start BUICK REGAL 2012 User Guide

Black plate (24,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
1-24 In Brief
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12‐volt
battery. Refer to the replacement
number on the original battery label
when a new standard 12‐volt battery
is needed.
eAssist vehicles also have a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. See
Battery on page 10‑29.
Service
Never try to do your own service on
eAssist components. You can be
injured and the vehicle can be
damaged if you try to do your own
service work. Service and repair of
these high voltage components
should only be performed by a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools. See
Doing Your Own Service Work on
page 10‑4.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a traction
control system that limits wheel slip.
The system turns on automatically
every time the vehicle is started.
.To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button, located on the instrument
panel.
iilluminates and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑33.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑37.
StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.
.To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/StabiliTrak button,
located on the instrument panel,
until
iandgilluminate in the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑33.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button to turn on both
systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑39.

Black plate (25,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-25
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑10. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected. During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑54.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment or
a tire sealant and compressor kit.
The kit can be used to temporarily
seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit (With Pressure Relief Button) on
page 10‑67 orTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (With Pressure
Deflation Button) on page 10‑74 for
complete operating information.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see If
a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑65.

Black plate (26,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
1-26 In Brief
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN withthe engine off.
2. Press the DIC MENU button on the turn signal lever to enter the
Vehicle Information Menu. Use
the thumbwheel to scroll through
the menu items until you reach
REMAINING OIL LIFE.
3. Press the SET/CLR button to reset the oil life at 100%.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑49. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑47.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-252-1112
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0818

Black plate (1,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-12
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors
Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Black plate (3,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
Notice:If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key. If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7
or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑9.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The transmitter functions will work
up to 20 m (65 ft) away from the
vehicle. On vehicles with remote
start the distance will be greater.
Keep in mind that other conditions,
such as those previously stated, can
impact the performance of the
transmitter.

Black plate (4,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
RKE without Remote Start Shown
K(Unlock):Press to unlock the
driver door or all doors. See “Auto
Door Unlock” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑35.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to
indicate unlocking. See “Remote
Unlock Light Feedback” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑35.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the
theft-deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑12.
Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to
indicate locking. See “Remote Lock
Feedback” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑35.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock except the
driver door, if enabled through the
vehicle personalization.
If the passenger door is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the
theft-deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑12.
V (Remote Trunk Release):
Press and hold to open the trunk.
7(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release one
time to locate the vehicle. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn
chirps. Press and hold
7for at least
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the
turn signals flash until
7is pressed
again or the vehicle is started.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press to
operate the remote start feature.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑8 for additional information.
The buttons on the keys are
disabled when there is a key in the
ignition, if equipped.
Keyless Access Operation
Some vehicles have a keyless
access system that lets you lock
and unlock the doors and access
the trunk without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter
should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the
door or trunk being opened.

Black plate (6,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter (Keyless Access
Vehicles Only)
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there is one recognized transmitter.
To program, the vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must
be with you.
1. Place the recognizedtransmitter(s) in the cupholder.
2. Insert the vehicle key of the new transmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket. The
transmitter pocket is located
inside the center console cupholder. The cupholder liner
will need to be pulled out to
access the transmitter pocket.
4. Press the ignition. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3
through 5.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
the ignition for 10 seconds to
exit programming mode.
Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter
(Keyless Access Vehicles Only)
If there are no currently recognized
transmitters available, follow this
procedure to program up to five
transmitters. This feature is not
available in Canada. This procedure
will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters you wish
to program must be with you.
1. Insert the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press the ignition.
The DIC display will again show
REMOTE LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the next
steps.

Black plate (7,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
The DIC display should
now show READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.
4. Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket. The
transmitter pocket is located
inside the center console
cupholder. The cupholder liner
will need to be pulled out to
access the transmitter pocket.
5. Press the ignition. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4
through 6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
the ignition for 10 seconds to
exit programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak, the
DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when you try to start
the vehicle. The REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message may also be displayed at
this time.
To start the vehicle:
1. Remove the cupholder liner from the center console cupholder.
2. Place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing up.
3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and the ignition control.
See Starting the Engine on
page 9‑19 for additional
information about the vehicle's
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC. See
“Replace Battery in Remote Key”
under Key and Lock Messages on
page 5‑32.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying it with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it
toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Push the battery
down until it is held in place.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.

Black plate (8,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
2-8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has
remote start.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during a
remote start. A vehicle without
automatic climate control will default
to the last used heating or cooling
mode. Once the key is turned to
ON/RUN, the climate control system
will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was last set to. If the vehicle has
heated seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See Heated
Front Seats on page 3‑7 for more
information.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
There are other conditions that can
affect the performance of the
transmitter. See
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3 for
additional information.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/until
the turn signal lamps flash, or for
about two seconds if the vehicle
is not in view.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on. The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Start the vehicle before driving.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10-minute extension, repeat
Steps 1 through 3 while the engine
is still running. The remote start can
be extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 10 minutes will start
immediately.
For example, if the engine has been
running for five minutes, and
10 minutes are added, the engine
will run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.

Black plate (9,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-9
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.The key is in the ignition (key
access) or if the key is in the
vehicle (keyless access).
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.
.The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a
single remote start with an
extension, have already
been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven. (Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when slowing or stopping the
vehicle. Lock the doors to
help prevent this from
happening.
To lock and unlock the door, use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or the key from the
outside, and the door lock knob or
switch from the inside.