2005 BUICK LACROSSE climate control

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Interior Lamps Control. SeeInterior Lamps on
page 3-16.
C. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-13. Fog Lamp Control. SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-15.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-118.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
G. DIC Buttons. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-47.
H. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.I. Audio System Controls. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-79.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
L. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Steering Wheel Climate Controls. SeeSteering
Wheel Climate Controls on page 3-30.
O. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-24.
P. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28.
Q. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-20.
R. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
3-5

If the URPA system is not functioning properly, the
display will ash red, indicating that there is a problem.
The light will also ash red while driving if a trailer is
attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or object is on the
back of, or hanging out of your trunk. The light will
continue to ash until the trailer or the object is
removed and your vehicle is driven forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h).
It may also ash red if the ultrasonic sensors are not
kept clean. So be sure to keep your rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush or materials such as
paint or the system may not work properly. If after
cleaning the rear bumper and driving forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h), the display continues to ash red, see
your GM dealer. For cleaning instructions, seeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-81.
It may also ash red if your vehicle is moving in
REVERSE (R) at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Other conditions that may affect system performance
include things like the vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of airbrakes on a very large truck.
As always, drivers should use care when backing up a
vehicle. Always look behind you, being sure to check
for other vehicles, obstructions and blind spots.Accessory Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets enable power electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone or a CB radio to
be used inside the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with 12-volt outlets. One outlet
is located on the center console below the climate
controls. There may be another outlet located inside the
center storage console or in the ip and fold console.
Open the cover to use the outlet. Be sure to close
the cover when the outlet is not in use.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer.
3-20

Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
OFF:Turn the left knob to this position to turn the
climate control system off.
3-21

9(Fan):Turn the knob by this symbol, located on the
left side of the climate control panel, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
During the highest fan speed selections, the fan
speed will be temporarily reduced between the transition
to a new mode. The fan will resume the original
speed when the transition to the new mode is complete.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This mode directs outside air to the
instrument panel outlets. If driving in city traffic, and the
vehicle is stopped and idling, or the weather is hot,
switch from this mode to the recirculation mode.
To prevent the air inside the vehicle from becoming
stale, be sure to return to the vent mode periodically.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the
windshield. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed to
the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed toward the side
window outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
In this mode, the system will automatically use outside
air. The air conditioning compressor will be engaged
unless the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
Recirculation cannot be selected when in this mode.
You can also select modes by using the
following buttons:
h(Recirculate):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more
quickly. An indicator light below the button will come on
in this mode. Operation in this mode during periods
of high humidity and cool outside temperatures
may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
3-22

#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When this button is
pressed, an indicator light below the button will come on
to let you know the air conditioning is activated. Air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as the
fan switch is on.
On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent/outside air mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the vehicle is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to condense on the cool
window glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are two modes
to clear frost or fog from the windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of condensation and
to warm the vehicle’s occupants. Use the defrost
mode to remove frost or condensation from the
windshield quickly. Recirculation cannot be selected
when in these modes.
See “Rear Window Defogger” later in this section for
information on clearing the rear window of fog or ice.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets and half to the
oor outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to the oor outlets.
3-23

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press the button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light below the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in run. The rear window defogger will stay on
for approximately 15 minutes after the button is
pressed, unless the ignition is turned to ACC or LOCK.
If turned on again, the defogger will only run for
approximately ve minutes before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button
again or by turning off the engine.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System
Your vehicle may have this climate control system. The
heating, cooling and ventilation can be controlled with it.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Press the AUTO button for
automatic control of the inside temperature, the air
delivery mode and the fan speed. There might be a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when the automatic operation is used in cold weather.
For the automatic system to function, the temperature
must be set between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C).
1. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting.
3-24

2. Press the PASS button or the up or down arrows
on the passenger side to turn the passenger
temperature set on and off. When turned on, the
passenger temperature will be the same as
the driver setting. Press the up or down arrow on
passenger side to adjust the passenger temperature
setting.
When the passenger temperature set is off, the
passenger display will be off and the driver’s
set temperature will be for the driver and passenger.
In cold weather, the system will start at reduced
fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system will start
out blowing air at the oor but may change
modes automatically as the vehicle warms up to
maintain the chosen temperature setting. The length
of time needed for warm up will depend on the
outside temperature and the length of time that has
elapsed since the vehicle was last driven.
3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature, if
necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center
of the instrument panel, near the windshield. For
more information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors”
later in this section.4. Press OFF to turn the climate control system off.
Only the rear defog and heated seats will function.
Press AUTO or any other button except the
heated seats or rear defog to turn the climate
control system back on.
This control has 4 types of operation.
Automatic can set/change the temperature
only. AUTO and temperature only will appear
on the display.
Semi-Automatic Fan can set/change the
temperature and mode. The fan operates
automatically. The temperature and mode will
appear on the display.
Semi-Automatic Mode can set/change the
temperature and fan speed. The mode operates
automatically. The fan speed and temperature will
appear on the display.
Manual can set/change the temperature, mode and
fan. The fan speed, temperature and mode will
appear on the display.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control system will automatically regulate the inside
temperature of your vehicle when the remote start
system is activated. Normal operation and the last
setting of the climate control system will return after the
key is turned to the ON position.
3-25

Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
9(Off):Press this button to turn the climate control
system off.
yz(Temperature):Press these buttons to manually
adjust the temperature inside the vehicle. Press the
up arrow on the driver or passenger side to raise
the temperature and press the down arrow to lower the
temperature. The display will show the selected
temperature.
You may also have controls on your steering wheel that
can be used to adjust the temperature inside your
vehicle. SeeSteering Wheel Climate Controls on
page 3-30for additional information.
z9(Fan):Press this button to decrease the fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual or
semi-automatic mode. Press the AUTO button to return
to automatic operation. If the airow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger
compartment air lter may need to be replaced. For
more information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-28andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
9y(Fan):Press this button to increase the fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual or
semi-automatic mode. Press the AUTO button to return
to automatic operation. If the airow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger
compartment air lter may need to be replaced. For
more information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-28andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor, with some air directed to the side window outlets
and a small amount to the windshield.
)(Bi-Level):This setting directs airow to the
instrument panel and oor outlets. A small amount
of air is also directed to the windshield and the side
window outlets.
Y(Vent):This mode directs air through the instrument
panel outlets.
h(Recirculation):Press this button to turn
recirculation mode on or off. This mode keeps outside
air from coming into the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering your vehicle
or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more quickly.
3-26