Buick REGAL 2011 User Manual

Black plate (1,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Buick Regal Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . ..... . .2-9

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-4

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-27

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-22

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-31

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-4

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-7

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-20

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 8-4

Black plate (2,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Buick Regal Owner Manual M

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-25

Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-29

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-34

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-39

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-42

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-50

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-77

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-6

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 11-9

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-12

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (3,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, BUICK,
the BUICK Emblem, and REGAL
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20977758 C Third Printing

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick
Motor Division wherever it appears
in this manual.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com

©

2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information
about the vehicle, use the Index
in the back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.

Black plate (4,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

Warning or Caution indicates a

hazard that could result in injury or
death.

WARNING

{

These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.

Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage. This
would not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty.

A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let
this happen.”

Symbols

The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.

M : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)

% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls

or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

} : Power

> : Safety Belt Reminders

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor

d : Traction Control

M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (1,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-5

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-7

Safety Belts . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Sensing System for Passenger

Airbag . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 1-9

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-10

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-13

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-14

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-15

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 1-16

Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-16

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-16

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Performance and Maintenance

Traction Control

System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

StabiliTrak

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-18

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-18

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-19

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-19

OnStar

®

System . . . . . . . . . 1-18

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Black plate (2,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

Black plate (3,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-3

A. Exterior Lamp Controls on

page 6‑1.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑4.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑4.

B. Air Vents on page 8‑4.

C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑3.

Driver Information Center
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑22.

D. Cruise Control on page 9‑39.

E. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8.

F. Horn on page 5‑2.

Driver Airbag. See Where Are
the Airbags? on page 3‑29.

G. Driver Information Center

Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑22.

H. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑2.

I. Windshield Wiper/Washer on

page 5‑3.

J. Infotainment on page 7‑1.

K. Traction Control System (TCS)

on page 9‑34/ StabiliTrak

®

System on page 9‑36 (If

Equipped).

Interactive Drive Control
System on page 9‑38

(If Equipped).

L. Info Display. See Operation on

page 7‑4.

M. Power Door Locks on page 2‑5.

Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑3.

N. Ultrasonic Parking Assist on

page 9‑42.

O. Front Passenger Airbag. See

Where Are the Airbags? on
page 3‑29.

P. Hood Release. See Hood on

page 10‑5.

Q. Data Link Connector (Out of

View). See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5‑13.

R. Instrument Panel Fuse Block on

page 10‑40.

Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.

S. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 5‑2.

T. Ignition Positions on page 9‑17.

U. Heated Front Seats on

page 3‑8.

V. Storage Compartment.

W. Shift Lever. See Automatic

Transmission on page 9‑25 or
Manual Transmission on
page 9‑29.

X. Dual Automatic Climate Control

System on page 8‑1.

Y. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (4,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter will work up to
20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle.

Press the key release button to
extend the key blade. The key can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.

K to unlock the driver door or

Press
all doors.

Q to lock all doors.

Press

Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑31.

Press and hold
trunk.

Press and release
vehicle.

Press and hold
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm.

7 again to cancel the panic

Press
alarm.

See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

V to open the

7 to locate the

7 for at least

Black plate (5,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-5

Door Locks

To lock or unlock the door, use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or the key from outside
the vehicle, and the door lock knob
or switch from inside the vehicle.

To unlock or lock the fuel door, use
the RKE transmitter or the door lock
switch from inside.

From inside the vehicle, pull the
door handle once to unlock it and a
second time to open it.

See Door Locks on page 2‑4 for
additional information.

Power Door Locks

The power door lock switch is
located on the center of the
instrument panel.

K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31 for more information.

Trunk Release

To open the trunk, press V on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or press the touchpad
under the vehicle emblem.

See Trunk on page 2‑7 for
additional information.

Windows

The power window switches are
located on the driver door. Each
passenger door has a switch that
controls only that window.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the front of the switch
up to raise it.

See Power Windows on page 2‑12
for additional information.

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats

A. Seatback Recline Lever

B. Height Adjustment Switch

C. Seat Position Handle

Black plate (6,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-6 In Brief

To adjust the seat position:

1. Pull the handle (C) under the
front of the seat cushion.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.

Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch (B) to raise or lower the
seat. Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.

To raise or recline the seatback, use
the lever (A) on the outboard side of
the seat. See Reclining Seatbacks
on page 3‑6.

Power Seats

A. Power Seat Adjustment Control

B. Reclining Seatbacks

C. Lumbar Adjustment

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the
control (A) forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control (A) up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the control (A) up
or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑5 for more information.

To raise or recline the seatback, tilt
the top of the control (B) forward or
rearward. See Reclining Seatbacks
on page 3‑6.

Press the front or rear of the
control (C) to increase or decrease
lumbar support. See Lumbar
Adjustment on page 3‑5.

Black plate (7,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-7

Heated Seats

Heated Front Seats

The buttons are on the climate
control panel. To operate, the
ignition must be on.

Press

M or L to heat the driver or

passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
climate control display show the
temperature setting.

For more information see Heated
Front Seats on page 3‑8.

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.

For more information see Head

Restraints on page 3‑2 and Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑4.

Safety Belts

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.

.

Safety Belts on page 3‑11.

.

How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑14.

.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑18.

.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑49.

Black plate (8,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-8 In Brief

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system
turns off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and the seat‐mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags and
roof‐rail airbags are not affected by
the passenger sensing system. See

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 5‑12 for more information.

The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle
is started.

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors

Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the
driver door.

1. Turn the control knob to the
L (left) or R (right) selecting the
driver or passenger mirror.

2. Push the control knob to the left,
right, up, or down to adjust the
mirror.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑11.

Interior Mirror

The vehicle has an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature and the indicator light come
on each time the ignition is turned to
start.

See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑11.

Black plate (9,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-9

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull the lever down.

2. Move the steering wheel up,
down, forward, and backward.

3. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The interior lamps control located in
the overhead console controls both
the front and rear interior lamps.

* : Turns the lamps off.
1 : Turns the lamps on when any

door is opened.

+ : Keeps the lamps on all

the time.

Reading Lamps

There are front and rear reading
lamps.

The front reading lamps are located
in the overhead console.

# $ : Press to turn each lamp on

or off.

The rear reading lamps are located
in the headliner.

For more information about interior
lamps, see:

.

Dome Lamps on page 6‑5.

.

Reading Lamps on page 6‑5.

.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑4.

Black plate (10,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-10 In Brief

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamp control is located
on the instrument panel on the
outboard side of the steering wheel.

O : Turns off the exterior lamps.

The knob returns to the AUTO
position after it is released. Turn to
off again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.

In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate once the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).

AUTO: Automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off,
depending on outside lighting.

The current status of the AUTO
system is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑22.

; : Turns on the parking lamps,

instrument panel lights, and other
exterior lighting.

2 : Turns on the headlamps,

parking lamps, instrument panel
lights, and other exterior lighting.

For more information, see:

.

Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.

.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑2.

.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑4.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper lever is on the
side of the steering column.

2: Use for fast wipes.

1: Use for slow wipes.

& : Turn the band up for more

frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.

9 : Use to turn the windshield

wipers off.

Black plate (11,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-11

3 : For a single wipe, briefly move

the wiper lever down. For several
wipes, hold the wiper lever down.

Windshield Washer

Pull the windshield wiper lever to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
these systems.

A. Air Conditioning

B. Driver and Passenger

Temperature Controls

C. Heated Seats

D. Air Delivery Modes

E. Climate Display

F. Defrost

G. Recirculation

H. Fan Controls

I. AUTO (Automatic Mode)

J. Rear Defogger

See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.

Black plate (12,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-12 In Brief

Transmission

Automatic Transmission

P: Park

R: Reverse

N: Neutral

D: Drive

Manual Mode

Move the selector lever from
D (Drive) to the left. Press the shift
lever forward (+) to upshift or
rearward (−) to downshift.

The selector lever can only be
moved out of P (Park) when the
ignition is on and the brake pedal
is applied. To engage P (Park) or
R (Reverse), push the release
button.

See Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑25.

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

3 O

on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.

RADIO/BAND: Press to choose
between FM, AM, or XM™,
if equipped.

Z : Turn to select radio

stations.

s © : Press to seek the previous

station or track.

¨ \ : Press to seek the next

station or track.

Buttons 1 to 6: Press to save and
select favorite stations.

INFO: Press to show available
information about the current station
or track, or to display the time when
the ignition is off.

For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑4.

: Press to turn the system

Black plate (13,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-13

Storing a Favorite Station

Stations from all bands can be
stored in the favorite lists in any
order. Up to six stations can be
stored in each favorite page and the
number of available favorite pages
can be set.

To store the station to a position in
the list, press the corresponding
numeric button 1 to 6 until a beep is
heard. The stored station will begin
playback.

For more information, see “Storing a
Station as a Favorite” in AM-FM
Radio on page 7‑7.

Setting the Clock

Adjusting the Time

1. Press the CONFIG button and
select Time and Date Settings.

2. Select Set Time.

3. Turn the
the highlighted number.

4. Press the
the next number.

Z knob to adjust

Z knob to select

5. To save the time and return to
the Time Settings menu, press
the BACK button at any time or

press the
adjusting the minutes.

Setting the 12/24 Hour Format

1. Press the CONFIG button and
select Time and Date Settings.

2. Highlight 12/24 Hour Format.

3. Press the
the 12 hour or 24 hour display
format.

For detailed instructions on setting
the clock, see Clock on page 5‑5.

Z button after

Z button to select

Satellite Radio

Vehicles with an XM™ Satellite
Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite
Radio subscription can receive XM
programming.

XM Satellite Radio Service

XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces. XM

Satellite Radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free
music, coast to coast, and in
digital-quality sound. A fee is
required to receive the XM service.

For more information refer to:

.

www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).

.

www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).

For more information, see Satellite
Radio on page 7‑10.

Portable Audio Devices

Some vehicles have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port located in the center console.
External devices such as iPods
laptop computers, MP3 players, CD
changers, and USB storage devices
may be connected, depending on
the audio system.

For more information, see Auxiliary
Devices on page 7‑17.

®

,

Black plate (14,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-14 In Brief

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio
system, microphone, and controls.

The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.

See Bluetooth (Overview) on

page 7‑20 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑21 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7‑23.

®

Steering Wheel Controls

For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.

b / g : Press to interact with the

available Bluetooth, OnStar,
or navigation system.

$ / i : Press to silence the

vehicle speakers only. Press again
to turn the sound on. For vehicles
with OnStar or Bluetooth systems,
press to reject an incoming call,
or to end a current call.

_ SRC ^ : Turn _ or ^ to select a

radio band or audio source.

Turn

_ or ^ to select the next or

previous favorite radio station, CD,
or MP3 track.

Press SRC to change between
radio and CD or DVD.

x −: Press + to increase or − to

+

decrease the volume.

For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

Black plate (15,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-15

Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are
located on the steering wheel.

1 : Press to turn the cruise control

system on and off. An indicator light
will turn on or off in the instrument
panel cluster.

* : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

RES/+ : Move the thumbwheel up
to make the vehicle resume to a
previously set speed or to
accelerate to a higher speed.

SET/−: Move the thumbwheel down
to set a speed or to make the
vehicle decelerate.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑39.

Navigation System

If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
Navigation System Manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.

The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points of
interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.

See the navigation system manual
for more information.

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located in the
center of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems. The controls for
the DIC are located on the turn
signal lever.

SET/CLR: Press to set or clear the
menu item when it is displayed.

w x : Use the thumbwheel to

scroll through the items in
each menu.

Black plate (16,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-16 In Brief

MENU: Press to get to the Trip/

Fuel Menu and the Vehicle
Information Menu.

For more information, see Driver

Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑22.

Vehicle Personalization

Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the audio
system controls. These features
include:

.

Climate and Air Quality

.

Comfort and Convenience

.

Collision/Detection Systems

.

Language

.

Lighting

.

Power Door Locks

.

Remote Lock/Unlock

See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) uses sensors on the rear
bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
URPA uses audio beeps to provide
distance and system information.

Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.

The system can be disabled by
pressing the park assist button
located next to the radio.

See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑42 for more information.

Power Outlets

The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone, an MP3
player, etc.

This outlet is located under the
armrest inside the center console
storage.

The vehicle may have a 110v power
outlet located on the rear of the
center floor console.

Open the protective cover to use the
outlets.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switch is located on the overhead
console.

Black plate (17,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-17

The sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑21 for more information.

To open or close the sunroof , press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position. The
safety function will stay enabled as
long as the switch is operated.

To automatically open or close the
sunroof with the safety function
enabled, firmly press the open or
close sunroof switch (A) to the
second detent position and release.
To stop the movement, press the
switch once more.

To automatically tilt or close the
sunroof with the safety function
enabled, press the tilt open or close
sunroof switch (B).

If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof from
closing at the point of the
obstruction. The sunroof will then
return to the full-open or vent
position.

The sunroof glass panel cannot be
opened or closed if the vehicle has
an electrical failure.

See Sunroof on page 2‑15 for more
information.

Performance and Maintenance

Traction Control System (TCS)

The vehicle may have a traction
control system that limits wheel
spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.

.

To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button, located on the instrument

panel.

i illuminates and the

appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑29.

.

Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.

For more information, see Traction

Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑34.

Black plate (18,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-18 In Brief

StabiliTrak®System

The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.

.

To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/StabiliTrak button,
located on the instrument panel,

until

i and g illuminate in the

instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑29.

.

Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button to turn on both
systems.

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

®

System on page 9‑36.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early

indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑51.

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.

Resetting the Oil Life System

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.

2. Press the DIC menu button on
the turn signal lever to enter the
Vehicle Information Menu. Use

Black plate (19,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

the thumbwheel to scroll through
the menu items until you reach
REMAINING OIL LIFE.

3. Press the SET/CLR button to
reset the oil life at 100%.

4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13.

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑47. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑44.

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.

.

Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.

.

Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.

.

Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.

.

When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.

.

Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.

.

Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.

.

Combine several trips into a
single trip.

In Brief 1-19

.

Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.

.

Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-252-1112

TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438

Canada: 1-800-268-6800

As the owner of a new Buick, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.

See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5 for more information.

Roadside Assistance and OnStar

If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the

and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar Advisor who will
assess your problem, contact

Q button

Black plate (20,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-20 In Brief

Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.

Online Owner Center

The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.

Sign up today at:

www.buickownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

OnStar

For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live

®

Advisors to provide a wide range of
safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built‐in sensors
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.

How OnStar Service Works

Q : Push this blue button to

connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to answer
questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.

Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on
all vehicles. For more information,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide;
visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY

1‐877‐248‐2080; or push the
button to speak with an OnStar
Advisor 24 hours a day, seven days
a week.

For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.

Q

Black plate (21,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-21

OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.

OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area, and the wireless
service provider has coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar
service. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle must have a
working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment is not properly
installed or you have not maintained
it even if the vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance

with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in the
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems beyond
OnStar's control may prevent
service to you, such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to important parts of the vehicle in a
crash, or wireless phone network
congestion or jamming.

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls

This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 for more information.

On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.

Your Responsibility

Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.

If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may not

be functioning properly. Push
and request a vehicle diagnostic
check. If the light appears clear
(no light appears), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.

Push

Q to confirm that the OnStar

equipment is active.

Q

Black plate (22,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

1-22 In Brief

2 NOTES

Black plate (1,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 2-6

Doors

Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-7

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 2-9

Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . . 2-9

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 2-9

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . .. . 2-9

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 2-11

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 2-11

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-11

Interior Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 2-11

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-12

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 2-14

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 2-15

Black plate (2,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.

Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.

See your dealer if a new key is
needed.

Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.

If you are locked out of the vehicle,
see Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5.

Black plate (3,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:

.

Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle.

.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The RKE transmitter will work up to
20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.

The following buttons are on the
transmitter:

Q (Lock): Press to lock all doors.

The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to

indicate locking; see “Remote
Lock Feedback” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑31.

The fuel door will be locked when
the doors are locked.

If any door is open when
pressed, all doors lock. These
settings can be modified. See
“Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31.

Pressing
theft-deterrent system. See

Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑9.

Q may also arm the

Q is

K (Unlock): Press to unlock the

driver door or all doors; see
“Remote Door Unlock” under

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31. The turn signal

indicators flash to indicate unlocking
has occurred. For more information
see “Remote Unlock Light
Feedback” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑31.

Black plate (4,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

Pressing K may also disarm the
theft-deterrent system. See

Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑9.

V (Remote Trunk Release):

Press and hold
trunk.

V to open the

7 (Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release one
time to locate the vehicle. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn

chirps. Press and hold
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the

turn signals flash until
again, or the key is placed in the
ignition and turned to ON/RUN.

7 for at least

7 is pressed

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. See your dealer to
have new transmitters programmed.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC. See
“Replace Battery in Remote Key”
under Key and Lock Messages on
page 5‑29.

The battery is not rechargeable.
See your dealer to replace the
battery.

Door Locks

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

.

Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

.

Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.

(Continued)

Black plate (5,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

WARNING (Continued)

.

Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when slowing or stopping the
vehicle. Lock the doors to
help prevent this from
happening.

To lock and unlock the door, use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or the key from the
outside, and the door lock knob or
switch from the inside.

To unlock or lock the fuel door, use
the RKE transmitter or the door lock
switch from the inside.

From inside the vehicle with the
doors locked, pull once on the door
handle to unlock it, and a second
time to open it.

Manually locking the driver door
also automatically locks all other
doors.

For more information see:

.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.

.

Power Door Locks on page 2‑5.

.

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑31.

Power Door Locks

K (Unlock): Press to unlock all

doors.

Q (Lock): Press to lock all doors.

See “Power Door Locks” in Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑31.

Black plate (6,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

Safety Locks

The vehicle may have power safety
locks or manual safety locks. Power
safety locks will lock the rear
windows and not allow the rear
doors to be opened from the inside.
Manual safety locks do not allow the
rear doors to be opened from the
inside.

Power Safety Locks

Press v to activate the safety locks
on the rear doors. The LED will
illuminate.

This switch also disables the power
window controls on the rear doors

v again to deactivate the

Press
safety locks on the rear doors. The
LED will turn off.

If the LED flashes, the feature may
not be working properly. See “Rear
Window Lockout” under Power
Windows on page 2‑12.

Manual Safety Locks

Open the rear doors to access the
safety locks on the inside edge of
each door. To manually set the
locks, insert a key into the slot and
turn it to the horizontal position. the
door can only be opened from the
outside with the door unlocked. To
return the door to normal operation,
turn the slot to the vertical position.

Black plate (7,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

Doors

Trunk

WARNING

{

Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

.

Close all of the windows.

.

Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.

.

If the vehicle has a power
liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑24.

Trunk Release

To open the trunk, press the
touchpad (A) under the vehicle
emblem.

Black plate (8,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Emergency Trunk Release
Handle

Notice: Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk
from the inside.

To close the trunk, use the pull
cup (A) as an aid.

Remote Trunk Release

To open the trunk, press V on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.

There is an emergency trunk
release handle located inside the
trunk on the trunk latch. On some
vehicles, the release handle can be
accessed by folding the rear seat
center seatback. See Rear Seats on
page 3‑9. Pull the release handle to
open the trunk from the inside.

Black plate (9,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not
make it impossible to steal.

Anti-theft Alarm System

This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.

Arming the System

To arm the system, close all of the
windows and doors and then either:

.

Press Q on the RKE transmitter.

.

Lock the vehicle using the key in
the driver door.

The alarm arms after about
30 seconds.

The security light, located in the
center of the instrument panel, will
flash slowly.

Q again and the system arms

Press
immediately.

Disarming the System

To disarm the system press K on
the RKE transmitter.

Turning off the System Alarm

If there is an attempt to open the
doors, trunk, or hood without first

pressing
unlocking the driver door with the
key, the system alarm will be
activated. The exterior lamps will
flash and the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds.

To turn off the system alarm press

K on the transmitter or

Q or K on the RKE transmitter.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.

The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.

The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is
removed from the ignition.

The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only an authorized key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.

Black plate (10,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.

When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.

If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.

If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key. If the engine
does not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be
damaged. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.

Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

WARNING

{

A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.

The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Black plate (11,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11

Power Mirrors

Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the
driver door.

1. Turn the control knob to the
L (left) or R (right) selecting the
driver or passenger mirror.

2. Push the control knob to the left,
right, up, or down to adjust the
mirror.

Folding Mirrors

Manual Foldaway Mirrors

The vehicle has manual folding
mirrors. These mirrors can be folded
inward to prevent damage when
going through an automatic car
wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward
the vehicle. Push the mirror outward
to return it to the original position.

Heated Mirrors

The vehicle has heated mirrors:

< (Rear Window Defogger):

Press to heat the mirrors.

See “Rear Window Defogger” under

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1 for more

information.

Interior Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

The vehicle has an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you.

Vehicles with OnStar
control buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

®

have three

Black plate (12,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).

Power Windows

The power window switches located
on the driver door control all four
windows. The passenger doors
have a window switch that controls
that window. Push the switch down
to open the window. Pull the front of
the switch up to close it.

The switches work when the ignition
is in ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or in Retained Accessory Power
(RAP). See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑21.

Black plate (13,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13

Express Window Operation

Windows with an express-up or
down feature allow the front
windows to be lowered or raised
without holding the switch. Rear
windows only have express down.
Pull a window switch up or push it
down all the way, release it, and the
window goes up or down
automatically. Stop the window by
pushing or pulling the switch.

Rear Window Lockout with
Power Safety Locks

For vehicles with power safety
locks, the rear window lockout
button is on the driver door. Press

v to disable the rear window

controls and turn on the rear door
power safety locks. The light on the
button comes on indicating the
feature is in use. The rear windows
can still be raised or lowered using
the driver window switches when
the lockout feature is active. To

restore power to the rear windows,
press the button again. The light on
the button goes out. If the light
flashes, the feature may not be
working properly.

Rear Window Lockout without
Power Safety Locks

For vehicles without power safety
locks, the rear window lockout
switch is on the driver door. This
feature prevents the rear passenger
windows from operating, except
from the driver position.

Black plate (14,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

Press v to activate the rear window
lockout switch. A LED comes on
when activated.

v again to deactivate the

Press
lockout switch.

If the LED flashes, the feature may
not be working properly.

Programming the Power
Windows

If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected, or is
not working, you will need to
reprogram each front power window
for the express-up feature to work.
Before reprogramming, replace or
recharge the vehicle's battery.

To program each front window,
follow these steps:

1. With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active.

2. Press and hold the power
window switch until the window
is fully open.

3. Pull the power window switch up
until the window is fully closed.

4. Continue holding the switch up
for approximately two seconds
after the window is completely
closed.

The window is now reprogrammed.
Repeat the process for the other
windows.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod,
if available.

Black plate (15,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15

Roof

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches are on the overhead
console.

The sunroof only operates when
the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑21 for more information.

To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.

To express open or close the
sunroof with the safety function
enabled, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release. To stop
the movement, press the switch
again.

To automatically tilt or close the
sunroof, press the tilt open or close
sunroof switch (B).

If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.

The sunroof glass panel cannot be
opened or closed if the vehicle has
an electrical failure.

Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging within
the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.

Black plate (16,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows

Sunshade

The sunshade is manually operated.
Close or open the sunshade by
sliding. When the sunroof is
opened, the sunshade is
always open.

Safety Function

If the sunroof has any resistance
during automatic closing, it will
immediately stop and reverse.

To override the safety function,
press and hold the close sunroof
switch. The sunroof closes without
the safety function. To stop the
movement, release the switch.

Initializing the Sunroof

If the sunroof cannot be fully closed,
or the express open or close feature
does not function, the sunroof may
need to be initialized. This can
happen if the battery has been
disconnected or the sunroof has
been serviced.

To initialize the sunroof:

1. Press the close sunroof switch
to the first detent position. Hold
the switch in this position for
10 seconds after the sunroof has
fully closed.

2. Press the open sunroof switch to
the first detent position. Release
the switch when the sunroof is
fully opened.

3. Press the open sunroof switch to
the first detent position and hold
for 10 seconds. The sunroof will
automatically close. The switch
can be released when the
sunroof stops.

Black plate (1,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-2

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-5

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3-9

Rear Seat

Pass-Through Door . . . . . . . . 3-10

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 3-11

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-25

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-25

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-26

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 3-27

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-29

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-30

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-32

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-32

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . 3-34

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 3-38

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-38

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-39

Replacing Airbag System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-40

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-40

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3-43

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-45

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-48
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-49

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-57

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-57

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-59

Black plate (2,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.

The vehicle's rear seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Black plate (3,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-3

Front Seat

To raise or lower the head restraint,
press the release button located on
the side of the head restraint and
pull up or push the head restraint
down and release the button.

Pull and push on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

The front head restraints are not
designed to be removed.

Rear Seat

Pull the head restraint up to raise it.
To lower the head restraint, press
the release button, located on the
head restraint post on the top of the
seatback, while you push the head
restraint down.

Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

If you are installing a child restraint
in the rear seat, see “Securing a
Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System” under Lower

Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑49.

Black plate (4,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-4 Seats and Restraints

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Seat Position

WARNING

{

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

To adjust the seat position:

1. Pull the handle under the front of
the seat cushion.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.

Black plate (5,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-5

Height Adjustment

Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch to raise or lower the seat.
Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.

Power Seat Adjustment

To adjust a power seat:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.

Lumbar Adjustment

To adjust the lumbar support:

.

Press and hold the front or rear
of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.

.

Press and hold the top or bottom
of the control to raise or lower
lumbar support.

Release the control when the
desired level of support is reached.

Black plate (6,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-6 Seats and Restraints

Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

Black plate (7,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-7

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the lever.

2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a power seatback,
if equipped:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

Black plate (8,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-8 Seats and Restraints

Heated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.

The buttons are on the climate
control panel. To operate, the
ignition must be on.

M or L to heat the driver or

Press
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
climate control display show the
current setting.

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.

Black plate (9,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-9

Rear Seats

Folding the Seatback

Either side of the seatback can be
folded down for more cargo space.
Fold a seatback only when the
vehicle is not moving.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

To fold the seatback down:

1. Be sure the safety belt is in the
retainer clip.

2. Pull on the lever on the top of
the seatback to unlock it.

A tab near the seatback lever
raises when the seatback is
unlocked.

3. Fold the seatback down.

Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the
other seatback, if desired.

Black plate (10,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-10 Seats and Restraints

Raising the Seatback

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to
be sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

To raise a seatback:

1. Lift the seatback up and push
it rearward to lock it in place.
Make sure the safety belt is in
the retainer clip and is not
twisted or caught in the
seatback.

A tab near the seatback lever
retracts when the seatback is
locked in place.

2. Push and pull the top of the
seatback to be sure it is locked
into position.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the
other seatback, if necessary.

When the seat is not in use, it
should be kept in the upright, locked
position.

Rear Seat Pass-Through Door

The vehicle may have a door in the
rear seat that provides access to the
trunk.

Lower the rear seat armrest to
access the pass-through door. Pull
the release handle to open the door.
To close, push and latch the door.

The vehicle may have a lock knob
on the pass-through door. Turn the
lock knob from the trunk side of the
door to lock or unlock the door.

Black plate (11,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-11

Safety Belts

This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.

WARNING

{

Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You
and your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and check
that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.

WARNING

{

It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
the vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 5‑11 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you
do not know if it will be a
serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

Black plate (12,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-12 Seats and Restraints

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

Black plate (13,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel...

Seats and Restraints 3-13

With safety belts, you slow down
as the vehicle does. You get more
time to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety
belt, even if you are
upside down.

or the safety belts!

Black plate (14,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-14 Seats and Restraints

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 mi) of home. And the
greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at
speeds of less than 65 km/h
(40 mph).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children on

page 3‑40 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑43. Follow those

rules for everyone's protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic

Black plate (15,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-15

bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force
on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if the
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if the
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap
belt and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
lap belt should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching
the thighs.

Black plate (16,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-16 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if the
belt is buckled in the wrong place
like this. In a crash, the belt would
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not on

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

the pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.
Always buckle the belt into the
buckle nearest you.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if the
belt goes over an armrest like
this. The belt would be much too
high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

Black plate (17,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-17

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also, the

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

belt would apply too much force
to the ribs, which are not as
strong as shoulder bones. You
could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.
The shoulder belt should go over
the shoulder and across the
chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Black plate (18,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-18 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

Black plate (19,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 3‑25.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.

4. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

Seats and Restraints 3-19

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.

Black plate (20,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-20 Seats and Restraints

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.

Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How

to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑14.

Press the release button (A) and
move the height adjuster to the
desired position. The adjuster can
be moved up by pushing the slide/
trim up. After the adjuster is set to
the desired position, try to move it
down without pushing the release
button to make sure it has locked
into position.

Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met.

And, if the vehicle has side impact
airbags, safety belt pretensioners
can help tighten the safety belts in a
side crash or a rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for the
vehicle's safety belt system. See

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts
after a Crash on page 3‑26.

Black plate (21,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-21

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

Rear safety belt comfort guides may
provide added safety belt comfort
for older children who have
outgrown booster seats and for
some adults. When installed on a
shoulder belt, the comfort guide
positions the shoulder belt away
from the neck and head.

This vehicle may come with either
an adjustable comfort guide or
comfort guides sewn into the side
of the rear outboard seatback.

Adjustable Safety Belt Comfort
Guide

On vehicles with the adjustable
comfort guide, one guide is
provided. Additional adjustable
comfort guides are available through
your dealer.

To install the adjustable safety belt
comfort guide to the seatback and
the safety belt:

1. Locate the anchorage loop
between the rear outboard
seatback and seat bolster,
near the top.

Black plate (22,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-22 Seats and Restraints

2. Attach the adjustable comfort
guide to the anchor loop by
threading the hook through
the loop.

3. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

4. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.

5. The elastic cord on the comfort
guide is adjustable. You can
make it longer or shorter by
squeezing both ends of the
plastic adjuster and pulling on
the elastic cord or the guide.

Black plate (23,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-23

6. Adjust the guide so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the
shoulder and not falling off of it.
The belt should be close to, but
not contacting, the neck.
Improper comfort guide
adjustment could reduce the
effectiveness of the safety belt in
a crash.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

7. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure that the shoulder belt
crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt
can be removed from the guide.
Un-hook the guide from the loop
on the seat. Store the guide in a
convenient place like the glove box
for the next time it is needed.

Sewn‐in Safety Belt Comfort
Guide

On vehicles with the sewn‐in
comfort guide, there is one guide for
each outboard passenger position in
the rear seat.

Black plate (24,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-24 Seats and Restraints

To install a comfort guide to the
safety belt:

1. Remove the guide from its
storage pocket on the side of
the seat.

2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.

Black plate (25,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-25

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Store
the guide in its storage pocket on
the side of the seatback.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults. Never
use it for securing child seats. To
wear it, attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information, see the
instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.

Black plate (26,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-26 Seats and Restraints

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders on page 5‑11 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑26.

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

WARNING

{

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

Black plate (27,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-27

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑11.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following
airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver.

.

A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and the
passenger seated directly
behind the right front passenger.

The vehicle may have the following
airbags:

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the rear seat
passenger seated directly
behind the driver.

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the rear seat
passenger seated directly
behind the right front passenger.

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Black plate (28,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-28 Seats and Restraints

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

WARNING

{

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing a safety belt — even with
airbags. Airbags are designed to
work with safety belts, not replace
them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash.
In some crashes safety belts are
the only restraint. See When

Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑30.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Wearing a safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in the
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

WARNING

{

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to any airbag, as you would
be if sitting on the edge of the
seat or leaning forward. Safety
belts help keep you in position

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

before and during a crash.
Always wear a safety belt, even
with airbags. The driver should sit
as far back as possible while still
maintaining control of the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

WARNING

{

Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.

(Continued)

Black plate (29,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-29

WARNING (Continued)

Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in the
vehicle. To read how, see Older

Children on page 3‑40 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑43.

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical

system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag Readiness
Light on page 5‑11 for more
information.

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger side.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.

The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.

Black plate (30,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-30 Seats and Restraints

Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,

Passenger Side Similar

If the vehicle has second row
seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
they are in the sides of the rear
seatback closest to the door.

WARNING

{

If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or right
front passenger's head and chest.
However, they are only designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on how
fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.

Black plate (31,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-31

Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For
example:

.

If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.

.

If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.

.

If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).

.

If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.

The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags. See
Airbag System on page 3‑27.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes. In addition, these roof‐rail
airbags are intended to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe
frontal impact. Seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags will

inflate if the crash severity is above
the system's designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.

Roof‐rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in rear impacts. Both roof‐rail
airbags will deploy when either side
of the vehicle is struck or if the
sensing system predicts that the
vehicle is about to roll over, or in a
severe frontal impact.

In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact.

In a rollover event, roof‐rail airbag
deployment is determined by the
direction of the roll.

Black plate (32,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-32 Seats and Restraints

What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbag modules in the side
of the front seatbacks closest to the
door. For vehicles with roof-rail
airbags, there are airbag modules in
the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant
seating positions.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body.

But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When

Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑30 for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.

What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makes
an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑32.

The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of

Black plate (33,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-33

the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.

WARNING

{

When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps, turn on the
hazard warning flashers, and shut

off the fuel system after the airbags
inflate. You can lock the doors, turn
off the interior lamps, and turn off
the hazard warning flashers by
using the controls for those
features.

WARNING

{

A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.

Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.

In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.

Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.

.

Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.

.

The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data

Recording and Privacy on
page 13‑14 and Event Data
Recorders on page 13‑14.

Black plate (34,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-34 Seats and Restraints

.

Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.

The words ON and OFF will be
visible during the system check.
When the system check is
complete, either the word ON

or the word OFF will be visible. See

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 5‑12.

The passenger sensing system
turns off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat‐mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags and
the roof‐rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the right front passenger seat. The
sensors are designed to detect the
presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat‐mounted side impact airbag
should be enabled (may inflate)
or not.

According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.

We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including: an
infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.

WARNING

{

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front

(Continued)

Black plate (35,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

WARNING (Continued)

passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped), no system is
fail-safe. No one can guarantee
that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and
seat‐mounted side impact airbag if:

.

The right front passenger seat is
unoccupied.

.

The system determines that an
infant is present in a rear-facing
infant seat.

.

The system determines that a
small child is present in a child
restraint.

.

The system determines that a
small child is present in a
booster seat.

.

A right front passenger takes
his/her weight off of the seat for
a period of time.

Seats and Restraints 3-35

.

The right front passenger seat is
occupied by a smaller person,
such as a child who has
outgrown child restraints.

.

There is a critical problem with
the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat‐mounted side impact airbag,
the off indicator will light and stay lit
as a reminder that the airbags are
off. See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑12.

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
and seat‐mounted side impact
airbag anytime the system senses
that a person of adult size is sitting
properly in the right front passenger
seat. When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbags to
be enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit as a reminder that the
airbags are active.

Black plate (36,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-36 Seats and Restraints

For some children who have
outgrown child restraints and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the right front passenger frontal
airbag and seat‐mounted side
impact airbag, depending upon the
person's seating posture and body
build. Everyone in the vehicle
who has outgrown child restraints
should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there
is an airbag for that person.

WARNING

{

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness
Light on page 5‑11 for more
information, including important
safety information.

If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to

Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat) on page 3‑57 or
Securing Child Restraints
(Front Passenger Seat) on
page 3‑59.

5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
turn the vehicle off. Then slightly
recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion,
if adjustable, to make sure that
the vehicle seatback is not
pushing the child restraint into
the seat cushion.

Also make sure the child
restraint is not trapped under the
vehicle head restraint. If this
happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraints
on page 3‑2.

6. Restart the vehicle.

If the on indicator is still lit,
secure the child in the child
restraint in a rear seat position in
the vehicle, and check with your
dealer.

Black plate (37,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-37

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. If this happens,
use the following steps to allow the

system to detect that person and
enable the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat‐mounted
side impact airbag:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation

Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the seat
during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger
sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See
“Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.

Black plate (38,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-38 Seats and Restraints

A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and
seat massagers can affect how well
the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to

the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3‑38 for more information

about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.

WARNING

{

Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see

Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑11.

WARNING

{

For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front
end, or side sheet metal, they
may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Changing
or moving any parts of the seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering
wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail
airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front

Black plate (39,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-39

sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery, or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort‐enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the

passenger airbag(s). See

Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34.

If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call

Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.

In addition, your dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring.

Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See

Airbag Readiness Light on
page 5‑11 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken, the
airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 3‑32. See your
dealer for service.

Black plate (40,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-40 Seats and Restraints

Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not work properly and may not
protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death. To
help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See

Airbag Readiness Light on
page 5‑11 for more information.

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle safety belts.

Black plate (41,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

The manufacturer's instructions that
come with the booster seat state the
weight and height limitations for that
booster. Use a booster seat with a
lap-shoulder belt until the child
passes the fit test below:

.

Sit all the way back on the seat.
Do the knees bend at the seat
edge? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.

.

Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
Does the shoulder belt rest on
the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If no, try using the rear safety
belt comfort guide. See “Rear
Safety Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 3‑18 for more information.
If the shoulder belt still does not
rest on the shoulder, then return
to the booster seat.

.

Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.

.

Can proper safety belt fit be
maintained for the length of
the trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: An older child should wear a

lap-shoulder belt and get the
additional restraint a shoulder
belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or
neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just
touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the
child's pelvic bones in a crash.
It should never be worn over the
abdomen, which could cause
severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.

Seats and Restraints 3-41

Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 3‑18.

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.

In a crash, children who are not
buckled up can strike other people
who are buckled up, or can be
thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use safety belts
properly.

Black plate (42,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-42 Seats and Restraints

WARNING

{

Never do this.

Never allow two children to wear
the same safety belt. The safety
belt cannot properly spread the
impact forces. In a crash, the two
children can be crushed together
and seriously injured. A safety
belt must be used by only one
person at a time.

WARNING

{

Never do this.

Never allow a child to wear the
safety belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a
crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Black plate (43,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-43

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs
protection! This includes infants
and all other children. Neither the
distance traveled nor the age and
size of the traveler changes the
need, for everyone, to use safety
restraints. In fact, the law in every
state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be
restrained while in a vehicle.

WARNING

{

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Never leave children
unattended in a vehicle and never
allow children to play with the
safety belts.

Airbags plus lap‐shoulder belts offer
protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children
and infants. Neither the vehicle's
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Every
time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the
protection provided by appropriate
child restraints.

Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

WARNING

{

Never do this.

Never hold an infant or a child
while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's
arms. An infant should be
secured in an appropriate
restraint.

Black plate (44,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-44 Seats and Restraints

WARNING

{

Never do this.

Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat. Secure a rear-facing child
restraint in a rear seat. It is also
better to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in a rear seat. If you
must secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as it
will go.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which

are purchased by the vehicle
owner, are available in four basic
types. Selection of a particular
restraint should take into
consideration not only the child's
weight, height, and age but also
whether or not the restraint will
be compatible with the motor
vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child
restraints, there are many
different models available. When
purchasing a child restraint, be
sure it is designed to be used in
a motor vehicle. If it is, the
restraint will have a label saying
that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.

Black plate (45,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-45

The restraint manufacturer's
instructions that come with the
restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular
child restraint. In addition, there
are many kinds of restraints
available for children with
special needs.

WARNING

{

To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury during a crash, infants
need complete support. This is
because an infant's neck is not
fully developed and its head
weighs so much compared with
the rest of its body. In a crash, an
infant in a rear-facing child
restraint settles into the restraint,
so the crash forces can be
distributed across the strongest
part of an infant's body, the back
and shoulders. Infants should
always be secured in rear-facing
child restraints.

WARNING

{

A young child's hip bones are still
so small that the vehicle's regular
safety belt may not remain low on
the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a
body area that is unprotected by
any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal
injuries. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, young children should
always be secured in appropriate
child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat (A)
provides restraint with the seating
surface against the back of the
infant.

The harness system holds the infant
in place and, in a crash, acts to
keep the infant positioned in the
restraint.

Black plate (46,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-46 Seats and Restraints

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child's
body with the harness.

(C) Booster Seats

A booster seat (C) is a child restraint
designed to improve the fit of the
vehicle's safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help a child
to see out the window.

Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle

WARNING

{

A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. See Lower

Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑49 for

more information. Children can be

Black plate (47,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-47

endangered in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle.

When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions
that come with the restraint which
may be on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both, and to this manual.
The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement
copy from the manufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
the vehicle — even when no child is
in it.

In some areas, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints. In
the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to
locate the nearest child safety seat
inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.

Securing the Child within the
Child Restraint

WARNING

{

A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.

Black plate (48,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-48 Seats and Restraints

Where to Put the Restraint

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.

We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
riding in a rear-facing child restraint;
a child riding in a forward-facing
child seat; an older child riding in a
booster seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.

A label on your sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great if the
airbag deploys.

WARNING

{

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag
is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System
on page 3‑34 for additional
information.

When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with your
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.

Child restraints and booster seats
vary considerably in size, and some
may fit in certain seating positions
better than others. Always make
sure the child restraint is properly
secured.

Black plate (49,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-49

Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent safety belt
assemblies or LATCH anchors for
additional passengers or child
restraints. Adjacent seating
positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to or
interferes with the routing of the
safety belt.

Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to secure the child
restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
your vehicle — even when no child
is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors in
the vehicle and attachments on the
child restraint that are made for use
with the LATCH system.

Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle's safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.

When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
either the lower anchors or the
safety belts to properly secure the
child restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the top
tether and anchor.

In order to use the LATCH system in
the vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint
manufacturer will provide you with
instructions on how to use the child
restraint and its attachments. The
following explains how to attach a
child restraint with these
attachments in the vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.

Black plate (50,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-50 Seats and Restraints

Lower Anchors

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are two
lower anchors for each LATCH
seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (B).

Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top
of the child restraint to the vehicle.
A top tether anchor is built into the
vehicle. The top tether
attachment (B) on the child restraint
connects to the top tether anchor in
the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving or in
a crash.

The child restraint may have a
single tether (A) or a dual tether (C).
Either will have a single
attachment (B) to secure the top
tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints that have a
top tether are designed for use with
or without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the child
restraint.

Black plate (51,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating

positions with top tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor): Seating

positions with two lower anchors.

To assist you in locating the lower
anchors, each rear anchor position
has a label, near the crease
between the seatback and the seat
cushion.

To assist you in locating the top
tether anchors, the top tether anchor
symbol is located on the cover.

Seats and Restraints 3-51

The top tether anchors are located
under the covers, behind the rear
seat, on the filler panel. Be sure to
use an anchor located on the same
side of the vehicle as the seating
position where the child restraint will
be placed.

Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be attached, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top tether
must be attached.

Black plate (52,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-52 Seats and Restraints

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position. See Where to Put the
Restraint on page 3‑48 for
additional information.

Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH
System

WARNING

{

If a LATCH-type child restraint is
not attached to anchors, the child
restraint will not be able to protect
the child correctly. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured or
killed. Install a LATCH-type child
restraint properly using the
anchors, or use the vehicle safety
belts to secure the restraint,
following the instructions that
came with the child restraint and
the instructions in this manual.

WARNING

{

Do not attach more than one child
restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment
to come loose or even break
during a crash. A child or others
could be injured. To reduce the
risk of serious or fatal injuries
during a crash, attach only one
child restraint per anchor.

WARNING

{

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Buckle any unused safety
belts behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull
the shoulder belt all the way out

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

of the retractor to set the lock,
if the vehicle has one, after the
child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH
attachments rub against the
vehicle’s safety belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary,
move buckled safety belts to
avoid rubbing the LATCH
attachments.

Do not fold the empty rear seat
with a safety belt buckled. This
could damage the safety belt or
the seat. Unbuckle and return the
safety belt to its stowed position,
before folding the seat.

If you need to secure more than one
child restraint in the rear seat, see

Where to Put the Restraint on
page 3‑48.

Black plate (53,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-53

You cannot secure three child
restraints using the LATCH anchors
in the rear seat at the same time,
but you can install two of them.
If you want to do this, install one
LATCH child restraint in the
passenger-side position, and
install the other one either in the
driver-side position or in the center
position. If you need to install child
restraints in both the center and
driver‐side position, the one in the
center seating position will need to
be secured using the vehicle safety
belts instead of the LATCH anchors.

Refer to the following illustration to
learn which anchors to use.

A. Passenger Side Rear

Seating Position and Lower
Anchors 1 and 2

B. Center Rear Seating Position

and Lower Anchors 3 and 4

C. Driver Side Rear

Seating Position and Lower
Anchors 4 and 5

There are five lower LATCH anchors
in the rear seat.

.

Use anchors 1 and 2 when
installing a child restraint using
LATCH in seating position A.

.

Use anchors 3 and 4 when
installing a child restraint using
LATCH in seating position B.

.

Use anchors 4 and 5 when
installing a child restraint using
LATCH in seating position C.

Installing child restraints using
LATCH in seating positions B and C
at the same time is prohibited.

Make sure to attach the child
restraint at the proper anchor
location.

Black plate (54,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-54 Seats and Restraints

This system is designed to make
installation of child restraints easier.
When using lower anchors, do not
use the vehicle's safety belts.
Instead use the vehicle's anchors
and child restraint attachments to
secure the restraints. Some
restraints also use another vehicle
anchor to secure a top tether.

1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower
anchors. If the child restraint
does not have lower
attachments or the desired
seating position does not have
lower anchors, secure the child
restraint with the top tether and
the safety belts. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer
instructions and the instructions
in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for

the desired seating
position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.

If the head restraint
interferes with the proper
installation of the child
restraint, the head restraint
may be removed. See
“Head Restraint Removal
and Reinstallation” at the
end of this section.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments on the child
restraint to the lower
anchors.

2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether
be attached, attach and tighten
the top tether to the top tether
anchor, if equipped. Refer to the
child restraint instructions and
the following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

Open the cover to expose
the anchor.

2.2. Route, attach, and tighten
the top tether according to
the child restraint
instructions and the
following instructions:

.

If the position you are using
does not have a headrest
or head restraint, or the
headrest or head restraint
has been removed, and you
are using a single tether,
route the tether over the
seatback.

Black plate (55,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-55

.

If the position you are using
does not have a headrest
or head restraint, or the
headrest or head restraint
has been removed, and you
are using a dual tether,
route the tether over the
seatback.

.

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and you
are using a single tether,
route the tether under the
headrest or head restraint
and in between the
headrest or head restraint
posts. See Head Restraints
on page 3‑2.

.

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and you
are using a dual tether
route the tether around the
headrest or head restraint.

3. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To check,
grasp the child restraint at the
LATCH path and attempt to
move it side to side and back
and forth. There should be no
more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of
movement, for proper
installation.

Black plate (56,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-56 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation

The rear outboard head restraints
can be removed if they interfere with
the proper installation of the child
restraint.

To remove the head restraint:

1. Partially fold the seatback
forward. See Rear Seats on
page 3‑9 for additional
information.

2. Press both buttons on the head
restraint posts at the same time,
and pull up on the head
restraint.

3. Store the head restraint in the
trunk of the vehicle.

4. When the child restraint is
removed, reinstall the head
restraint before the seating
position is used.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Black plate (57,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-57

To reinstall the head restraint:

1. Insert the head restraint posts
into the holes in the top of the
seatback. The notches (A) on
the posts must face the driver
side of the vehicle.

2. Push the head restraint down.

If necessary, press the height
adjustment release button to
further lower the head restraint.
See Head Restraints on
page 3‑2.

3. Try to move the head restraint to
make sure that it is locked in
place.

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the LATCH
system in the vehicle. A damaged
LATCH system may not properly
secure the child restraint,
resulting in serious injury or even
death in a crash. To help make
sure the LATCH system is
working properly after a crash,
see your dealer to have the
system inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system
and it was being used during a
crash, new LATCH system parts
may be needed.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the LATCH
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)

When securing a child restraint in
a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.

If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3‑49 for how and

where to install the child restraint
using LATCH. If a child restraint is
secured in the vehicle using a
safety belt and it uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑49 for top tether anchor

locations.

Black plate (58,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

3-58 Seats and Restraints

Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.

If the child restraint does not have
the LATCH system, you will be
using the safety belt to secure the
child restraint in this position. Be
sure to follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint. Secure
the child in the child restraint when
and as the instructions say.

If more than one child restraint
needs to be installed in the rear
seat, be sure to read Where to Put
the Restraint on page 3‑48.

1. Put the child restraint on
the seat.

If the head restraint interferes
with the proper installation of the
child restraint, the head restraint
may be removed. See “Head
Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation” under Lower

Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑49.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions of
the vehicle's safety belt through
or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show
you how.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the
lock. When the retractor lock is
set, the belt can be tightened but
not pulled out of the retractor.