Positioning:
Full-size luxury sedan targeting comfortable and refined transportation, often appealing to a mature demographic
Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger
Distinguishing Features:
Comfort-oriented ride, spacious interior, availability of V8 engine (4.6L Northstar), QuietTuning for noise reduction
Advantage:
Licensed OE information for accuracy and completeness, digital convenience over traditional printed manuals
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (4T65-E/4T80-E), driveline components (axles, CV joints), differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering, steering column), brakes (ABS, hydraulic components, parking brake)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis
Body:
Body and frame, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, airbags
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel injectors), transmission service and repair, brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, ball joints), steering rack replacement, HVAC component replacement (e.g., compressor, blower motor)
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Factory-level detail for complete overhaul, repair, and diagnostic procedures
Engine 1:
3.8L (3800 Series III) V6 (L36/L32 Supercharged)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.8 L (3791 cc)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (L36 Naturally Aspirated); 235 hp @ 5200 rpm (L32 Supercharged)
Engine 1 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (L36 Naturally Aspirated); 270 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (L32 Supercharged)
Engine 2:
4.6L Northstar V8 (LD8/L37)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.6 L (4565 cc)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm (LD8); 292 hp @ 6000 rpm (L37)
Engine 2 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (LD8); 301 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (L37)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
GM Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Infotainment System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, available premium audio system (e.g., Bose), optional DVD navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available parking assist sensors (rear), available StabiliTrak stability control.
Connectivity Options:
Available OnStar telematics system for emergency assistance, remote diagnostics, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic blend oil, or 10,000 miles or 12 months with full synthetic oil, under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles, or per severe service schedule. Use Dexron VI fluid.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 150,000 miles/5 years, then every 75,000 miles/5 years thereafter (GM Blue/Orange Long-Life Coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.8L V6 (L36): 100,000 miles. 3.8L Supercharged V6 (L32): 100,000 miles. 4.6L V8: 100,000 miles (iridium).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, ILSAC GF-4)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant:
GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent orange silicate-free)
Common Issues:
Northstar V8 engine head gasket leaks (early models), power steering leaks, occasional transmission solenoid issues, window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, sagging headliner.
Brand Legacy:
Buick, established in 1899, has a long history of producing comfortable, quiet, and refined American automobiles, often positioned as a more premium offering within General Motors.
Lucerne Development:
The Lucerne replaced the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue, aiming to consolidate Buick's large sedan offerings. It was built on the GM Epsilon platform, sharing architecture with other GM vehicles.
Production Years:
2006-2011
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
