2005 BUICK LACROSSE brake light

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-36.
5-35

{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
5-37

Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode
or ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.Notice:If the other vehicles system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL (N) before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save your radio!
5-39

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door and console
door. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better and not stick or
squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
6-7

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-64
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-87
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning......................................3-21, 3-24
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-34
Readiness Light..........................................3-33
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-51
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-64
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-57
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-60
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-57
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-56
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-53
Antenna, Backglass.......................................3-120
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-37Appearance Care............................................5-78
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-83
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-81
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-84
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-81
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-78
Finish Care.................................................5-82
Finish Damage............................................5-84
Glass Surfaces............................................5-80
Instrument Panel.........................................5-80
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-80
Leather......................................................5-80
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-84
Tires..........................................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-85
Vinyl..........................................................5-80
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-81
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-82
Audio System(s).............................................3-79
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-118
Backglass Antenna.....................................3-120
Care of Your CD Player..............................3-119
Care of Your CDs......................................3-119
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-120
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with CD............................3-79, 3-84, 3-92
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-105
Setting the Time..........................................3-79
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-117
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-119
Automatic Transaxle
Operation...................................................2-24
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
B
Backglass Antenna........................................3-120
Battery..........................................................5-38
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-36
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21Bulb Replacement...........................................5-45
Fog Lamps.................................................5-48
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-43
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps.................5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-92
Carbon Monoxide...................2-13, 2-30, 4-24, 4-35
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-81
Your CD Player.........................................3-119
Your CDs .................................................3-119
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-41
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-24
Center Seat..................................................... 1-7
Chains, Tire...................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-35
2

I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-58
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-31
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-39
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labelling, Tire Sidewall....................................5-53
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-18
Courtesy....................................................3-16
Exterior......................................................3-13Lamps (cont.)
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Fog ...................................................3-15, 5-48
Interior.......................................................3-16
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-18
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-37
Brake System Warning.................................3-36
Change Engine Oil......................................3-43
Charging System.........................................3-35
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-46
Cruise Control.............................................3-43
Door Ajar...................................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-38
Headlamps Suggested.................................3-44
Highbeam On.............................................3-44
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-39
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-46
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-45
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-39
Oil Pressure...............................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-34
7

Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Power Heated Mirrors.......................2-34
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-33
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System.............................................2-34
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-34
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-34
Power Mirrors.............................................2-33Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-18
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-26
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park Aid........................................................3-18
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking
Assist........................................................3-18
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-34
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-28
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-60
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-19
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-18
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-20
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-88
9