
required.
The following may correct an
emission system malfunction:
.Check that the fuel cap is fully
installed. See Filling the Tank on
page 9‑48. The diagnostic
system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap allows fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the
light off.

Black plate (17,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-17
The brake warning light should
come on briefly when the ignition is
placed in ON/RUN. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If this light comes on, there is a
problem with a system on the
vehicle that is causing the parking
brake system to work at a reduced
level. The vehicle can still be driven,
but should be taken to a dealer as
soon as possible. SeeParking
Brake on page 9‑31 for more
information.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the
ignition off. If the light comes on
while driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition
off. A chime may also sound when
the light comes on steady. Then
start the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. If the regular
brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular
brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have
antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑16.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑22 for all brake related
DIC messages.
Ultrasonic Parking
Sensor Light
This light comes on to indicate that
there is a malfunction in the system.
See your dealer for service.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑42 andDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑22 for more
information.

Black plate (29,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-29
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Object Detection System
Messages
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message is displayed when the
park assist system has been turned
off. SeeUltrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9‑42.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message is displayed if there
is a problem with the park assist
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak®
system. If this message appears, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off
the engine for at least 15 seconds;
then start the engine again. If this
message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. See your dealer
for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive; however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SPORT MODE ON
This message displays when using
the interactive drive control. See
Interactive Drive Control System on
page 9‑38 for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.

Black plate (33,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-33
Auto Rear Defog
This allows the auto rear defog to
be turned on or off. This feature will
automatically turn on the rear
defogger when it is cold outside.
Press the
Zknob when Auto
Rear Defog is highlighted to select
On or Off. Turn the knob to confirm
the selection and move back to the
last menu.
Comfort and Convenience
Select the Comfort and
Convenience menu and Chime
Volume will be displayed.
Chime Volume
This allows the selection of the
chime volume level.
Press the
Zknob when Chime
Volume is highlighted. Turn the knob
to select Normal or High. Press the
knob to confirm and go back to the
last menu.
Collision/Detection Systems
Select the Collision/Detection
Systems menu and Park Assist will
be displayed.
Park Assist
This allows the Ultrasonic Parking
Assist feature to be turned on or off.
Press the
Zknob when Park
Assist is highlighted to select On or
Off. Press BACK to return to the
last menu.
Language
Select the Language menu and the
following will be displayed:
.English
.Francais
.Espanol
Turn the
Zknob to select the
language. Press BACK to return to
the last menu.
Lighting
Select the Lighting menu and the
following will be displayed:
.Vehicle Locator Lights
.Exit Lighting
Vehicle Locator Lights
This allows the vehicle locator lights
to be turned on or off.
Press the
Zknob when Vehicle
Locator Lights is highlighted to
select On or Off. Turn the knob
to confirm and go back to the
last menu.
Exit Lighting
This allows the selection of how
long the exterior lamps stay on
when leaving the vehicle when it is
dark outside.
Press the
Zknob when Exit
Lighting is highlighted. Turn the
knob to select Off, 30 Seconds,
1 Minute, or 2 Minutes. Press the
knob to confirm and go back to the
last menu.

Black plate (1,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-8
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-11
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-16
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-25
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . 9-29
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-34
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Interactive Drive Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-42

Black plate (4,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
9-4 Driving and Operating
And, of course, actual stopping
distances vary greatly with the
surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition
of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the
brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force
applied.
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. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑3.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds
to make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park.
At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like
feel to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
If the vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving
slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power
steering, but steering will be stiffer
than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.

Black plate (8,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
9-8 Driving and Operating
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10‑42.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.