Market Position:
The Buick Lucerne was positioned as a full-size luxury sedan for the North American market, offering comfortable ride quality and a refined interior. This manual caters to owners and technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for this specific generation of the model.
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, independent repair shops, and advanced DIY enthusiasts seeking factory-level repair data.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Toyota Avalon. Its strengths lay in its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and available V8 engines, though it faced competition from front-wheel-drive luxury sedans from brands like Lexus and Cadillac.
Key Features:
This service manual provides a complete factory-level resource for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the Buick Lucerne 2006-2008. Its comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems makes it invaluable for both professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.
Key Features Diagrams:
Extensive use of detailed wiring diagrams, vacuum schematics, and exploded view diagrams for component identification and assembly verification.
Coverage Areas:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle
Page Count:
Hundreds or thousands of pages (printable at great quality)
Estimated Page Count Range:
1500-3000 pages (typical for complete FSMs of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
File Delivery:
Instant Download
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical and electrical, Powertrain control, Transmission, Drivetrain (front-wheel drive, axle, differential), Suspension, Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), Climate Control (HVAC), Fuel system, Emission control, Electrical system (body, chassis, lighting, power distribution), Restraint system (airbags, seatbelts), Interior trim and components, Chassis, Body and exterior components.
Systems Covered Additional:
Includes detailed coverage of the powertrain control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, and other electronic control units. Wiring diagrams are presented with clear pinouts and component locations.
Systems Covered Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting trees for all major vehicle systems, including fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, braking, HVAC, and body electronics.
Procedures Included:
Diagnostic troubleshooting, Component removal and installation, Repair procedures, Adjustments, Specifications, Schematics (wiring diagrams), Lubrication procedures, Maintenance schedules, Torque specifications, Component testing and inspection.
Procedures Included Additional:
Step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls (e.g., engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds), diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, procedures for calibration of electronic modules, and body panel alignment specifications.
Procedures Included Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) fault code retrieval and interpretation, diagnostic procedures for specific system failures, step-by-step troubleshooting guides for electrical and mechanical issues.
Procedures Included Installation:
Procedures for installation and removal of all major components, including engine, transmission, suspension parts, body panels, and interior trim pieces.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and routine service to advanced diagnostics and complete mechanical/electrical repairs. Includes detailed procedures for component overhaul and system troubleshooting.
Technical Depth Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine assembly and disassembly, transmission overhaul, and component rebuilding, including specifications for clearances, tolerances, and mating surfaces.
Primary Engine:
3.8L (3800) Series III V6 (L36, VIN K)
Secondary Engine:
4.6L Northstar V8 (L37, VIN Y - available in CXS trim)
Performance:
3.8L V6: Approx. 205 hp @ 5200 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. 4.6L V8: Approx. 275 hp @ 6000 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Torque V6:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Torque V8:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Codes:
3.8L V6: L36 (VIN K), 4.6L V8: L37 (VIN Y)
Engine Layout:
Front-wheel drive, transverse-mounted V6 or V8 engine
Standard:
4-speed automatic 4T65-E (for V6 models)
Optional:
4-speed automatic 4T80-E (for V8 Northstar models)
Features:
Electronic controls, adaptive shift programming, torque converter clutch.
Transmission Features Aisin:
The 4T65-E transmission is an electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic with overdrive. The 4T80-E is a robust electronically controlled 4-speed automatic also with overdrive, known for its durability.
Transmission Codes:
4T65-E, 4T80-E
Exterior:
Length: ~203 inches, Width: ~73 inches, Height: ~58 inches, Wheelbase: ~115 inches (approximate values, may vary slightly by trim)
Wheelbase:
115.2 inches (2926 mm)
Track Width Front:
62.3 inches (1582 mm)
Track Width Rear:
61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Interior:
Spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for five occupants. Front bucket seats with available lumbar support and heating/cooling. Rear bench seat.
Interior Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Weights:
Curb weight typically ranges from 3,700 to 4,000 lbs, depending on engine and equipment.
Ratings:
Received good ratings in NHTSA crash tests for frontal and side impacts for its era. Frontal impact: 5 stars. Side impact: 4 stars (driver), 5 stars (rear passenger).
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), available StabiliTrak stability control (on some models).
Active Features Stability:
StabiliTrak stability control (optional) uses sensors to detect loss of steering control and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help the driver regain control.
Passive Features:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available rear side-impact airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Passive Features Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners.
Infotainment:
Available premium audio systems (e.g., Bose), CD player, available satellite radio, and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims might feature a rudimentary navigation system or touchscreen interface depending on the specific options.
Driver Assistance:
Available park assist (rear parking sensors), remote keyless entry, cruise control. StabiliTrak stability control was an important safety feature.
Connectivity:
Standard features include power windows, power locks, and power mirrors. OnStar communication system was an option on many models, providing GPS navigation, emergency assistance, and hands-free calling.
Service Intervals:
Oil changes: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months with synthetic oil. Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles. Transmission fluid: Checked regularly, fluid change recommended around 50,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specifics). Coolant flush: Every 50,000 miles or 5 years. Spark plugs: 100,000 miles (V6), 150,000 miles (V8 Northstar - if specified for the original plugs).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or as recommended by tire manufacturer for even wear.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 45,000 miles to prevent moisture absorption and maintain braking performance.
Fluid Specifications:
Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for Northstar). Automatic Transmission Fluid: DEXRON VI. Coolant: GM P/N 89022451 (orange/pink long-life coolant). Power Steering Fluid: GM P/N 89021184 (or equivalent). Brake Fluid: DOT 3.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8L V6: 4.5 quarts (with filter). 4.6L V8: 5.0 quarts (with filter).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
4T65-E: 4.0 quarts (dry fill). 4T80-E: 4.5 quarts (dry fill).
Coolant Capacity:
3.8L V6: 12.8 quarts. 4.6L V8: 13.4 quarts.
Known Issues:
Lower intake manifold gasket leaks (3800 Series III V6), Active Fuel Management (AFM) issues on some L37 V8 engines (if equipped, though less common in early years), power steering pump leaks, potential for water pump or coolant leaks on V8 models, some electronic sensor failures.
Known Issues Additional:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), issues with power window regulators, exhaust manifold leaks, climate control actuator failures.
Known Issues Engine V8:
Northstar V8 engines can be prone to coolant leaks from the upper intake manifold, especially if maintenance is deferred. Timing chain system durability is generally good, but proper fluid maintenance is crucial.
Brand Heritage:
Buick, established in 1899, has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed American sedans and coupes, often targeted at a more mature demographic seeking value and refinement.
Brand Heritage Positioning:
Buick historically emphasized comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride, often bridging the gap between mainstream domestic brands and premium luxury marques.
Model Evolution:
The Lucerne replaced the LeSabre and Park Avenue. It was built on GM's G-body platform (shared with the Cadillac DTS). The CXS trim offered the more powerful Northstar V8 and Magnetic Ride Control suspension.
Platform:
GM H platform (derived from the G-body, similar to Cadillac DTS)
Production:
The Buick Lucerne was produced from the 2006 model year through the 2011 model year at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan.
