Inherited a 2011 Buick Lucerne and checking in with some Qs

[arestavo]

Hey all. I was very lucky to inherit a 2011 Buick Lucerne CXL with just over 20,000 miles on it from my Grandparents (making me the second owner). My grandfather's ham radio call sign was WA8PRK for anyone who might be an enthusiast.

This Lucerne is almost pristine inside and out. A scuff mark on the front bumper and on the driver's side passenger door (and that's why I always park in the way back), and two small black marks on the driver's headliner (I haven't tried using a cloth with water to scrub it yet - Grandparents were not smokers). Leather interior, power seats (not heated), heated steering wheel (not wood), column shifter with the 6 seat option. It does have backup sensors, but no nav system (yay for cell phones!), and the standard CD / XM radio deck. Yes, it has the original sticker in the glove box.

I drove it up from Arizona where it was garage parked, to Idaho where it is also garage parked, after getting it checked out at a Buick dealership and a new battery and an oil change. I've been reading through the entirety of this forum for the 09-11 year Lucernes, and I just wanted to make sure that I've correctly found out what to look out for / be aware of.

- Oil changes. Keeping up on them and the 3.9L 3900 (while not a gen III 3800) will treat me well. I plan on every 3K miles or once per year for oil changes, whichever comes first as I don't drive much anymore, and now it'll be mostly town/city driving (thankfully no more 120 miles a day, 5 days a week on a highway with a Ford Focus that has its TCM fail multiple times). Small engine oil leaks may be solved with stop leak such as ATP AT-205 once they start, which is not yet the case.

- 4T65E transmission. With just 22K on the odometer, should I just get the transmission fluid drained and changed (not flushed) and the transmission filter changed, or should I wait? I looked through the paper records and didn't see a transmission fluid change anywhere. Yes, I'm worried about the glass 4T65E and it not engaging gears. However, I could just be a bit paranoid since my Ford Focus (now sold) had so freaking many transmission issues.

- Power steering fluid reservoir. While mine currently looks fine, good luck finding one for an 09-11 Lucerne if something happens to it. Junk yard only at this point, if you're lucky enough. Though I've found plenty available online for the 4.6 Northstar engine. Originally I did have a bit of a whine when turning the steering wheel, so I topped off the fluid (ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5074 Power Steering Fluid) as it was a little low and now the whine is almost gone except a little at the very start of the wheel turn (left or right).

- Fuel pump relay. I replaced that with an aftermarket low profile relay and I keep the original in the glovebox, just in case. No signs of burn marks or overheating, and I've bent the driver's side bracket inward enough to prevent the relay burnout issue, as opposed to cutting the ends off. Not that I often have anyone in the back seat.

- Headlights. No need to drop the bumper like the stealership wants. Pop off the front wheel well flaps and swap bulbs that way in a 10 minute job. Maybe I'll use LEDs when I have to replace a burned bulb? I assume that they are all original, and adequate for now as I don't drive much at night. The additional side lights that engage when turning are pretty neat.

- Car battery. In Arizona it had to be replaced quite often compared to what I'm used to up here. I did check Napa and O'Reilly's auto parts, yet it doesn't seem that they carry the side terminal style batteries. Just ones with the terminals on top that show as compatible with the '11 Lucerne. Is that BS, or will it actually not be a problem?

- External door handles. They apparently like to break, yet are somewhat easily replaceable by those with some time.

- Rear air shocks. Probably cheaper (~$700 for parts) to do the conversion once they go out. If the car self limits to 80MPH, that's a sign that they are going out - pulling the fuse(s) for them can restore speed.


Did I miss any common issues that I should be aware of? Thanks, John.

 

[WalmartTech21]

Hey all. I was very lucky to inherit a 2011 Buick Lucerne CXL with just over 20,000 miles on it from my Grandparents (making me the second owner). My grandfather's ham radio call sign was WA8PRK for anyone who might be an enthusiast.

This Lucerne is almost pristine inside and out. A scuff mark on the front bumper and on the driver's side passenger door (and that's why I always park in the way back), and two small black marks on the driver's headliner (I haven't tried using a cloth with water to scrub it yet - Grandparents were not smokers). Leather interior, power seats (not heated), heated steering wheel (not wood), column shifter with the 6 seat option. It does have backup sensors, but no nav system (yay for cell phones!), and the standard CD / XM radio deck. Yes, it has the original sticker in the glove box.

I drove it up from Arizona where it was garage parked, to Idaho where it is also garage parked, after getting it checked out at a Buick dealership and a new battery and an oil change. I've been reading through the entirety of this forum for the 09-11 year Lucernes, and I just wanted to make sure that I've correctly found out what to look out for / be aware of.

- Oil changes. Keeping up on them and the 3.9L 3900 (while not a gen III 3800) will treat me well. I plan on every 3K miles or once per year for oil changes, whichever comes first as I don't drive much anymore, and now it'll be mostly town/city driving (thankfully no more 120 miles a day, 5 days a week on a highway with a Ford Focus that has its TCM fail multiple times). Small engine oil leaks may be solved with stop leak such as ATP AT-205 once they start, which is not yet the case.

- 4T65E transmission. With just 22K on the odometer, should I just get the transmission fluid drained and changed (not flushed) and the transmission filter changed, or should I wait? I looked through the paper records and didn't see a transmission fluid change anywhere. Yes, I'm worried about the glass 4T65E and it not engaging gears. However, I could just be a bit paranoid since my Ford Focus (now sold) had so freaking many transmission issues.

- Power steering fluid reservoir. While mine currently looks fine, good luck finding one for an 09-11 Lucerne if something happens to it. Junk yard only at this point, if you're lucky enough. Though I've found plenty available online for the 4.6 Northstar engine. Originally I did have a bit of a whine when turning the steering wheel, so I topped off the fluid (ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5074 Power Steering Fluid) as it was a little low and now the whine is almost gone except a little at the very start of the wheel turn (left or right).

- Fuel pump relay. I replaced that with an aftermarket low profile relay and I keep the original in the glovebox, just in case. No signs of burn marks or overheating, and I've bent the driver's side bracket inward enough to prevent the relay burnout issue, as opposed to cutting the ends off. Not that I often have anyone in the back seat.

- Headlights. No need to drop the bumper like the stealership wants. Pop off the front wheel well flaps and swap bulbs that way in a 10 minute job. Maybe I'll use LEDs when I have to replace a burned bulb? I assume that they are all original, and adequate for now as I don't drive much at night. The additional side lights that engage when turning are pretty neat.

- Car battery. In Arizona it had to be replaced quite often compared to what I'm used to up here. I did check Napa and O'Reilly's auto parts, yet it doesn't seem that they carry the side terminal style batteries. Just ones with the terminals on top that show as compatible with the '11 Lucerne. Is that BS, or will it actually not be a problem?

- External door handles. They apparently like to break, yet are somewhat easily replaceable by those with some time.

- Rear air shocks. Probably cheaper (~$700 for parts) to do the conversion once they go out. If the car self limits to 80MPH, that's a sign that they are going out - pulling the fuse(s) for them can restore speed.


Did I miss any common issues that I should be aware of? Thanks, John.

if you can, see if you can find the older front fender liners; they actually have access panels built right in to access the back of the headlamp assembly.

for the battery, you should be okay on that because the Group 79 side terminal battery was only on the 2006-2007 models (lucky me...my battery was almost $250) 2008 and up models switched to an H7 top post battery which is much more widely available.

for the air suspension, the shocks themselves are still available OEM (as long as you either have the F41 Firm Ride and Handling suspension or the F55 MRC suspension, the FE1 Soft Ride shocks are not really available anymore) but what isn't available anymore is the compressor assembly. you can get the shocks much cheaper on a site like Rock Auto or Amazon if you're willing to wait.

since it has such low miles, according to the owners manual the transmission fluid and filter should be changed at 50,000 miles if its in "severe Service" and especially if its driven in an area where the ambient temperature is 90 degrees or higher daily, or in hilly/mountainous terrain. (and apparently your car has seen both cases like that) that interval stretches to 100,000 miles in "normal service". I would probably hold off on the fluid and filter change until you hit the 50,000 mile mark, but check it like the manual normally says to at a fuel stop.

if I remember correctly, your car SHOULD be equipped with factory installed Bluetooth Hands Free Connectivity (was introduced in 2009) and is compatible with most modern phones with Bluetooth. (I installed a 2010 VCIM in my 2006, and it works with my iPhone 11)

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Not sure if your owners manual has the recommended service intervals, but most have mileage/years as when to get the fluid changed. All fluids can break down or become contaminated over time.

So changing the transmission fluid and filter, brake fluid, power steering and coolant unless noted in previous service records should be considered. On the transmission there is a TSB on using two larger magnets on the pan and filter and this would be a PM measure to help extend the transmission life.

Rubber driveline and drive train components can also age and should be inspected, as noted a dry hot climate.

On rear shocks the rear air pumps are available in the aftermarket. Manual fill airshocks are a good option if not going with a OEM type system, the replacement overload shocks have mixed reviews.

How true the GM bracket pushing into the fuse box and fuel pump relay as the problem could be questioned. The fuse box itself may have just been problematic, GM actually offered free replacement but it was not a recall.

If can ever find the power steering reservoir just buy and keep it on the shelf as noted it a MIA part that is going on years of not being available.

 

[arestavo]

if you can, see if you can find the older front fender liners; they actually have access panels built right in to access the back of the headlamp assembly.

for the battery, you should be okay on that because the Group 79 side terminal battery was only on the 2006-2007 models (lucky me...my battery was almost $250) 2008 and up models switched to an H7 top post battery which is much more widely available.

for the air suspension, the shocks themselves are still available OEM (as long as you either have the F41 Firm Ride and Handling suspension or the F55 MRC suspension, the FE1 Soft Ride shocks are not really available anymore) but what isn't available anymore is the compressor assembly. you can get the shocks much cheaper on a site like Rock Auto or Amazon if you're willing to wait.

since it has such low miles, according to the owners manual the transmission fluid and filter should be changed at 50,000 miles if its in "severe Service" and especially if its driven in an area where the ambient temperature is 90 degrees or higher daily, or in hilly/mountainous terrain. (and apparently your car has seen both cases like that) that interval stretches to 100,000 miles in "normal service". I would probably hold off on the fluid and filter change until you hit the 50,000 mile mark, but check it like the manual normally says to at a fuel stop.

if I remember correctly, your car SHOULD be equipped with factory installed Bluetooth Hands Free Connectivity (was introduced in 2009) and is compatible with most modern phones with Bluetooth. (I installed a 2010 VCIM in my 2006, and it works with my iPhone 11)

Older model fender liners? I'll have to look at it at some point, but popping off the wheel well covers is a good price (free) for now. Once it's needed, at least. Yes, I can be a frugal son of a gun.

I'm not sure what model of suspension other than whatever came with the 2011 CXL with the rear air shocks. I'm hoping that they'll last, but after having so many issues with my last Ford... well, I'm a bit pessimistic these days.

Thanks on the transmission. I'll be checking out the manual again, as I forget what the interval / recommendations were for the transmission (100K does sound right).

The entertainment system does have hands free calling yet no music for via bluetooth. Easily solved with the aux port and the auxiliary power (always on, so I unplug it since my charger also has a stupid LED ring light).

Much appreciated for the reply!

Not sure if your owners manual has the recommended service intervals, but most have mileage/years as when to get the fluid changed. All fluids can break down or become contaminated over time.

So changing the transmission fluid and filter, brake fluid, power steering and coolant unless noted in previous service records should be considered. On the transmission there is a TSB on using two larger magnets on the pan and filter and this would be a PM measure to help extend the transmission life.

Rubber driveline and drive train components can also age and should be inspected, as noted a dry hot climate.

On rear shocks the rear air pumps are available in the aftermarket. Manual fill airshocks are a good option if not going with a OEM type system, the replacement overload shocks have mixed reviews.

How true the GM bracket pushing into the fuse box and fuel pump relay as the problem could be questioned. The fuse box itself may have just been problematic, GM actually offered free replacement but it was not a recall.

If can ever find the power steering reservoir just buy and keep it on the shelf as noted it a MIA part that is going on years of not being available.

I don't remember seeing anything about years, just milage. The longevity of the transmission fluid was my worry as well, even though it's got low milage. I did see that the TSB was extended to the later model Lucernes for the transmission pan & filter magnet. That might just be the impetus that I need to get the transmission fluid replaced and upgraded magnets installed. I wonder if I could call the dealership down in Arizona and ask if that TSB had already been completed? I honestly don't know if they'd keep records like that or for that long.

I saw a little about the manually filled air shocks, but I don't have an issue going with traditional shocks with a conversion kit. It'll likely depend on if I can get help installing them, or how much the local Les Schwab place would charge to do it. I did have Les Schwab do a full roadworthy check when I got back up here, and after the check they looked at me a bit funny and said that it was pristine.

Interesting to hear about the free fuse box replacement. I thought TSBs are paid for by the customer, or was that just for fuse boxes that had burned out prior to the TSB coming out? I'm going to guess that I'm well outside of any grace period at this point (again, burned by Ford and their terrible TCMs), so I don't feel bad about taking 5 minutes to bend the seat bracket inwards and swap out a $15 relay.

Noted on the PS res. I'll see if I can find any, or if I can get one shipped over.

Much appreciated for the reply!