Positioning:
Full-size luxury sedan targeted towards comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride. Positioned as a refined, American-style boulevard cruiser.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Chrysler 300, Cadillac DTS (later years), Toyota Avalon, Lincoln Town Car.
Target Audience:
Drivers prioritizing comfort, quiet operation, spacious interiors, and traditional American luxury styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, leading to significant cost savings and extended vehicle lifespan.
Coverage Scope:
Complete Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork
Page Count Estimated:
Thousands (exact count not specified, typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
3.8L V6 (L27/L36), 4.6L V8 Northstar (LD8/L37)
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E, 4T65-E HD)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Brakes:
Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc (Solid), ABS, Traction Control
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link Independent
Steering:
Hydraulic Power-Assisted
Electrical System:
Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Power Windows, Locks, Mirrors, Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body And Trim:
Interior Trim, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Weatherstripping
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Lines, Fuel Filter, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes, Oxygen Sensors
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Belt Inspections/Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Service, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul/Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptoms-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical Circuit Analysis
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Procedures, Scan Tool Usage, System-Specific Testing
Installation:
Component Installation/Removal, Accessory Installation
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major vehicle systems, including engine control, lighting, power accessories, and chassis electronics.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension, brakes, and chassis.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Comprehensive list of DTCs with their definitions, potential causes, and diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Name:
3.8L V6 (Series II L36/L27)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.8 L (231 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Overhead Valve (OHV), V-Configuration
Engine 1 Horsepower:
~205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
~230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
4.6L V8 Northstar (LD8/L37)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.6 L (281 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), V-Configuration, 32 Valves
Engine 2 Horsepower:
~275-292 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on specific L37/LD8 variant)
Engine 2 Torque:
~295-315 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (depending on specific L37/LD8 variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
5-Star (Good)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
5-Star (Good)
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
4-Star (Acceptable)
NHTSA Passenger Side Impact:
5-Star (Good)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (StabiliTrak on some models)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if using original type platinum plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if using original type platinum plugs)
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 3.8L V6: 5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil V8:
4.6L V8 Northstar: 5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant:
GM U-Type or equivalent Orange/Pink Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Northstar V8 Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets are a common issue, especially on earlier Northstar engines, leading to coolant loss.
Transmission Clunking:
Some 4T65-E transmissions can develop a clunking noise during shifting or when engaging gears, often related to worn U-joints or transmission mounts.
Power Steering Leaks:
Leaking power steering hoses or pump can occur over time.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, leading to windows not operating.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing history of producing comfortable, well-appointed, and reliable American vehicles, often appealing to a more mature demographic.
Lucerne Lineage:
The Lucerne replaced the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue, continuing Buick's tradition of large, comfortable sedans. It was based on an updated version of the GM H-body platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Span For Model:
2006-2011