Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Full-size Luxury Sedan
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Brand Perception:
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Positioned as a premium, comfortable, and technologically advanced sedan from Buick, emphasizing refinement and American luxury.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Lincoln MKS
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Key Features
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Focus:
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Designed to offer a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, spacious interior, and a suite of modern features for its segment.
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Manual Value Proposition
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Diy Savings:
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Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, significantly reducing labor costs associated with dealership or independent shop visits.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Automatic and Manual if applicable)
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Chassis:
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Brake System, Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Drivetrain (FWD/AWD), Wheel and Tire Systems
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Electrical:
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Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Infotainment System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System, Anti-theft System
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Body:
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Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System, Safety Restraint System
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspection Procedures
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics
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Repair:
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Component Removal and Installation, Component Overhaul, System Repair and Adjustment
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Specifications:
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Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics, Component Dimensions, Tolerances
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Suspension And Steering:
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Strut replacement, shock absorber replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack repair, wheel alignment specifications.
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Brake System:
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Brake pad replacement, rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics.
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Electrical Diagnostics:
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Wiring diagrams for all systems, fuse box locations and functions, relay testing, component testing (sensors, actuators), diagnostic tool usage for OBD-II systems.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.
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Technology Features
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Infotainment
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System Name:
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Buick Intellilink (optional, may vary by trim and package)
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Features:
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Touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, USB port, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Navigation system available on higher trims.
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Driver Assistance
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Available Features:
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Backup Camera, Rear Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning (on some later models/packages, less common for base 2011)
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Connectivity
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Bluetooth:
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Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals General
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
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Tire Rotation Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles
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Engine Air Filter Replacement:
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Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000-45,000 miles.
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Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
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Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 20,000-30,000 miles.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type:
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SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1 recommended)
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Coolant Type:
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GM P/N 12346999 (Orange), Dex-Cool Extended Life (50/50 mix with distilled water)
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3
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Power Steering Fluid:
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GM P/N 12345247 or DEXRON-III (H) ATF (or equivalent)
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Known Issues
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Common Problems:
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Water pump leaks (especially on 3.6L V6), potential transmission shifting issues, early generation direct injection carbon buildup, HVAC blower motor failures, and various electrical system gremlins are reported by owners. The manual will guide diagnosis and repair for these and other potential issues.
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