Buick 2011 Lacrosse manual

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- informations concerning technical data of Buick 2011 Lacrosse
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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 201 1 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual M In Brief ... ..................... 1 - 1 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4 V ehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20 Keys, Doors[...]

  • Page 2

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 201 1 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual M V ehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 V ehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 Electrical System . . . .[...]

  • Page 3

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse 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 LACROSSE are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates[...]

  • Page 4

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 iv Introduction must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. “ Made for iPod ” means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect speci[...]

  • Page 5

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Introduction v 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 [...]

  • Page 6

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 vi Introduction 2 NOTES[...]

  • Page 7

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse 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 Remote V ehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Door Locks [...]

  • Page 8

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-2 In Brief Instrument Panel[...]

  • Page 9

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-3 A. Air V ents on page 8 ‑ 8 . B. Head-Up Display (HUD) on page 5 ‑ 26 (If Equipped). C. T urn and Lane ‐ Change Lever . See T urn and Lane-Change Signals on page 6 ‑ 4 . Driver Information Center Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5 ‑ 23 . D. Instrument Cl[...]

  • Page 10

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse 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[...]

  • Page 11

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-5 When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on. The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start c[...]

  • Page 12

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-6 In Brief Seat Adjustment Manual Seats T o adjust the seat: 1. Pull the handle under the seat to unlock it. 2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle. 3. T ry to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in place. T o raise or recline the seatback, use the lev[...]

  • Page 13

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-7 Lumbar Adjustment T o 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. See Lumbar Adjustment on page 3 ‑ 7 . Memory Features On ve[...]

  • Page 14

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-8 In Brief Easy Exit Driver Seat The easy exit driver seat feature can move the seat rearward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle. T o activate the easy exit driver seat, turn the ignition in off and open the driver door . If the driver door is already open, turning the ignition off will ac[...]

  • Page 15

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-9 Head Restraint Adjustment Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly . T o 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 pr[...]

  • Page 16

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-10 In Brief Mirror Adjustment Exterior T o adjust the mirrors: 1. T urn 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 . V ehicles with the memory feature can store a preferr[...]

  • Page 17

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-1 1 Steering Wheel Adjustment T o adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever (A) down. 2. Move the steering wheel up or down. 3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you. 4. Pull the lever (A) up to lock the steering wheel in place. Do not adjust the steering wheel wh[...]

  • Page 18

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-12 In Brief Exterior Lighting The exterior lamp control is located on the instrument panel on the outboard side of the steering wheel. T urn the control to the following positions: O : Turns off the exterior lamps. The knob returns to the AUTO position after it is released. T urn to off again [...]

  • Page 19

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-13 9 : Turns the windshield wipers off. 3 : Briefly move the wiper lever down for a single wipe or hold down for several wipes. Windshield W asher Pull the windshield wiper lever to spray windshield washer fluid and activate the wipers. See Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 5 ‑ 3 . Cl[...]

  • Page 20

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-14 In Brief Dual Automatic Climate Control System A. Power B. Driver T emperature Control C. Defrost D. Fan Control E. Air Delivery Mode Control F . Recirculation / Automatic Recirculation G. Passenger T emperature Control H. AUTO I. Rear Window Defogger J. Heated Steering Wheel K. Air Conditi[...]

  • Page 21

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-15 V ehicle Features Radio(s) VOL / O : Press to turn the system on and off. T urn to increase or decrease the volume. RADIO / BAND: Press to choose between FM, AM, or XM ™ , if equipped. TUNE: T urn to select radio stations. g : Press to seek the previous station or track. l : Pres[...]

  • Page 22

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-16 In Brief Satellite Radio V ehicles 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 h[...]

  • Page 23

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-17 $ c : 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 end a current call. _ SRC ^ : Press to select an audio source. T oggle up or down to select the next or previous [...]

  • Page 24

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-18 In Brief 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 . MENU: Press this button to get to the T rip/Fuel Menu and the V eh[...]

  • Page 25

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-19 Universal Remote System The Universal Home Remote System allows for garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices to be programmed to work with these buttons in the vehicle. See Universal Remote System on page 5 ‑ 42 . Sunroof The ignition must be in ON/RUN o[...]

  • Page 26

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-20 In Brief Performance and Maintenance T raction Control System (TCS) The traction control system limits wheel spin. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. . T o turn off traction control, press and release g located on the console to the right of the shifter . i[...]

  • Page 27

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-21 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 n[...]

  • Page 28

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-22 In Brief 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. . Wh[...]

  • Page 29

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 In Brief 1-23 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 can autom[...]

  • Page 30

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1-24 In Brief OnStar service can ’ t work unless your 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's servic[...]

  • Page 31

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1 Keys, Doors and Windows Keys and Locks K e y s .......................... 2 - 2 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Remote V ehicle Start . . . . . . . .[...]

  • Page 32

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows Keys and Locks Keys { W ARNING 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[...]

  • Page 33

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3 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 ke[...]

  • Page 34

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation The transmitter functions will work up to 20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle. On vehicles with remote start the distance will be greater . Keep in mind that other conditions, such as those previously stated, can impact the pe[...]

  • Page 35

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5 Press and hold 7 for at least two seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash until 7 is pressed again or the vehicle is started. / (Remote V ehicle Start): For vehicles with this feature, press Q and then press and hold / within five s[...]

  • Page 36

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows Programming T ransmitters to the V ehicle Only keyless entry transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer . The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen[...]

  • Page 37

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7 Programming without a Recognized T ransmitter (Keyless Access V ehicles Only) If there are no currently recognized transmitters available, follow this procedure to program up to five transmitters. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure will take approx[...]

  • Page 38

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows Starting the V ehicle with a Low T ransmitte r Battery If the transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may display No Remote Detected when you try to start the vehicle. The Replace Battery in Remote Key message may also be displayed at this time. T o start the vehicle: 1. [...]

  • Page 39

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9 Starting the Engine Using Remote Start T o start the engine using the remote start feature: 1. Press Q on the RKE transmitter . The vehicle's doors will be locked. 2. Within five seconds, press and hold / until the turn signal lamps flash. This confirms the reques[...]

  • Page 40

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work The remote start will not operate if: . The key is in the ignition (Key Access) or the ignition is in any position other than OFF (Keyless Access). . The transmitter is in the vehicle (Keyless Access). . The hood is not [...]

  • Page 41

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1 1 T o 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. From inside the vehicle with the doors locked, pull once on the door handle to unlock it, and a second time to[...]

  • Page 42

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows Safety Locks Press the button on the driver door armrest to activate the safety locks on the passenger rear doors. This switch also disables the rear power windows. Once activated, the light, located on the switch, illuminates and goes out when deactivated. If the li[...]

  • Page 43

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13 Remote T runk Release T o open the trunk from the outside the vehicle, press the V button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter , or by pressing the touchpad above the license plate. Emergency T runk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk relea[...]

  • Page 44

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows V ehicle 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 T o arm the system, press Q on the RKE transmitter . The alarm autom[...]

  • Page 45

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15 disarms the system. Only the correct key starts the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if the key is damaged. 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[...]

  • Page 46

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows If the keyless access transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another keyless access transmitter . Or , you may try placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket located in the center console. See “ No Remote Detected ” under Key and Lock Messages on page 5 [...]

  • Page 47

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-17 T urn Signal Indicator The vehicle might have a turn signal indicator lamp that is built into the mirror housing. The turn signal lamp flashes with the use of the vehicle's turn signal and hazard flashers. Heated Mirrors For vehicles with heated mirrors: < (R[...]

  • Page 48

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows Windows { W ARNING 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 alo[...]

  • Page 49

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-19 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 [...]

  • Page 50

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-20 Keys, Doors and 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. Rear Window Sunshade On vehicles with a rear window sunshade, the switch is on the console to the righ[...]

  • Page 51

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Keys, Doors and Windows 2-21 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 . V ent The sunroof has an express-vent open feature. From the closed position, press the rear of th[...]

  • Page 52

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 2-22 Keys, Doors and Windows Anti-Pinch Feature 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, and sunshade will then return to the open or vent position[...]

  • Page 53

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse 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 . . . . . . . 3-4 Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3[...]

  • Page 54

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-2 Seats and Restraints Child Restraints Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42 Infants and Y oung Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44 Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-47 Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-49 Lower Anchors and T ethers for Children (LA TCH System)[...]

  • Page 55

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-3 Front Seat T o 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 i[...]

  • Page 56

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-4 Seats and Restraints Front Seats Seat Adjustment Manual Seat Adjustment { W ARNING Y ou can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden (Continued) W ARNING (Continued) movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a[...]

  • Page 57

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-5 Memory Seats On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on the outboard side of the driver seat are used to save and recall memory settings for the driver seat and outside mirrors. Storing Memory Positions T o save into memory: 1. Adjust the driver seat and seatbac[...]

  • Page 58

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-6 Seats and Restraints The automatic recall feature can be turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See “ Remote Recall ” under V ehicle Personalization on page 5 ‑ 36 for more information. T o stop recall movement, press one of the memory , power mirror , or power seat co[...]

  • Page 59

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-7 Lumbar Adjustment T o increase or decrease lumbar support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. T o raise or lower lumbar support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control. Release the control when the seatback reaches the desired level of lumbar suppor[...]

  • Page 60

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-8 Seats and Restraints Manual Reclining Seatbacks { W ARNING Y ou 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 on[...]

  • Page 61

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-9 Power Reclining Seatbacks On vehicles with power reclining seatbacks, the control is on the outboard side of the seat. . T ilt the top of the control rearward to recline the seatback. . T ilt the top of the control forward to raise the seatback. Heated Front Seats { W ARN[...]

  • Page 62

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-10 Seats and Restraints Remote Start Heated Seats When it is cold outside, the heated seats can be turned on automatically during a remote vehicle start. The heated seats will be canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated seats after the vehicle is started. The[...]

  • Page 63

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-1 1 The passenger seat may take longer to heat up. Remote Start Heated and V entilated Seats During a remote start, the heated or ventilated seats can be turned on automatically . They are canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated or venti[...]

  • Page 64

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-12 Seats and Restraints 2. Pull on the lever located on the top of the seatback to unlock it. 3. Fold the seatback down. Raising the Seatback { W ARNING 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. Alway[...]

  • Page 65

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-13 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. { W ARNING Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly . In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are no[...]

  • Page 66

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-14 Seats and Restraints Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. T ake 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. The person keeps going until stopped[...]

  • Page 67

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-15 or the instrument panel... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. Y ou get more time to stop. Y ou stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense. Questions and Answers[...]

  • Page 68

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-16 Seats and Restraints Q: If I am a good driver , and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: Y ou 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[...]

  • Page 69

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-17 touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic 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 [...]

  • Page 70

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-18 Seats and Restraints Q: What is wrong with this? A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way . { W ARNING Y ou can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This coul[...]

  • Page 71

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-19 { W ARNING Y ou can be seriously injured if your 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 the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your bel[...]

  • Page 72

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-20 Seats and Restraints 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. { W ARNING Y ou 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[...]

  • Page 73

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-21 { W ARNING Y ou can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly . In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Y our body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury . Y ou might also slide under the l[...]

  • Page 74

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-22 Seats and Restraints 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 restr[...]

  • Page 75

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-23 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. Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and ri[...]

  • Page 76

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-24 Seats and Restraints Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer . The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When instal[...]

  • Page 77

    Black plate (25,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-25 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. { W ARNING 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 in[...]

  • Page 78

    Black plate (26,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-26 Seats and Restraints 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 [...]

  • Page 79

    Black plate (27,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-27 Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry . { W ARNING 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 Sy[...]

  • Page 80

    Black plate (28,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-28 Seats and Restraints 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-[...]

  • Page 81

    Black plate (29,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-29 Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: { W ARNING Y ou can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them[...]

  • Page 82

    Black plate (30,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-30 Seats and Restraints 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 ‑ 12 for mo[...]

  • Page 83

    Black plate (31,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-31 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 . { W ARNING If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not in[...]

  • Page 84

    Black plate (32,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-32 Seats and Restraints 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 [...]

  • Page 85

    Black plate (33,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-33 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, an[...]

  • Page 86

    Black plate (34,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-34 Seats and Restraints the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. { W ARNING 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 tro[...]

  • Page 87

    Black plate (35,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-35 . The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See V ehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 13 ‑ 16 and Event Data Recorders on page 13 ‑ 16 . . Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper [...]

  • Page 88

    Black plate (36,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-36 Seats and Restraints 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.[...]

  • Page 89

    Black plate (37,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-37 When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5 ‑ 13 . The passenger sensing system is designed[...]

  • Page 90

    Black plate (38,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-38 Seats and Restraints 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 th[...]

  • Page 91

    Black plate (39,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-39 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 Restrai[...]

  • Page 92

    Black plate (40,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-40 Seats and Restraints Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped V ehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Y es. If you add things that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end or side [...]

  • Page 93

    Black plate (41,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-41 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 T wo of the Customer[...]

  • Page 94

    Black plate (42,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-42 Seats and Restraints 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 ‑ 12 for more information. Child Restraints Olde[...]

  • Page 95

    Black plate (43,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-43 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 touch[...]

  • Page 96

    Black plate (44,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-44 Seats and Restraints { W ARNING 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[...]

  • Page 97

    Black plate (45,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-45 { W ARNING 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. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant wi[...]

  • Page 98

    Black plate (46,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-46 Seats and Restraints Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle's owner , are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child's weig[...]

  • Page 99

    Black plate (47,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-47 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 rest[...]

  • Page 100

    Black plate (48,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-48 Seats and Restraints Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the V ehicle { W ARNING 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's safety belt or [...]

  • Page 101

    Black plate (49,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-49 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 [...]

  • Page 102

    Black plate (50,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-50 Seats and Restraints 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 LA TCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the chil[...]

  • Page 103

    Black plate (51,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-51 Lower Anchors Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LA TCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B). T op T ether Anchor A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child r[...]

  • Page 104

    Black plate (52,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-52 Seats and Restraints Lower Anchor and T op T ether Anchor Locations Rear Seat i (T op T ether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. T o assist you in locating the lower anchors, each rear anchor position has a label, [...]

  • Page 105

    Black plate (53,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-53 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. According to accident stati[...]

  • Page 106

    Black plate (54,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-54 Seats and Restraints { W ARNING 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 wa[...]

  • Page 107

    Black plate (55,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-55 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 LA TCH anchors in the rear seat. . Use anchors 1 and 2 when in[...]

  • Page 108

    Black plate (56,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-56 Seats and Restraints 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 t[...]

  • Page 109

    Black plate (57,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-57 . 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 pos[...]

  • Page 110

    Black plate (58,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-58 Seats and Restraints 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. { W [...]

  • Page 111

    Black plate (59,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-59 Replacing LA TCH System Parts After a Crash { W ARNING A crash can damage the LA TCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LA TCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. T o help make sure the LA TCH system is[...]

  • Page 112

    Black plate (60,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-60 Seats and Restraints 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[...]

  • Page 113

    Black plate (61,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-61 6. If the child restraint has a top tether , follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of the top tether . See Lower Anchors and T ethers for Children (LA TCH System) on page 3 ‑ 50 for more information. 7. Before placing a child in[...]

  • Page 114

    Black plate (62,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-62 Seats and Restraints 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. { W ARNING A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the rig[...]

  • Page 115

    Black plate (63,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Seats and Restraints 3-63 Y ou will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing[...]

  • Page 116

    Black plate (64,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 3-64 Seats and Restraints 6. T o tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor . When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your [...]

  • Page 117

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Storage 4-1 Storage Storage Compartments Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-2 Additional Storage Features Convenience Net . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 118

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 4-2 Storage Front Storage The driver's storage compartment is located near the left side of the steering column on the bottom of the instrument panel. Pull the cover down to open. Center Console Storage The armrest can be adjusted by sliding it to the desired position. The center console has[...]

  • Page 119

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-1 Instruments and Controls Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2 Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2 Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 5-3 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Windshield Wiper/W asher . . . . . 5-3 Compass . . . . . [...]

  • Page 120

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-2 Instruments and Controls Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-33 Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-33 Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-33 Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-34 Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34 Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3[...]

  • Page 121

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-3 b g (Push to T alk): For vehicles with a Bluetooth ® , OnStar ® , or navigation system, press to interact with those systems. See Bluetooth (Overview) on page 7 ‑ 44 or Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls) on page 7 ‑ 45 or Bluetooth (V oice Recognition) on page 7 [...]

  • Page 122

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-4 Instruments and Controls & (Adjustable Interval Wipes): T urn the band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes. 9 (Off): Turns the windshield wipers off. 3 (Mist): Single wipe, briefly move the wiper down. Several wipes, hold the wiper lever down. Clear ice and snow fro[...]

  • Page 123

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-5 Avoid covering the GPS antenna for long periods of time with objects that may interfere with the antenna's ability to receive a satellite signal. See Backglass Antenna on page 7 ‑ 19 and Satellite Radio Antenna on page 7 ‑ 19 for the location of the vehicle&a[...]

  • Page 124

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-6 Instruments and Controls 4. Press the SELECT button to select the next value. 5. T o save the time or date and return to the Time and Date Settings menu, press the 0 BACK button at any time or press the SELECT button after adjusting the minutes or year . Setting the 12/24 Hour Format 1. Press[...]

  • Page 125

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-7 Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with the accessory power outlets and could overload vehicle or adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer . When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the installation instructions included[...]

  • Page 126

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-8 Instruments and Controls The power outlet is not designed for and may not work properly , if the following are plugged in: . Equipment with high initial peak wattage such as: compressor-driven refrigerators and electric power tools. . Other equipment requiring an extremely stable power supply[...]

  • Page 127

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-9 Instrument Cluster English Shown, Metric Similar[...]

  • Page 128

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-10 Instruments and Controls Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). Odometer The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles. This vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer . If[...]

  • Page 129

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-1 1 Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge: . At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full. . It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example,[...]

  • Page 130

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-12 Instruments and Controls Safety Belt Reminders Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument panel cluster . When the vehicle is started this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind drivers to fasten their safety belts. Then the lig[...]

  • Page 131

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-13 The airbag readiness light comes on solid and stays on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. Then the light goes out. If it stays on solid after the vehicle has been started or comes on while driving, the airbag system may not work properly . Have the veh[...]

  • Page 132

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-14 Instruments and Controls If the word OFF is lit on the airbag status indicator , it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may[...]

  • Page 133

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-15 Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction. Notice: If the vehicle is cont[...]

  • Page 134

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-16 Instruments and Controls An emission system malfunction might be corrected: . Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the T ank on page 9 ‑ 53 . The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows[...]

  • Page 135

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-17 The vehicle may not pass inspection if: . The malfunction indicator lamp is on with the engine running, or if the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off. . The critical emission control systems have not been completely d[...]

  • Page 136

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-18 Instruments and Controls Electric Parking Brake Light English Metric For vehicles with the Electric Park Brake (EPB), the park brake status light comes on when the brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the park brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with t[...]

  • Page 137

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-19 If the ABS light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but the antilock brakes are not functioning. If both the ABS and the Brake System W arning Light are on, the vehicle's antilock brakes are not functioning and there is a problem with the reg[...]

  • Page 138

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-20 Instruments and Controls The light flashes if the system is active and is working to assist the driver with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. For vehicles with the uplevel cluster , this light is shown in the Driver Information Center (DIC) screen. See Elec[...]

  • Page 139

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-21 Engine Oil Pressure Light { W ARNING Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low . The engine can become so hot that it catches fire. Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle serviced. Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maint[...]

  • Page 140

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-22 Instruments and Controls Security Light This light flashes when the security system is activated. For more information, see V ehicle Security on page 2 ‑ 14 . For vehicles with the uplevel cluster this telltale displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC) screen. High-Beam on Light Thi[...]

  • Page 141

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-23 Cruise Control Light This light is white whenever the cruise control is set and turns green when the cruise control is active. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on page 9 ‑ 39 for more information. For vehicles with the u[...]

  • Page 142

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-24 Instruments and Controls DIC Buttons MENU: Press to get to the T rip/Fuel Menu and the V ehicle Information Menu. w x (Thumbwheel): Use to scroll through the items in each menu. A small marker will move across the bottom of the page as you scroll through the items. This shows where each pag[...]

  • Page 143

    Black plate (25,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-25 The fuel economy can be reset by pressing SET/CLR while the Average Fuel Economy display is showing. Instantaneous Fuel Economy The Instantaneous Fuel Economy display shows the current fuel economy in either liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon ([...]

  • Page 144

    Black plate (26,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-26 Instruments and Controls Tire Pressure The display will show a vehicle with the approximate pressures of all four tires. T ire pressure is displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 10 ‑ 54 and Tire Pressure Monitor Opera[...]

  • Page 145

    Black plate (27,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-27 The images are projected through the HUD lens located on the driver's side of the instrument panel. Notice: If you try to use the HUD image as a parking aid, you may misjudge the distance and damage your vehicle. Do not use the HUD image as a parking aid. The t[...]

  • Page 146

    Black plate (28,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-28 Instruments and Controls When the HUD is on, the speedometer reading is continually displayed. The current radio station or CD track number will display for a short period of time after the radio or CD track status changes. This happens whenever radio information is changed. The speedometer[...]

  • Page 147

    Black plate (29,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-29 English Shown, Metric Similar Format T wo: This display includes the information in Format One without the transmission information, the outside air temperature, and compass heading. English Shown, Metric Similar Format Three: This display includes all the informati[...]

  • Page 148

    Black plate (30,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-30 Instruments and Controls If Y ou Cannot See the HUD Image When the Ignition Is On . Is anything covering the HUD lens? . Is the HUD dimmer setting bright enough? . Is the HUD image adjusted to the proper height? . Are you wearing polarized sunglasses? . Still no HUD image? Check the fuse in[...]

  • Page 149

    Black plate (31,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-31 LOW BA TTERY This message is displayed when the battery voltage is low . See Battery on page 10 ‑ 25 for more information. SERVICE BA TTERY CHARGING SYSTEM This message is displayed when there is a fault in the battery charging system. T ake the vehicle to your de[...]

  • Page 150

    Black plate (32,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-32 Instruments and Controls Door Ajar Messages DRIVER DOOR OPEN This message will display when the driver door is open. Close the door completely . HOOD OPEN This message will display when the hood is open. Close the hood completely . LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN This message will display when the driv[...]

  • Page 151

    Black plate (33,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-33 HIGH COOLANT TEMPERA TURE This message displays if the coolant temperature is hot. See Engine Overheating on page 10 ‑ 19 . Engine Oil Messages CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed. When you change the engine oil, be[...]

  • Page 152

    Black plate (34,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-34 Instruments and Controls TIGHTEN GAS CAP This message displays when the fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the fuel cap. Key and Lock Messages NO REMOTE DETECTED This message displays when the transmitter battery is weak on vehicles with Keyless Access. See “ Starting the V ehicle with a L[...]

  • Page 153

    Black plate (35,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-35 drive, however , you do not have the benefit of StabiliT rak, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly . Sport Mode On This message displays when using the selective ride control. See Selective Ride Control on page 9 ‑ 38 for more information. T raction Control [...]

  • Page 154

    Black plate (36,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-36 Instruments and Controls T ransmission Messages SERVICE TRANSMISSION This message displays if there is a problem with the transmission. See your dealer . SHIFT TO P ARK This message displays when the transmission needs to be shifted to P (Park). This may appear when attempting to remove the[...]

  • Page 155

    Black plate (37,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-37 3. Press the center of the MENU / SELECT knob to select the V ehicle Settings menu. The following list of menu items will be available: . Climate and Air Quality . Comfort and Convenience . Collision/Detection Systems . Language . Lighting . Power Door Locks . Remot[...]

  • Page 156

    Black plate (38,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-38 Instruments and Controls Remote Start Cooled Seats When on, this feature will turn the cooled seats on when using remote start on warm days. Press the MENU / SELECT knob when Remote Start Cooled Seats is highlighted. T urn the knob to select On or Off. Press the knob to confirm and go back [...]

  • Page 157

    Black plate (39,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-39 Park Tilt Mirrors When on, both the driver and passenger mirrors will tilt downward when vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse) to improve visibility of the ground near the rear wheels, They will return to their previous driving position when the vehicle is shifted out o[...]

  • Page 158

    Black plate (40,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-40 Instruments and Controls V ehicle Locator Lights This allows the vehicle locator lights to be turned on or off. The vehicle locator lights come on when unlocking the vehicle with the RKE transmitter . Press the MENU / SELECT knob when V ehicle Locator Lights is highlighted. T urn the knob t[...]

  • Page 159

    Black plate (41,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-41 Remote Lock/Unlock/Start Select Remote Lock/Unlock/Start and the following will be displayed: . Unlock Feedback (Lights) . Locking Feedback . Door Unlock Options . Remote Recall . Passive Entry . Remote Left In V ehicle Unlock Feedback (Lights) When on, the exterior[...]

  • Page 160

    Black plate (42,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-42 Instruments and Controls This allows the Remote Recall feature to be turned on or off. Remote Recall is when the memorized settings will be recalled as you unlock and enter the vehicle. Press the MENU / SELECT knob when Remote Recall is highlighted. T urn the knob to select On or Off. Press[...]

  • Page 161

    Black plate (43,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-43 Universal Remote System Programming If the vehicle has this feature, you will see these buttons with one LED indicator next to them in the headliner . This system provides a way to replace up to three remote control transmitters used to activate devices such as gara[...]

  • Page 162

    Black plate (44,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-44 Instruments and Controls T o program up to three devices: 1. Hold the end of your hand-held transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in) away from the Universal Home Remote buttons while keeping the indicator light in view . The hand-held transmitter was supplied by the manufacturer of your gara[...]

  • Page 163

    Black plate (45,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Instruments and Controls 5-45 “ Learn ” or “ Smart ” Buttons 4. After Steps 1 through 3 have been completed, locate the “ Learn ” or “ Smart ” button inside the garage on the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit). The name and color of the button may vary by manufacturer [...]

  • Page 164

    Black plate (46,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 5-46 Instruments and Controls If you live in Canada, or you are having difficulty programming a gate operator or garage door opener by using the “ Programming the Universal Home Remote System ” procedures, regardless of where you live, replace Step 2 under “ Programming the Universal Home [...]

  • Page 165

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Lighting 6-1 Lighting Exterior Lighting Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . 6-1 Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Daytime Runni[...]

  • Page 166

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 6-2 Lighting AUTO (Automatic): 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) uplevel display . See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5 ‑ 23 . ; (Parking Lamps): Tu[...]

  • Page 167

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Lighting 6-3 Flash-to-Pass T o flash the high beams, pull the turn signal/lane change lever toward you, and release. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day . Fully functional daytime running lamps are r[...]

  • Page 168

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 6-4 Lighting Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) The Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFL) pivots the headlamps horizontally to provide greater road illumination while turning. T o enable AFL, set the exterior lamp switch to the AUTO position. Moving the switch out of the AUTO position deactivates t[...]

  • Page 169

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Lighting 6-5 Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash to signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane change is completed. If the lever is briefly pressed and released, the turn signal flashes three times. The turn and lane ‐ change signal can be turned off manually by mov[...]

  • Page 170

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 6-6 Lighting Dome Lamps The interior lamps control located in the overhead console controls both the front and rear interior lamps. T o operate, press the following buttons: * (Off): Turns the lamp of f. 1 Door: T urns the lamp on when any door is opened. + ON: Keeps the lamp on all the time. Rea[...]

  • Page 171

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Lighting 6-7 Exit Lighting The headlamps, taillamps, parking lamps, reverse lamps, and license plate lamps come on at night, or in areas with limited lighting, when the key is removed from the ignition. The dome lamps also come on when the key is removed from the ignition. The exterior lights and[...]

  • Page 172

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 6-8 Lighting Normally , these actions occur in steps or levels, without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the driver . If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message might be displayed, such as BA TTERY SA VER ACTIVE, BA[...]

  • Page 173

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-1 Infotainment System Introduction Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 7-2 Overview (Radio with CD) . . . . . 7-3 Overview (Radio with CD/DVD and MEM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Operation . . . . . . . .[...]

  • Page 174

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-2 Infotainment System Introduction Read the following pages to become familiar with the audio system's features. { W ARNING T aking your eyes off the road for extended periods could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to you or others. Do not give extended attention to entertainment[...]

  • Page 175

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-3 Overview (Radio with CD) A. VOL/ O . T urns the system on or off and adjusts the volume. B. F A V . Radio: Opens the favorites list. C. Buttons 1 to 6 . Radio: Saves and selects favorite stations. D. INFO . Radio: Shows available information about the current station. . CD[...]

  • Page 176

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-4 Infotainment System E. TUNE . Radio: Manually selects radio stations. . CD: Selects tracks. F . CD/AUX . Selects the CD player or an external audio source. G. g . Radio: Seeks the previous station. . CD: Select the previous track or rewinds within a track. H. Z CD Eject . Removes a disc from [...]

  • Page 177

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-5 Overview (Radio with CD/DVD and MEM) A. VOL/ O . T urns the system on or off and adjusts the volume. B. F A V . Radio: Opens the favorites list. . MEM: Opens the favorites list. C. Buttons 1 to 6 . Radio: Saves and selects favorite stations. . MEM: Saves and selects favori[...]

  • Page 178

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-6 Infotainment System E. TUNE/ k . Manually selects radio stations and pauses time shifted content. . CD/DVD: Select tracks, pauses playback, and stops playback. . MEM: Select tracks and pauses playback. F . RADIO/BAND . Changes the band while listening to the radio. . Selects the radio when li[...]

  • Page 179

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-7 R. 5 . Opens the phone main menu. . Mutes the audio system. S. MEM/DVD/AUX . Selects MEM, CD/DVD, USB, or a connected front or rear auxillary audio source. Operation Controls The infotainment system is operated by using the pushbuttons, multifunction knobs, menus that are [...]

  • Page 180

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-8 Infotainment System Selecting a Menu Option 1. T urn the Menu knob to move the highlighted bar . 2. Press the SELECT button to select the highlighted option. Submenus An arrow on the right ‐ hand edge of the menu indicates that it has a submenu with other options. Activating a Setting 1. T [...]

  • Page 181

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-9 Press the 0 BACK button to delete the last character in the sequence or press and hold to delete the entire character sequence. Audio Settings The audio settings can be set for each radio band and each audio player source. T o quickly reset an audio setting value to 0: 1. [...]

  • Page 182

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-10 Infotainment System Adjusting the EQ (Equalizer) For vehicles that have an equalizer: 1. Press the TONE button. 2. Select EQ. 3. Select the setting. Press the 0 BACK button to go back to the T one Settings menu. DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Settings For vehicles with DSP , it is used to [...]

  • Page 183

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-1 1 System Settings Configuring the Number of Favorite Pages T o configure the number of available favorite pages: 1. Press the CONFIG button. 2. Select Radio Settings. 3. Select Radio Favorites. 4. Select the number of available favorite pages. 5. Press the 0 BACK button t[...]

  • Page 184

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-12 Infotainment System Radio AM-FM Radio Control Buttons The buttons used to control the radio are: RADIO / BAND: Press to turn the radio on and choose between AM, FM, and XM ™ , if equipped. Menu Knob: Turn to navigate the available menus. TUNE: T urn to search for stations. INFO: Press to [...]

  • Page 185

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-13 Manual T uning T urn the TUNE knob to select the frequency on the display . Favorites List 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Favorites List. 3. Select the station. Station Lists 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select AM or FM Station List. All receivable stations in the curre[...]

  • Page 186

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-14 Infotainment System Time Shifting (Radio with CD/DVD and MEM) The radio with MEM time shift feature can rewind 20 minutes of FM/AM content. While listening to the radio, the content from the current station is always being buffered. Press the k button to pause the radio. The radio displays [...]

  • Page 187

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-15 Control Buttons The buttons used to control the XM radio are: RADIO/BAND: Press to turn the radio on and choose between AM, FM, and XM ™ , if equipped. g / l : Press to go to the previous or next channel. F A V : Press to open the favorites list. 1 to 6: Press to selec[...]

  • Page 188

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-16 Infotainment System T o select a channel using the menu: 1. T urn the menu knob and select Channel List. 2. Select the desired channel. Selecting a Channel Using the Menu System 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select XM Category List. 3. Select the category . 4. Select the channel. Storing an XM[...]

  • Page 189

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-17 Pausing XM with the V ehicle T urned Off If XM is paused when the vehicle is turned off, the radio continues to buffer the current radio station for up to 20 minutes. If the vehicle is turned back on within 20 minutes, the radio resumes playback from the paused point. XM[...]

  • Page 190

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-18 Infotainment System CA T Not Found: The system is working properly . There are no channels available for the selected category . XM Radio ID: If tuned to channel 0, this message alternates with the XM Radio 8 digit radio ID label. This label is needed to activate the service. Unknown: If th[...]

  • Page 191

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-19 Cellular Phone Usage Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the vehicle's radio. This interference may occur when making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone's battery , or simply having the phone on. This interference can cause an increased l[...]

  • Page 192

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-20 Infotainment System Audio Players CD Player The CD player can play audio CDs and MP3 CDs. The CD player will not play 8 cm (3 in.) CDs. Care of CDs Sound quality can be reduced due to disc quality , recording method, quality of the music recorded, and how the disc has been handled. Handle d[...]

  • Page 193

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-21 Removing a CD Press the Z button. The disc is pushed out of the CD slot. If the disc is not removed after it is ejected, it is pulled back in after a few seconds. Playing a CD or MP3 CD Press the CD/AUX button if there is a disc in the player , it begins playing. Informa[...]

  • Page 194

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-22 Infotainment System CD/DVD Player The CD/DVD player can play CDs, DVD ‐ As, MP3/WMA CDs, MP3/WMA DVDs, and DVD ‐ Vs. The CD/DVD player will not play 8 cm (3 in.) discs. Care of CDs and DVDs Sound quality can be reduced due to disc quality , recording method, quality of the music recorde[...]

  • Page 195

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-23 Inserting a CD or DVD With the printed side facing up, insert a disc into the slot until it is drawn in. Removing a CD or DVD Press the Z button. The disc is pushed out of the CD/DVD slot. If the disc is not removed after it is ejected, it is pulled back in after a few s[...]

  • Page 196

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-24 Infotainment System Searching for MP3s on a CD or DVD It is normal for the search feature to take some time to display the information after reading the disc due to the amount of information stored on the disc. The infotainment system automatically switches to FM while the disc is being rea[...]

  • Page 197

    Black plate (25,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-25 Selecting a Title 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Title List. 3. Select the title. Changing the Audio Stream 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Audio Stream. 3. Select Change Audio Stream. 4. Press SELECT to change the selection. Select Cancel to exit the menu. Pausing [...]

  • Page 198

    Black plate (26,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-26 Infotainment System l / g : Press to select tracks or to fast forward or rewind within a track. INFO: Press to display additional information about the MEM track that may be available. k /TUNE : Press to pause the track currently playing, press again to resume playback. T urn to select trac[...]

  • Page 199

    Black plate (27,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-27 Recording From MP3/WMA Discs or USB Storage Devices USB Host Support The USB connector uses the USB standards, 1.1 and 2.0. USB Supported Devices . USB Flash Drives . Portable USB Hard Drives Recording to MEM Press O REC, then select Record Current Song or Record Current[...]

  • Page 200

    Black plate (28,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-28 Infotainment System The number of objects in each category is shown in parentheses after the category . T o search for tracks: 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Search. 3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums, Song T itles, or Genres. 4. Select the track. The search rate increases if the menu[...]

  • Page 201

    Black plate (29,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-29 Creating Playlists T o create a playlist using tracks stored in MEM: 1. Select Playlist from the MEM favorites. 2. Select the track to be stored in the playlist. 3. Press and hold one of the 1 to 6 buttons until the track can be heard again to store the track. 4. Repeat [...]

  • Page 202

    Black plate (30,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-30 Infotainment System Connecting and Controlling an iPod ™ Not all iPod's can be controlled by the infotainment system. Connecting an iPod Connect the iPod to the USB port. Searching For a T rack T racks can be searched for by: . Playlists . Artists . Albums . Song T itles . Podcasts .[...]

  • Page 203

    Black plate (31,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-31 T o search for tracks: 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Search. 3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums, Song T itles, Podcasts, or Genres. 4. Select the track. Shuffle Functionality T urn the menu knob and set Shuffle Songs (Random) to On or Off. On: Plays current tracks[...]

  • Page 204

    Black plate (32,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-32 Infotainment System Shuffle Functionality T urn the menu knob and set Shuffle Songs (Random) to On or Off. On: Plays current tracks in random order . Off: Plays current tracks in sequential order . Repeat Functionality T urn the menu knob and set Repeat to On or Off. Repeat On: Repeats the [...]

  • Page 205

    Black plate (33,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-33 Connecting and Controlling an iPod ™ Not all iPod's can be controlled by the infotainment system. Connecting an iPod Connect the iPod to the USB port. Selecting a T rack Using the control buttons: . Press g SEEK or l SEEK to select the previous or next track. . T [...]

  • Page 206

    Black plate (34,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-34 Infotainment System Selecting a T rack Using the control buttons: . Press g or l to select the previous or next track. . T urn the TUNE knob to select a track in the current sub menu. The track will start to play . Selecting a track in a different folder: 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select F[...]

  • Page 207

    Black plate (35,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-35 Before Driving The RSE is for rear seat passengers only . The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving. In severe or extreme weather conditions, the RSE system may not work until the temperature is within the operating range. The operating range is above [...]

  • Page 208

    Black plate (36,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-36 Infotainment System multi ‐ media. The wireless headphones have an On/Off button, channel 1/2 switch, and a volume control. Turn the headphones off when not in use. Push the On/Off button to turn on the headphones. A light on the headphones comes on. If the light does not come on, check t[...]

  • Page 209

    Black plate (37,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-37 Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks If available, the A/V jacks are located on the rear of the floor console. They allow audio or video cables to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game system. The A/V jacks are color coded: . Y ellow for video inpu[...]

  • Page 210

    Black plate (38,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-38 Infotainment System Audio Output Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs can be heard through the following: . Wireless Headphones . V ehicle Speakers The RSE system transmits the audio signal to the wireless headphones if an audio signal is available. See “ Headphones ” earlier i[...]

  • Page 211

    Black plate (39,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-39 Video Screen Input Jack Each video screen is equipped with a video input jack to allow video cables to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game system. This signal will override any video provided by the RSE system; either the DVD or Auxi[...]

  • Page 212

    Black plate (40,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-40 Infotainment System Remote Control Buttons O (Power): Press to turn the video screens on and off. P (Illumination): Press to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight times out after several seconds if no other button is pressed. v (Title): Press to return to the main menu of the [...]

  • Page 213

    Black plate (41,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-41 [ (Fast Forward): Press to fast forward the DVD or CD. T o stop fast forwarding a DVD video, press s . T o stop fast forwarding a DVD audio or CD, release [ . This button might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. e (Audio): Press t[...]

  • Page 214

    Black plate (42,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-42 Infotainment System Battery Replacement T o change the remote control batteries: 1. Slide back the rear cover on the remote control. 2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment. 3. Replace the battery cover . Remove the batteries from the remote control if unused for an extended period [...]

  • Page 215

    Black plate (43,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-43 Tips and T roubleshooting Chart (cont'd) Problem Recommended Action The auxiliary source is running but there is no picture or sound. Check that the RSE video screen is in the auxiliary source mode by pressing the AUX button on the remote control. Check the auxiliar[...]

  • Page 216

    Black plate (44,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-44 Infotainment System DVD Distortion Video distortion can occur when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies. It might be necessary to turn off the DVD player when operating one of these devices in or near t[...]

  • Page 217

    Black plate (45,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-45 When to Speak: A tone sounds to indicate that the system is ready for a voice command. Wait for the tone and then speak. How to Speak: Speak clearly in a calm and natural voice. Audio System When using the Bluetooth system, sound comes through the vehicle's front au[...]

  • Page 218

    Black plate (46,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-46 Infotainment System Pairing a Phone 1. Press the CONFIG button. 2. Select Phone Settings. 3. Select Bluetooth. 4. Select Pair Device (Phone). A four digit PIN number appears on the display . If the “ Add new GPS device ” option is selected, the system will start a search for Bluetooth ?[...]

  • Page 219

    Black plate (47,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-47 Linking to a Different Phone T o link to a different phone, the new phone must be in the vehicle and available to be connected to the Bluetooth system before the process is started. 1. Press the CONFIG button. 2. Select Phone Settings. 3. Select Bluetooth. 4. Select Devi[...]

  • Page 220

    Black plate (48,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-48 Infotainment System Radio with CD/DVD and MEM 1. Press the 5 button. 2. Select Phone Book. 3. Y ou can search through the list by selecting the letter group the phone book entry begins with, or press the SELECT button to scroll through the entire list of names/numbers in the phone book. 4. [...]

  • Page 221

    Black plate (49,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-49 Switching Between Calls (Call W aiting Calls Only) T o switch between calls: 1. T urn the menu knob. 2. Select Switch Call from the menu. Conference Calling Conference calling and three way calling must be supported on the Bluetooth phone and enabled by the wireless serv[...]

  • Page 222

    Black plate (50,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-50 Infotainment System Bluetooth (V oice Recognition) Using V oice Recognition T o use voice recognition, press the b g button located on the steering wheel. The system responds differently depending on what kind of infotainment system the vehicle has installed. For vehicles without a navigati[...]

  • Page 223

    Black plate (51,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-51 4. Start the pairing process on the cell phone that you want to pair . For help with this process, see your cell phone manufacturers user guide. 5. Locate the device named “ Y our V ehicle ” in the list on the cell phone. Follow the instructions on the cell phone to [...]

  • Page 224

    Black plate (52,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-52 Infotainment System Connecting to a Different Phone T o connect to a different cell phone, the Bluetooth system looks for the next available cell phone in the order in which all the available cell phones were paired. Depending on which cell phone you want to connect to, you may have to use [...]

  • Page 225

    Black plate (53,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-53 3. Say each digit, one at a time, that you want to store. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. After the last digit has been entered, say “ Store ” , and then follow the directions given by the system to save a n[...]

  • Page 226

    Black plate (54,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-54 Infotainment System Using the “ Digit Dial ” Command The digit dial command allows a phone number to be dialed by entering the digits one at a time. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. If an unwanted number is recognized by the sys[...]

  • Page 227

    Black plate (55,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Infotainment System 7-55 Three ‐ W ay Calling Three ‐ way calling must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier . 1. While on a call, press b g . 2. Say “ Three ‐ way call ” . 3. Use the dial or call command to dial the number of the third party to be [...]

  • Page 228

    Black plate (56,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 7-56 Infotainment System V oice Pass-Thru V oice pass ‐ thru allows access to the voice recognition commands on the cell phone. See your cell phone manufacturers user guide to see if the cell phone supports this feature. T o access contacts stored in the cell phone: 1. Press b g . For vehicles[...]

  • Page 229

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Climate Controls 8-1 Climate Controls Climate Control Systems Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Air V ents Air V ents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Maintenance Ai[...]

  • Page 230

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 8-2 Climate Controls Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery , air conditioning and recirculation in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air d[...]

  • Page 231

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Climate Controls 8-3 Pressing this button cancels automatic air conditioning and turns off the air conditioner . Press AUTO to return to automatic operation and the air conditioner runs automatically as needed. When the indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs automatically to cool the air[...]

  • Page 232

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 8-4 Climate Controls Sensors The solar sensor located on top of the instrument panel near the windshield monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode for best comfort. Do not cover the se[...]

  • Page 233

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Climate Controls 8-5 Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery , air conditioning and recirculation in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air d[...]

  • Page 234

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 8-6 Climate Controls 0 (Defrost): Clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly . Air is directed to the windshield. For best results, clear all snow and ice from windshield before defrosting. # (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning system on or off. If the fan is turned off[...]

  • Page 235

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Climate Controls 8-7 Rear Window Defogger = (Rear Window Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes. If turned on again it runs for about 5 minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by [...]

  • Page 236

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 8-8 Climate Controls Air V ents Use the louvers located on the air vents to change the direction of the airflow . T o open the vent, move the thumbwheel to R . T o close the vent, move the thumbwheel to ( . Operation Tips . Keep all outlets open whenever possible for best system performance. . Ke[...]

  • Page 237

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Climate Controls 8-9 6. Remove the old air filter . 7. Install the new air filter . 8. Reinstall the air filter door . Re ‐ install the glove box. See your dealer if additional assistance is needed.[...]

  • Page 238

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 8-10 Climate Controls 2 NOTES[...]

  • Page 239

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-1 Driving and Operating Driving Information Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Control of a V ehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 Steering . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 240

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-2 Driving and Operating Fuel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50 Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-50 Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-51 California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51 Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-52 Fuel Additives . . . . . [...]

  • Page 241

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-3 Drunk Driving { W ARNING Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Y our reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. Y ou can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not d[...]

  • Page 242

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-4 Driving and Operating Braking See Brake System Warning Light on page 5 ‑ 17 . Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three ‐ fourths of a second. But[...]

  • Page 243

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-5 Steering Power Steering If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops or the power steering system is not functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort. Speed V ariable Assist Steering The vehicle has a steering system that varies the a[...]

  • Page 244

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-6 Driving and Operating It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the recommended[...]

  • Page 245

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-7 Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to the ve[...]

  • Page 246

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-8 Driving and Operating Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep ‐ standing or flowing water . { W ARNING Wet br[...]

  • Page 247

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-9 Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. . Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling syst[...]

  • Page 248

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-10 Driving and Operating T ry not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 9 ‑ 32 improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply t[...]

  • Page 249

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-1 1 W ARNING (Continued) For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9 ‑ 27 . Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (Carbon Monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. Y ou cannot see it [...]

  • Page 250

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-12 Driving and Operating Rocking the V ehicle to Get it Out T urn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. T urn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear , spinning the wheels as little as possible. T o prevent tra[...]

  • Page 251

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-13 Tire and Loading Information Label Label Example A vehicle specific T ire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver's door open, you will find the label attached below the door lock post. The Tire and[...]

  • Page 252

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-14 Driving and Operating 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity . For example, if the “ XXX ” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs [...]

  • Page 253

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-15 Example 2 A. V ehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs). B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs). C. Available Cargo Weight = 1 13 kg (250 lbs). Example 3 A. V ehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs). B. [...]

  • Page 254

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-16 Driving and Operating Certification Label Label Example A vehicle specific Certification label is attached to the driver side center pillar (B-pillar). The label tells the gross weight capacity of the vehicle, called the Gross V ehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of t[...]

  • Page 255

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-17 W ARNING (Continued) . Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. . Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in the vehicle. . When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you[...]

  • Page 256

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-18 Driving and Operating Ignition Positions (Key Access) The ignition switch has four different positions. Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key . Use the correct key , make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only wi[...]

  • Page 257

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-19 ACC/ACCESSORY . If this does not work, then the vehicle needs service. B (ACC/ACCESSOR Y) : This position provides power to some of the electrical accessories. It unlocks the ignition. The transmission is also unlocked in this position on automatic transmission vehicle[...]

  • Page 258

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-20 Driving and Operating Stopping the Engine/OFF (No LED Lights): When the vehicle is stopped, press the engine ST ART/STOP button once to turn the engine off. If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will turn OFF , and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained Access[...]

  • Page 259

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-21 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: . Audio System . Power Windows . Sunroof (if equipped) . Auxiliary Power Outlet Power to the audio system will continue to operate for up to 10 min[...]

  • Page 260

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-22 Driving and Operating motor damage. T o prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF . Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning t[...]

  • Page 261

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-23 If the battery in the keyless access transmitter needs replacing, the DIC displays REPLACE BA TTERY IN REMOTE KEY . The vehicle can still be driven. See Starting the V ehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery in Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2 ‑ 4 [...]

  • Page 262

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-24 Driving and Operating Engine Heater The engine coolant heater , if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below − 18°C (0°F) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An in[...]

  • Page 263

    Black plate (25,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-25 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet. { W ARNING Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. Y ou could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a[...]

  • Page 264

    Black plate (26,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-26 Driving and Operating from P (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park). T orque Lock T orque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when p[...]

  • Page 265

    Black plate (27,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-27 Parking Over Things That Burn { W ARNING Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust { W ARNING Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) w[...]

  • Page 266

    Black plate (28,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-28 Driving and Operating Running the V ehicle While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. { W ARNING Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine e[...]

  • Page 267

    Black plate (29,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-29 { W ARNING It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the ve[...]

  • Page 268

    Black plate (30,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-30 Driving and Operating D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy . If more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is: . Going less than 56 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. . Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or more, push [...]

  • Page 269

    Black plate (31,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-31 2. In Manual Mode, press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to downshift. Without Selective Ride Control 1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive). The transmission will enter Manual Mode. The DIC gear indicator will change to an M followed by a nu[...]

  • Page 270

    Black plate (32,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-32 Driving and Operating Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive V ehicles with this feature always send engine power to all four wheels. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road conditions. When using a compact spare tire on an A WD vehicle, the system automatically detects the comp[...]

  • Page 271

    Black plate (33,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-33 Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Alway[...]

  • Page 272

    Black plate (34,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-34 Driving and Operating apply is reached. If the light does not come on, or remains flashing, you need to have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the park brake status light is flashing. See your dealer . See Electric Parking Brake Light on page 5 ‑ 18 for more information. I[...]

  • Page 273

    Black plate (35,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-35 Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. Automatic EPB Release The EPB will au[...]

  • Page 274

    Black plate (36,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-36 Driving and Operating The TCS/StabiliT rak warning light flashes to indicate that the traction control system is active. This warning light comes on if there is a problem with the traction control system. See T raction Off Light on page 5 ‑ 19 . When this warning light is on, the system d[...]

  • Page 275

    Black plate (37,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-37 Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliT rak. It is an advanced computer controlled system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. StabiliT rak activates when[...]

  • Page 276

    Black plate (38,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-38 Driving and Operating If cruise control is being used when StabiliT rak activates, the cruise control automatically disengages. Press the cruise control button to reengage when road conditions allow . See Cruise Control on page 9 ‑ 39 for more information. Limited-Slip Differential V ehic[...]

  • Page 277

    Black plate (39,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-39 Cruise Control With cruise control, the vehicle can maintain a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator . Cruise control does not work at speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph). On vehicles with the Traction Control System (TCS) or El[...]

  • Page 278

    Black plate (40,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-40 Driving and Operating RES/+ (Resume/Accelerate): Move the thumbwheel up to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed or to accelerate. SET/ − (Set/Coast): Move the thumbwheel down to set the speed and activate cruise control or make the vehicle decelerate. Setting Cruise Control I[...]

  • Page 279

    Black plate (41,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-41 Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control If the cruise control system is already activated: . Move the thumbwheel toward SET/ − and hold until the desired lower speed is reached, then release it. . T o slow down in small amounts, move the thumbwheel toward SET/ − [...]

  • Page 280

    Black plate (42,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-42 Driving and Operating Object Detection Systems Ultrasonic Parking Assist For vehicles with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URP A) system, it assists the driver with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse). URP A operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph), and the sensors on t[...]

  • Page 281

    Black plate (43,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-43 P ARK ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to indicate that URP A is off. The message disappears after a short period of time. T urning the System On and Off The URP A system can be turned on and off using the park assist button located next to th[...]

  • Page 282

    Black plate (44,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-44 Driving and Operating Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) The vehicle may have a Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system. Read this entire section before using the system. { W ARNING SBZA is only a lane changing aid and does not replace driver vision. SBZA does not detect: . V ehicles outside the side[...]

  • Page 283

    Black plate (45,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-45 SBZA displays do not come on while the vehicle is approaching or passing other vehicles. At speeds greater than 32 km/h (20 mph), SBZA displays may come on when a vehicle you have passed remains in or drops back into the detection zone. SBZA can be disabled through V e[...]

  • Page 284

    Black plate (46,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-46 Driving and Operating This message may also activate during heavy rain or due to road spray . The vehicle does not need service. For cleaning, see Exterior Care on page 10 ‑ 91 . SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM: If this message appears, both SBZA displays will remain on indicating th[...]

  • Page 285

    Black plate (47,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-47 T o cancel the delay , do one of the following: . Pressing a hard key on the navigation system. . Shifting in to P (Park). . Reach a vehicle speed of 8 km/h (5 mph). T urning the Rear Vision Camera System On or Off T o turn the RVC system on or off: 1. Shift into P (Pa[...]

  • Page 286

    Black plate (48,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-48 Driving and Operating T o turn the symbols on or off: 1. Shift into P (Park). 2. Press the CONFIG button to enter the configure menu options. 3. Select Display 4. Select Rear Camera Options. 5. Select Symbols. When a check mark appears next to the Symbols option, symbols will appear . Guide[...]

  • Page 287

    Black plate (49,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-49 Rear Vision Camera Location The camera is located above the license plate. The area displayed by the camera is limited, it does not display objects that are close to either corner or under the bumper and can vary depending on vehicle orientation or road conditions. The[...]

  • Page 288

    Black plate (50,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-50 Driving and Operating Fuel Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. T o help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance, we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Look for the TOP TIER l[...]

  • Page 289

    Black plate (51,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-51 If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code D), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher . Y ou can also use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher , but the vehicle's acceleration could be slightly reduced, and[...]

  • Page 290

    Black plate (52,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-52 Driving and Operating Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of im[...]

  • Page 291

    Black plate (53,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-53 Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty . Some gasoli[...]

  • Page 292

    Black plate (54,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-54 Driving and Operating While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the hook on the fuel door . Reinstall the cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks. { W ARNING Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly . If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you coul[...]

  • Page 293

    Black plate (55,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-55 W ARNING (Continued) . Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside of the fill opening before operating the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the filling is complete. . Do not smoke while pumping fuel. . Do not use a cellular phone while pumping fuel. T o[...]

  • Page 294

    Black plate (56,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-56 Driving and Operating Driving Characteristics and T owing Tips { W ARNING The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly . For example, if the trailer is too heavy , the brakes may not work well — or even at al[...]

  • Page 295

    Black plate (57,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-57 . The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often. . Do not use the Fuel Saver Mode when towing. . Obey speed limit restrictions. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 90 km/h (55 mph), t[...]

  • Page 296

    Black plate (58,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-58 Driving and Operating Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. T o move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. T o move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. Making T urns N[...]

  • Page 297

    Black plate (59,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-59 Parking on Hills { W ARNING Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When possible, always park the rig on[...]

  • Page 298

    Black plate (60,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-60 Driving and Operating T railer T owing Before pulling a trailer , there are three important considerations that have to do with weight: . The weight of the trailer . . The weight of the trailer tongue. . The total weight on your vehicle's tires. Weight of the T railer How heavy can a t[...]

  • Page 299

    Black plate (61,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Driving and Operating 9-61 After loading the trailer , weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately , to see if the weights are proper . If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving some items around in the trailer . T otal Weight on Y our V ehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle&a[...]

  • Page 300

    Black plate (62,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 9-62 Driving and Operating Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical Equipment Notice: Do not add anything electrical to the vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage the vehicle and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty . Some[...]

  • Page 301

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-1 V ehicle Care General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 California Proposition 65 W arning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 V[...]

  • Page 302

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-2 V ehicle Care Wheels and Tires T ires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46 Winter T ires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47 T ire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-47 T ire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49 T ire T erminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 303

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-3 California Proposition 65 W arning Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems, many fluids, and some component wear [...]

  • Page 304

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-4 V ehicle Care GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. Y our GM dealer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that GM-trained and supported service tech[...]

  • Page 305

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-5 This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped V ehicle on page 3 ‑ 39 . Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records on page[...]

  • Page 306

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-6 V ehicle Care Engine Compartment Overview 2.4 L L4 Engine[...]

  • Page 307

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-7 A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 10 ‑ 13 . B. Engine Cover . C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 9 . D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 9 . E. T ransmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Automatic T ransmission Fluid on page 10 ‑ 13 . [...]

  • Page 308

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-8 V ehicle Care 3.6 L V6 Engine[...]

  • Page 309

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-9 A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 10 ‑ 13 . B. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering Fluid on page 10 ‑ 21 . C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 9 . D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 9 . E. Engine Cover .[...]

  • Page 310

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-10 V ehicle Care When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add one liter/quart of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “ Selecting the Right Engine Oil ” for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankc[...]

  • Page 311

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-1 1 Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos ™ is unavailable: In the event that dexos ™ approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity [...]

  • Page 312

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-12 V ehicle Care Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the dexos ™ specification and displaying the dexos ™ certification mark are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not r[...]

  • Page 313

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-13 How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. T o reset the system: 1. T urn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off. 2. Press the DIC menu button on the turn signal [...]

  • Page 314

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-14 V ehicle Care When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the scheduled maintenance intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi) interval. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 1 1 ‑ 2 for more information. If you are d[...]

  • Page 315

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-15 3.6 L V6 Engine 1. Remove the screws on top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. 2. Lift the filter cover housing away from the engine. 3. Pull out the filter . 4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter . 5. Lower the filter cover housing toward the engine. 6. [...]

  • Page 316

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-16 V ehicle Care 3.6 L V6 Engine A. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View) B. Coolant Surge T ank and Pressure Cap { W ARNING An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury . Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhoo[...]

  • Page 317

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-17 What to Use { W ARNING Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water and other liquids, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With pl[...]

  • Page 318

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-18 V ehicle Care If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank, add coolant as follows: How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge T ank { W ARNING Y ou can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enou[...]

  • Page 319

    Black plate (19,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-19 3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to on the front of the coolant surge tank. 4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose starts getting hot. W atch out for the engine cooling fa[...]

  • Page 320

    Black plate (20,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-20 V ehicle Care If No Steam is Coming from the Engine Compartment If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem might not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle: . Climbs a long hill on a hot day . Stops afte[...]

  • Page 321

    Black plate (21,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-21 Power Steering Fluid See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10 ‑ 6 for information on the location of the power steering fluid reservoir . When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless a leak is suspected in the syste[...]

  • Page 322

    Black plate (22,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-22 V ehicle Care W asher Fluid What to Use When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer instructions before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature can fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing. Adding W[...]

  • Page 323

    Black plate (23,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-23 Brakes This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the b[...]

  • Page 324

    Black plate (24,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-24 V ehicle Care Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10 ‑ 6 for the location of the reservoir . There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might[...]

  • Page 325

    Black plate (25,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-25 What to Add Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container . See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 1 1 ‑ 7 . Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir . { W ARN[...]

  • Page 326

    Black plate (26,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-26 V ehicle Care V ehicle Storage { W ARNING Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. Y ou can be badly hurt if you are not careful. See Jump Starting on page 10 ‑ 84 for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt. Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negati[...]

  • Page 327

    Black plate (27,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-27 3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of P (Park), contact your dealer for service. Ignition T ransmiss[...]

  • Page 328

    Black plate (28,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-28 V ehicle Care Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear and cracking. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 1 1 ‑ 2 for more information. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For proper type and length, see Maintenan[...]

  • Page 329

    Black plate (29,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-29 Headlamp Aiming The headlamp aiming system has been preset at the factory . If the vehicle is damaged in an accident, the aim of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment may be necessary . It is recommended that a dealer adjust the headlamps. T o re-aim the headlamps your[...]

  • Page 330

    Black plate (30,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-30 V ehicle Care Up-Level 2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of the low ‐ beam headlamp. 3. Measure the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the low ‐ beam headlamp. Record the distance. 4. At the wall measure from the ground upward (A) to the recorded distance from Step 3 and mark i[...]

  • Page 331

    Black plate (31,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-31 Base Up-Level 7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which are under the hood near each headlamp assembly . 8. T urn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. T urn it clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the an[...]

  • Page 332

    Black plate (32,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-32 V ehicle Care Bulb Replacement For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs on page 10 ‑ 36 . For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer . Halogen Bulbs { W ARNING Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop [...]

  • Page 333

    Black plate (33,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-33 T o replace one of these bulbs: 1. Open the hood. See Hood on page 10 ‑ 5 . A. Low-Beam Headlamp/DRL B. High-Beam Headlamp C. Parking/T urn Signal Lamp 2. If replacing a headlamp bulb, remove the dust cover from the back of the headlamp housing by turning counterclockwise 1[...]

  • Page 334

    Black plate (34,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-34 V ehicle Care T o replace one of these bulbs: 1. Open the hood. See Hood on page 10 ‑ 5 . A. DRL Lamp B. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp 2. T urn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the headlamp assembly . 3. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket. 4. Push the new bulb into t[...]

  • Page 335

    Black plate (35,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-35 T o replace one of these lamps: 1. Open the trunk. See T runk on page 2 ‑ 12 . 2. Remove fasteners and pull back the trunk trim. 3. Remove the four plastic wing nuts retaining the taillamp assembly in place. 4. Pull out the taillamp assembly and disconnect the wiring harnes[...]

  • Page 336

    Black plate (36,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-36 V ehicle Care A. Bulb Socket B. Bulb C. Lamp Assembly 3. T urn the bulb socket (A) counterclockwise to remove from lamp assembly (C). 4. Pull the bulb (B) straight out of the bulb socket. 5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket and turn the bulb socket clockwise to insta[...]

  • Page 337

    Black plate (37,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-37 Electrical System Electrical System Overload The vehicle has fuses and circuit breakers to protect against an electrical system overload. When the current electrical load is too heavy , the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the current load return[...]

  • Page 338

    Black plate (38,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-38 V ehicle Care Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical problems. T o check a fuse, look at the silver-colored band inside th[...]

  • Page 339

    Black plate (39,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-39 Engine Compartment Fuse Block The vehicle may not be equipped with all of the fuses, relays, and features shown. J-Case Fuses Usage 6 Wiper 12 Starter J-Case Fuses Usage 21 Rear Power Windows 22 Sunroof 24 Front Power Windows J-Case Fuses Usage 26 Antilock Brake System Pump 2[...]

  • Page 340

    Black plate (40,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-40 V ehicle Care Mini Fuses Usage 10 Engine Control Module 1 1 Post Catalytic Converter Oxygen Sensor Heater 13 T rans Ignition / Fuel System Control Module 16 MAF 17 Airbag Module 18 SBZ Ignition 23 V ariable Effort Steering 29 Power Lumbar , Left 32 Body Control Module Mini Fuses Usage 33 H[...]

  • Page 341

    Black plate (41,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-41 Mini Fuses Usage 60 Heated Mirror 62 Canister V ent 64 AFL Battery 65 Theft Deterrent Horn 67 Fuel System Control Module 69 Regulated V oltage Control Sensor 70 Ultrasonic Park Assist/Side Blind Zone Mini Relays Usage 7 Engine Control Module 9 Cooling Fan 13 Cooling Fan 15 Ru[...]

  • Page 342

    Black plate (42,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-42 V ehicle Care Pull the door toward you to release it from the hinge. Instrument Panel Fuse Block The vehicle may not be equipped with all of the fuses, relays, and features shown. Fuses Usage 1 Steering Wheel Controls Backlight 2 Body Control Module 7 3 Body Control Module 5 4 Radio 5 OnSt[...]

  • Page 343

    Black plate (43,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-43 Fuses Usage 13 Driver Seat 14 Diagnostic Link Connector 15 Airbag 16 T runk 17 Heater V entilation Air Conditioning Controller 18 Radio, OnStar ® , Universal Hands Free Phone 19 Display 20 Automatic Occupant Sensing 21 Instrument Panel Cluster 22 Discrete Logic Ignition Swit[...]

  • Page 344

    Black plate (44,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-44 V ehicle Care The vehicle may not be equipped with all of the fuses, relays, and features shown. Mini Fuses Usage 5 Not Used 6 Heated Steering Wheel Mini Fuses Usage 7 Not Used 8 Not Used 12 Not Used 15 Not Used 16 Not Used Mini Fuses Usage 17 Not Used 18 PEPS 19 Not Used 20 Rear Sunshade,[...]

  • Page 345

    Black plate (45,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-45 Mini Fuses Usage 30 Not Used 31 Electronic Suspension Control 32 Rear Seat Infotainment 33 All ‐ Wheel Drive J ‐ Case Fuses Usage 1 Not Used 2 Not Used 3 Not Used 4 Not Used J ‐ Case Fuses Usage 9 Not Used 10 Not Used 1 1 Not Used 13 Not Used 14 Not Used 34 Not Used 35 [...]

  • Page 346

    Black plate (46,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-46 V ehicle Care Wheels and Tires Tires Y our new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer . If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your vehicle W arranty booklet for details. For additional information refer to th[...]

  • Page 347

    Black plate (47,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-47 Winter Tires If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered roads often, you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle. All season tires provide good overall performance on most surfaces but they may not offer the traction you would like or the same level of performance as[...]

  • Page 348

    Black plate (48,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-48 V ehicle Care (B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria Specification) : Original equipment tires designed to GM's specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines. (C) DO[...]

  • Page 349

    Black plate (49,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-49 regular road tire has lost air and gone flat. If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, see Compact Spare Tire on page 10 ‑ 84 and If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10 ‑ 68 . (C) Tire Identification Number (TIN) : The letters and numbers following the DOT (Department of T ransp[...]

  • Page 350

    Black plate (50,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-50 V ehicle Care (C) Aspect Ratio : A two ‐ digit number that indicates the tire height ‐ to ‐ width measurements. For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is 60 percent as high as it is wide. ([...]

  • Page 351

    Black plate (51,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-51 maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but without passengers and cargo. DOT Markings : A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code inclu[...]

  • Page 352

    Black plate (52,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-52 V ehicle Care model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the other sidewall of the tire. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire : A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure : V ehicle manufacturer's [...]

  • Page 353

    Black plate (53,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-53 recommended inflation pressure. See “ T ire and Loading Information Label ” under V ehicle Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 12 . Tire Pressure T ires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively . Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that under ‐ inflation or o[...]

  • Page 354

    Black plate (54,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-54 V ehicle Care How to Check Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire pressure. Y ou cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are under ‐ inflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure wh[...]

  • Page 355

    Black plate (55,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-55 Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under ‐ inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Y our[...]

  • Page 356

    Black plate (56,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-56 V ehicle Care inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the tire loading information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 12 . At the same time a message to check the pressure in a specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC) display . The low tire pres[...]

  • Page 357

    Black plate (57,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-57 TPMS Malfunction Light and Message The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignit[...]

  • Page 358

    Black plate (58,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-58 V ehicle Care The TPMS sensors can also be matched to each tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire's air pressure. If increasing the tire's air pressure, do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated on the tire's sidewall. T o decrease air-pressure[...]

  • Page 359

    Black plate (59,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-59 1 1. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8. The horn sounds two times to indicate the sensor identification code has been matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS sensor matching process is no longer active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIV[...]

  • Page 360

    Black plate (60,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-60 V ehicle Care Any time you notice unusual wear , rotate the tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 10 ‑ 61 and Wheel Replacement on page 10 ‑ 66 . When rotating the vehicle's tires, alw[...]

  • Page 361

    Black plate (61,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-61 When It Is Time for New Tires V arious factors, such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions influence when you need new tires. One way to tell when it is time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which appear when the[...]

  • Page 362

    Black plate (62,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-62 V ehicle Care Buying New Tires GM has developed and matched specific tires for your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed on your vehicle, when it was new , were designed to meet General Motors T ire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) system rating. If you need replace[...]

  • Page 363

    Black plate (63,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-63 { W ARNING Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes, brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly , and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes, brands, or types may [...]

  • Page 364

    Black plate (64,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-64 V ehicle Care Different Size Tires and Wheels If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than your original equipment wheels and tires, this could affect the way your vehicle performs, including its braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability , and resistance to rollove[...]

  • Page 365

    Black plate (65,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-65 Grading (UTQG) system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver , or temporar y use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires. While the tires available on General Motors passeng[...]

  • Page 366

    Black plate (66,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-66 V ehicle Care T emperature – A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained hi[...]

  • Page 367

    Black plate (67,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-67 If you need to replace any of the wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, or T ire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way , you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors for the v[...]

  • Page 368

    Black plate (68,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-68 V ehicle Care Tire Chains { W ARNING Do not use tire chains. There is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose co[...]

  • Page 369

    Black plate (69,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-69 W ARNING (Continued) Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has been driven on while severely under-inflated or flat. Have your dealer or an authorized tire service center repair or replace the flat tire as soon as possible. { W ARNING Lifting a vehicle and getting under it [...]

  • Page 370

    Black plate (70,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-70 V ehicle Care This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. T o use the jacking equipment to change a spare tire safely , follow the instructions below . Then see Tire Changing on page 10 ‑ 78 . T o use the tire sealant and compressor kit, see Tir[...]

  • Page 371

    Black plate (71,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-71 { W ARNING Over-inflating a tire could cause the tire to rupture and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the tire sealant and compressor kit instructions and inflate the tire to its recommended pressure. Do not exceed the recommended pressure. { W ARNIN[...]

  • Page 372

    Black plate (72,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-72 V ehicle Care Tire Sealant Read and follow the safe handling instructions on the label adhered to the compressor . Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant canister . The sealant canister should be replaced before its expiration date. Replacement sealant canisters are availabl[...]

  • Page 373

    Black plate (73,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-73 5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve stem. T urn it clockwise until it is tight. 6. Plug the power plug (G) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other accessory power outlets. See Power Outlets on page 5 ‑ 6 . If the vehicl[...]

  • Page 374

    Black plate (74,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-74 V ehicle Care 1 1. Press the on/off button (A) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off. The tire is not sealed and will continue to leak air until the vehicle is driven and the sealant is distributed in the tire; therefore, Steps 12 through 18 must be done immediately after Step 1 [...]

  • Page 375

    Black plate (75,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-75 20. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, and vehicle. 21. Dispose of the used sealant canister and sealant/air hose (F) assembly at a local dealer or in accordance with local state codes and practices. 22. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer . 23. [...]

  • Page 376

    Black plate (76,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-76 V ehicle Care 5. Attach the air only hose (E) onto the tire valve stem by turning it clockwise until it is tight. 6. Plug the power plug (G) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other accessory power outlets. See Power Outlets on page 5 ‑ 6 . If the vehic[...]

  • Page 377

    Black plate (77,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-77 13. Disconnect the air only hose (E) from the tire valve stem, by turning it counterclockwise, and replace the tire valve stem cap. 14. Return the air only hose (E) and the power plug (G) back to their original locations. 15. Return the equipment to its original storage locat[...]

  • Page 378

    Black plate (78,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-78 V ehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit T o access the tire sealant and compressor kit: 1. Open the trunk. See T runk on page 2 ‑ 12 . 2. Lift the cover . 3. T urn the wing nut counterclockwise to remove it. 4. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit. T o store the t[...]

  • Page 379

    Black plate (79,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-79 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10 ‑ 68 for more information. 2. T urn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nut caps. If needed, finish loosening them by hand. The [...]

  • Page 380

    Black plate (80,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-80 V ehicle Care Coin/Pierce Jack Shown, Hex-Head Jack Similar 5. If you have a coin/pierce jack, attach the jack handle extension to the jack by sliding the hook through the end of the jack. If you have a hex-head jack, attach the jack lift-assist tool to the jack by fitting both ends of the[...]

  • Page 381

    Black plate (81,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-81 Hex-Head Jack Shown, Coin/Pierce Jack Similar 6. T urn the jack handle clockwise to raise the vehicle far enough off the ground for the compact spare to fit under the vehicle. 7. Remove all of the wheel nuts. 8. Remove the flat tire. { W ARNING Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on [...]

  • Page 382

    Black plate (82,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-82 V ehicle Care 10. Install the compact spare tire. { W ARNING Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a crash. 1 1. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Turn each nu[...]

  • Page 383

    Black plate (83,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-83 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and T ools { W ARNING Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury . In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. T o store t[...]

  • Page 384

    Black plate (84,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-84 V ehicle Care Compact Spare Tire { W ARNING Driving with more than one compact spare tire at a time could result in loss of braking and handling. This could lead to a crash and you or others could be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at a time. If this vehicle has a compact spare ti[...]

  • Page 385

    Black plate (85,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-85 Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty . T rying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle. The jump start positive (A) is located under a trim cove[...]

  • Page 386

    Black plate (86,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-86 V ehicle Care { W ARNING Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water . Y ou do not need to add water to the battery installed in yo[...]

  • Page 387

    Black plate (87,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-87 8. Connect the other end of the black negative ( – ) cable to an unpainted heavy metal engine part (D) away from the dead battery , but not near engine parts that move. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at least fo[...]

  • Page 388

    Black plate (88,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-88 V ehicle Care T owing T owing the V ehicle Notice: T o avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed with all four wheels off the ground. Care must be taken with vehicles that have low ground clearance and/or special equipment. Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if t[...]

  • Page 389

    Black plate (89,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-89 Dinghy T owing From the Front When dinghy towing, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components. Use the following procedure to dinghy tow the vehicle from[...]

  • Page 390

    Black plate (90,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-90 V ehicle Care Dolly T owing From the Front (Front Wheel Drive) V ehicles with front-wheel drive can be dolly towed from the front. Use the following procedure to dolly tow the vehicle from the front: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instruction[...]

  • Page 391

    Black plate (91,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-91 Dolly T owing From the Rear The vehicle cannot be dolly towed from the rear . Appearance Care Exterior Care Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Use only lukewarm or cold water , a soft cloth, and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “ [...]

  • Page 392

    Black plate (92,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-92 V ehicle Care Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster . Wash with water or use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary . Use special care with aluminum trim. T o avoid damaging protective trim, never u[...]

  • Page 393

    Black plate (93,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-93 Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer , seal better , and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather frequent application may be required. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 1 1 [...]

  • Page 394

    Black plate (94,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-94 V ehicle Care Windshield and Wiper Blades Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner . Clean the rubber blades using a lint ‐ free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road[...]

  • Page 395

    Black plate (95,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-95 At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water . Clean any areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Y our dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this. C[...]

  • Page 396

    Black plate (96,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-96 V ehicle Care While cleaning the vehicle's interior , maintain adequate ventilation by opening the vehicle's doors and windows. Do not clean the interior using the following cleaners or techniques: . Never use a knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil from any interior s[...]

  • Page 397

    Black plate (97,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-97 T o clean: 1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda. 2. Remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center . Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled. 4. Continue to[...]

  • Page 398

    Black plate (98,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-98 V ehicle Care Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces T o remove dust, a soft cloth dampened with water can be used. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary , a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot lifte[...]

  • Page 399

    Black plate (99,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 V ehicle Care 10-99 Use the following guidelines for proper floor mat usage. . The original equipment floor mats were designed for your vehicle. If the floor mats need replacing, it is recommended that GM certified floor mats be purchased. Non-GM floor mats may not fit properly and may interfere[...]

  • Page 400

    Black plate (100,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 10-100 V ehicle Care 2 NOTES[...]

  • Page 401

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-1 Service and Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 1 1-1 Scheduled Maintenance Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . 1 1-2 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1-7[...]

  • Page 402

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-2 Service and Maintenance { W ARNING Performing maintenance work can be dangerous. Some jobs can cause serious injury . Perform maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment. If in doubt, see your dealer to have a qualified technician do the work. [...]

  • Page 403

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-3 engine oil life system is reset accidentally , service the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life System on page 10 ‑ 12 . Every Engine Oil Change . Change engine oil an[...]

  • Page 404

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-4 Service and Maintenance . Restraint system component check. See Safety System Check on page 3 ‑ 26 . . Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks. . Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection for loose or damaged components. Additional Required Services Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles [...]

  • Page 405

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-5 First Engine Oil Change After Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles . Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 10 ‑ 13 . . Automatic transmission fluid change (severe service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot weathe[...]

  • Page 406

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-6 Service and Maintenance First Engine Oil Change After Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles . Automatic transmission fluid change (normal service). See Automatic T ransmission Fluid on page 10 ‑ 13 . . All ‐ wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change (normal service). Check vent hose at tran[...]

  • Page 407

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-7 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Usage Fluid/Lubricant Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos ™ specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos ™ certification mar[...]

  • Page 408

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-8 Service and Maintenance Usage Fluid/Lubricant Automatic Transmission DEXRON ® -VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in Canada 10953474). Hood Latch Assembly , Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor , and Release [...]

  • Page 409

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-9 Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement parts identified below by name, part number , or specification can be obtained from your dealer . Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 55560894 A3128C Engine Oil Filter 2.4L L4 Engine 12605566 PF4[...]

  • Page 410

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-10 Service and Maintenance Maintenance Records After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts. Maintenance Record Date Odometer Reading Service[...]

  • Page 411

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Service and Maintenance 1 1-1 1 Maintenance Record (cont'd) Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed[...]

  • Page 412

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 1 1-12 Service and Maintenance Maintenance Record (cont'd) Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed[...]

  • Page 413

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 T echnical Data 12-1 T echnical Data V ehicle Identification V ehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 V ehicle Data Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 Eng[...]

  • Page 414

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 12-2 T echnical Data V ehicle Data Capacities and Specifications Application Capacities Metric English Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge amount, see the refrigerant label located under the hood. See your dealer for more information. Engine Cooli[...]

  • Page 415

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 T echnical Data 12-3 Application Capacities Metric English T ransmission Fluid* (Drain and Refill) 2.4L L4 Engine, 6 ‐ Speed Automatic 8.0 L 8.5 qt 3.6L V6 Engine, 6 ‐ Speed Automatic 9.0 L 9.5 qt Wheel Nut T orque 150 Y 1 10 ft lb *See Automatic T ransmission Fluid on page 10 ‑ 13 for info[...]

  • Page 416

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 12-4 T echnical Data Engine Drive Belt Routing 2.4L L4 Engine (Electric Power Steering) 2.4L L4 Engine (Hydraulic Power Steering) 3.6L V6 Engines[...]

  • Page 417

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-1 Customer Information Customer Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure (United States and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) . . . . . . . . 13-3 Customer Assistance Offices (United States and C a n a d a ) ............[...]

  • Page 418

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-2 Customer Information STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, in the U.S., call 1-800-521-7300, Customer Assistance prompt. In Canada, contact General Motors of Canada Customer Communic[...]

  • Page 419

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-3 STEP THREE — Canadian Owners: In the event that you do not feel your concerns have been addressed after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and T wo, General Motors of Canada Limited wants you to be aware of its participation in a no-charge Mediation/Arbitrat[...]

  • Page 420

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-4 Customer Information However , we recognize that despite the good intentions of all parties involved, sometimes a misunderstanding may occur . If you have a problem that has not been satisfactorily handled through the normal means, we suggest the following steps: Step One Explain your case t[...]

  • Page 421

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-5 From Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) From U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, Mail Code: CA1-163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 www .gm.ca 1-800-263-[...]

  • Page 422

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-6 Customer Information Customer Assistance for T ext T elephone (TTY) Users T o assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use T ext T elephones (TTYs), Buick has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center . Any TTY user can communicate with Buick[...]

  • Page 423

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-7 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program This program is available to qualified applicants for cost reimbursement of eligible aftermarket adaptive equipment required for your vehicle, such as hand controls or a wheelchair/ scooter lift for the vehicle. For more information on t[...]

  • Page 424

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-8 Customer Information Buick and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve the right to limit services or payment to an owner or driver if they decide the claims are made too often, or the same type of claim is made many times. Services Provided . Emergency Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fue[...]

  • Page 425

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-9 . T rip Interruption Benefits and Assistance: Must be over 250 kilometers from where your trip was started to qualify . General Motors of Canada Limited requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts, and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization has been r[...]

  • Page 426

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-10 Customer Information Courtesy T ransportation Program T o enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy T ransportation, a customer support program for vehicles with the Bumper to Bumper (Base Warranty Coverage period in Canada), extended p[...]

  • Page 427

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-1 1 Courtesy Rental V ehicle Y our dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for an overnight warranty repair . Rental reimbursement will be limited and must be supported [...]

  • Page 428

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-12 Customer Information Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for repair . These parts are typically removed from vehicles that were total losses in prior crashes. In most cases, the parts being recycled are from undamaged sections of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment GM[...]

  • Page 429

    Black plate (13,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-13 Move the vehicle only if its position puts you in danger , or you are instructed to move it by a police officer . Give only the necessary information to police and other parties involved in the crash. For emergency towing see Roadside Assistance Program (United States [...]

  • Page 430

    Black plate (14,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-14 Customer Information Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on the engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body , etc. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give additional technical s[...]

  • Page 431

    Black plate (15,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-15 Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway T raffic Safety Administr ation [...]

  • Page 432

    Black plate (16,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-16 Customer Information Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or T ransport Canada) in a situation like this, please notify General Motors. Call 1-800-521-7300, or write: Buick Customer Assistance Center P .O. Box 33136 Detroit, MI 48232-5136 In Canada, ca[...]

  • Page 433

    Black plate (17,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 Customer Information 13-17 This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur . Important: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and[...]

  • Page 434

    Black plate (18,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 13-18 Customer Information Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system security , as well as in connection with conveniences such as key fobs for remote door locking/ unlocking and starting, and[...]

  • Page 435

    Black plate (1,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-1 A Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21 Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62 Adding Equipment to the Ai[...]

  • Page 436

    Black plate (2,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-2 INDEX B Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84 Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 V oltage and Charging Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30 Blade [...]

  • Page 437

    Black plate (3,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-3 Climate Control Systems Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 Cluster , IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Collision Damage Repair . . .[...]

  • Page 438

    Black plate (4,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-4 INDEX Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34 DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22 E Electric Parking Brake Light . . . 5-18 Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . .[...]

  • Page 439

    Black plate (5,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-5 Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Front Fog Lamps Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 440

    Black plate (6,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-6 INDEX Headlamps (cont.) High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2 Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Heated and V entilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 441

    Black plate (7,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-7 Lights (cont.) Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-21 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Front Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2 Low Fuel W arning . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 442

    Black plate (8,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-8 INDEX O Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34 Object Detection, Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44 Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6 Oil Engin[...]

  • Page 443

    Black plate (9,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-9 Rear Seat Entertainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34 Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 1 Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 9-46 Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Recommended [...]

  • Page 444

    Black plate (10,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-10 INDEX Seats (cont.) Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . 3-7 Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 3-4 Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 1 Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59, 3-61 Security Light . .[...]

  • Page 445

    Black plate (11,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 INDEX i-1 1 T ime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 T ires Buying New T ires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78 Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84 Designati[...]

  • Page 446

    Black plate (12,1) Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011 i-12 INDEX V ehicle (cont.) Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 T owing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88 V ehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 10-78 T ire Pressure . . . [...]