brake BUICK TERRAZA 2006 Owner's Guide

ALL WHEEL DRIVE DISABLED
If your vehicle has the all-wheel drive system, this
message will display when there is a spare tire on the
vehicle, or when the anti-lock brake system warning light
comes on, or when the rear differential uid is
overheating. This message will turn off when the
differential uid cools.
The all-wheel drive system will be disabled until the
compact spare tire is replaced by a full-size tire. If the
warning message is still on after putting on the full-size
tire, you need to reset the warning message. To
reset the warning message, turn the ignition off and
then back on again. If the message stays on, see your
GM dealer right away. SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System on page 4-12for more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message will display when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to
save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor the battery voltage by pressing the
information button until BATTERY displays.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message will display when service is required for
the vehicle. See your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The OIL LIFE screen
under the gages menu on the DIC must also be reset.
See “Oil Life” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-50andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
This message will display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
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This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
LIFT GATE AJAR
This message will display when the liftgate is not closed
completely. You should make sure that the liftgate is
closed completely. SeeLiftgate on page 2-24.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN. A
chime will sound when the ignition is shifted out of
PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message will display when the brake uid level is
low. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper
level. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the brake master cylinder reservoir.
Also, seeBrakes on page 5-39for proper uid level.
The brake system warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-41.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it
from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
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LOW FUEL
This message will display when your vehicle is low on
fuel. You should rell the tank as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gage on page 3-48andFilling the Tank on
page 5-6for more information.
The message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
Notice:If the LOW OIL PRESSURE warning
message appears on the DIC display, stop the
vehicle immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe engine damage can result from driving a
vehicle with low oil pressure. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15for more information.
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
pressure is low. The oil pressure light will also appear
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure Light
on page 3-46.Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have
the vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as
possible when this message is displayed.
This message will display only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound continuously when this
message is displayed.
This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared
from the screen. This message will re-display for a few
seconds if the condition still exists when the engine
is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.PARKING BRAKE ON
This message will display to alert the driver when the
vehicle’s parking brake is on, the ignition is in RUN, and
the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Release the parking brake before driving. SeeParking
Brake on page 2-39for more information.
The brake light will also appear on the instrument panel
cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-41.
3-63

RIGHT REAR TURN LAMP OUT
This message will display when the right rear turn signal
bulb needs to be replaced. SeeTaillamps, Turn
Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps on page 5-51.
This message will display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE ABS SYSTEM
This message will display when the vehicle’s brakes are
not functioning properly. Have the brake system
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will also appear
on the instrument panel cluster when this message
appears on the DIC. SeeAnti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light on page 3-42.
This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message will display along with the airbag
readiness light if there is a problem with the airbag
system. Have your GM dealer inspect the system for
problems. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-38and
Airbag System on page 1-57for more information.
This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-67

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message will display when a problem with the
brake system has been detected. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
The brake system warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-41.
This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE PARK LAMPS
This message will display when there is a problem with
the park lamps. Check to see if the park lamp fuse
is blown and replace the fuse if necessary. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-96andInstrument
Panel Fuse Block on page 5-96for more information. If
changing the fuse does not correct the problem, see
your GM dealer.This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message will
display if there has been a problem detected with
StabiliTrak
®. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-10.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
This message will display only while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
StabiliTrak
®System......................................4-10
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.......................4-12
Steering......................................................4-13
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-15
Passing.......................................................4-15
Loss of Control.............................................4-17
Driving at Night............................................4-18
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-19City Driving..................................................4-21
Freeway Driving...........................................4-22
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-24
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-25
Winter Driving..............................................4-27
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-31
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-32
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-32
Towing..........................................................4-37
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-37
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-37
Level Control...............................................4-39
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-39
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it is
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. That means you can lose control of
your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-41.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That
is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot
and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.
But that is only an average. It might be less with one
driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination,
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, andfrustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a
vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet
(20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency,
so keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
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 your 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. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be
harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications on
page 5-3.
4-6

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-42.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-7

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock brakes, you can steer and brake at the
same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
4-8

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates if it senses that
one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system
brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE message will come
on in the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the
traction control system is limiting wheel spin. You may
feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control.
This warning light will
come on to let you know if
there is a problem with
your traction control
system.When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM message in the
DIC comes on and stays on or comes on while you are
driving, there’s a problem with your traction control
system. Have the traction control system serviced by
your GM dealer as soon as possible.
When this warning message is on, the TRACTION
CONTROL OFF message in the DIC will come on to
remind you that the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 4-32andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice
or Snow on page 4-31.
4-9