2005 BUICK LACROSSE engine

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
If you need help guring out a specic name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
Climate Controls in Section 3
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
Audio System(s) in Section 3
Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Automatic Door Locks...................................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III ..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation...............................2-19
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-22
Starting the Engine.......................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-27Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-30
Engine Exhaust............................................2-30
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-31
Mirrors...........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®............................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-33
Outside Power Heated Mirrors........................2-34
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-34
OnStar
®System.............................................2-34
HomeLink®Transmitter...................................2-36
HomeLink®..................................................2-36
Programming the HomeLink®..........................2-36
Storage Areas................................................2-40
Glove Box...................................................2-40
Cupholder(s)................................................2-40
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-41
Convenience Net..........................................2-41
Sunroof.........................................................2-42
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry
transmitter, do the following:
1. Insert a at object, with a thin edge, into the notch
located below the remote alarm button, and
separate the bottom half from the top half of the
transmitter.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object
to do this.3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the
positive side of the battery facing up. Use a type
CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.
4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter
together. Make sure the cover is on tight, so
water will not get in.
5. Test the operation of the transmitter with
the vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is active and the vehicle
has an automatic climate control system, it will
automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is turned
to RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
2-7

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
Your vehicle’s remote keyless entry transmitter, with the
remote start button, provides an increased range of
operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running and as a result, you may need to
be closer to your vehicle to turn it off, than you were
to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-3for additional information.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset after
your vehicle’s engine is started two times using the
transmitter’s remote start button. The remote start
system is reset by Inserting the vehicle’s key into the
ignition lock cylinder and turning it to RUN and then to
OFF. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-21for
information regarding the ignition positions on
your vehicle.
/(Remote Start):If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the keyless entry transmitter will have a
button with this symbol on it.To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the turn signal lamps ash
or for four seconds, if the vehicle’s lights are not
visible. The vehicle’s doors will lock.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the engine is running.
The engine will shut off automatically after
10 minutes, unless a time extension has been done
or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition
lock cylinder and turned to RUN.
4. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following:
Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the
vehicle and press the remote start button until
the parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch to RUN and then to OFF.
2-8

If you enter the vehicle after a remote start, and the
engine is still running, insert the key into the ignition lock
cylinder and turn it to the RUN position to drive the
vehicle.
Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times using
the transmitter’s remote start feature.
If only one remote start procedure has been done, since
last driving the vehicle or resetting the remote start
system, the engine may be started again remotely
following the remote start procedure a second time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before the
rst ten minute time frame has ended, 10 minutes will be
added to the remaining minutes. The added
10 minutes are considered a second remote start.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:
The remote start system is disabled.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
A door is open or the vehicle’s hood is not closed.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided. The maximum number of remote starts or
remote start attempts between ignition cycles
with the key is two.
If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE
START DISABLED.
Vehicles equipped with the remote vehicle start feature
are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle
start system enabled. The system may be disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under
DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71for additional
information.
2-9

Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-30.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry System Operation on page 2-4for more
information.
The ignition must be off, or the transaxle must be in
PARK (P), to unlock the trunk.
Remote Trunk Release
This feature is used to unlock the trunk from inside the
vehicle using the power door lock switch.
Press and hold the top of
the driver’s or front
passenger’s power
door lock switch for
one and one-half seconds
to unlock the trunk.
The vehicle must be in PARK (P) to unlock the trunk.
2-13

PASS-Key®III
Your PASS-Key®III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means nothing special
needs to be done to arm
or disarm the system.
It works when the key is
inserted or removed
from the ignition.
PASS-Key III
®uses a transponder in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will stop owing to the engine. If
someone tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong
key, the vehicle will not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged to do so because of the high number of
electrical key codes.
2-19

When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the STARTING DISABLED warning message
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on,
the key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-88. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to accept
the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up
to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The
following procedure is for programming additional keys
only. If all the programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and programmed
to the system.To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start
the engine. If the engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The STARTING DISABLED warning message on
the DIC will turn off, once the key has been
programmed. It may not be apparent that the
STARTING DISABLED warning message went on
due to how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If the STARTING DISABLED warning message appears
and stays on the DIC while the vehicle is being
driven, the engine will be able to be restarted if it is
turned off. Your PASS-Key®III system, however, is not
working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. The vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III system at this time.
If the PASS-Key
®III key is lost or stolen, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key®III to
have a new key made.
2-20