ECU BUICK VERANO 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
2012 Buick Verano Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-30
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-14
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-33
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-39
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Conversions and
Add-Ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52

Black plate (23,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
In Brief 1-23
.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: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Buick, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5 for more information. Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Qbutton
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar Advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more. Sign up today at:
U.S.: buick.com (click on
“Owners,”
then“Manage My
Buick/Owners Login”)
Canada: buickowner.ca
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.

Black plate (1,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
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 . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 2-11
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-14
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-17
Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Black plate (13,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice:Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk
from the inside.
There is an emergency trunk
release handle located inside the
trunk on the trunk lid. The release
handle can be accessed by folding
the rear seatback. See Rear Seats
on page 3‑8. Pull the release handle
to open the trunk from the inside.To close the trunk, use the pull
handle.

Black plate (14,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Anti-theft Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
Arming the System
To arm the system, pressQon the
RKE transmitter.
The alarm automatically arms after
about 30 seconds. The security
light, located on the instrument
panel, flashes.
Press
Von the RKE transmitter to
open the trunk without setting off the
alarm. The system rearms when the
trunk is closed.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, do one of the
following:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Approach the vehicle with the
RKE transmitter (keyless
access).
.Start the engine.
The alarm automatically disarms.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn
sounds, an attempted break-in
occurred while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
See Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages on page 5‑29.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
(Key Access)
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is
removed from the ignition.

Black plate (15,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-15
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches
an immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only the correct key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.
The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start,
the first key may be damaged. See
your dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a
new key made.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in your
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.

Black plate (16,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
2-16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the RKE transmitter appears
to be undamaged, try another
transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the transmitter
pocket located in the center
console. See“Starting the Vehicle
with a Low Transmitter Battery”
under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑4.
If the engine does not start with
the other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the pocket in the
center console, your vehicle needs
service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{WARNING
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
1. Turn the selector switch to L (Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to
9to
deselect the mirror.

Black plate (1,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
Seats and Restraints 3-1
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-17 Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-21
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-30
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-31
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Infants and YoungChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-37
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-39
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-51

Black plate (3,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
Seats and Restraints 3-3
Rear Seats
The vehicle's rear seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions. The
height of the head restraint can be
adjusted. Pull the head restraint up
to raise it. Try to move the head
restraint to make sure that it is
locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top of the
seatback, and push the head
restraint down. Try to move the
head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
If you are installing a child restraint
in the rear seat, see“Securing a
Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System” underLower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑41.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
{WARNING
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a driver
seat while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Lift the handle at the front of the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in
place.

Black plate (13,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 1/10/12
Seats and Restraints 3-13
Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, seeSafety
Belt Extender on page 3‑17.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.
4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.