2006 BUICK LACROSSE electrical system

If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see
“If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is
On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as soon
as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has the
proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
3-43

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message will display when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to
save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
If you have an uplevel DIC, you can monitor the
battery voltage by pressing the gages button until
BATTERY displays.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message will display when service is required
for the vehicle. See your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The OIL LIFE screen
under the gages menu on the DIC must also be reset.
See “Oil Life” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-51andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.This message will continue to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
This message will display when there is a problem
with the generator and battery charging systems. Driving
with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system
checked by your GM dealer immediately.
This message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned
off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-60

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-70
Wheel Replacement......................................5-70
Tire Chains..................................................5-72
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-72
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-74
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-82
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-83
Appearance Care............................................5-84
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-84
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-85
Leather.......................................................5-86
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-86
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-87
Weatherstrips...............................................5-87
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-87
Finish Care..................................................5-88Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-88
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-89
Tires...........................................................5-89
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-90
Finish Damage.............................................5-90
Underbody Maintenance................................5-90
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-90
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-91
Vehicle Identication......................................5-92
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-92
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-92
Electrical System............................................5-93
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-93
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-93
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-93
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-94
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-95
Capacities and Specications..........................5-98
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

{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 vehicle’s 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
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL 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 the radio!
5-43

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer rst.
Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-69.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker
in the underhood fuse block. An electrical overload
will cause the headlamps to go on and off, or in some
cases to remain off. If this happens, have the headlamp
system checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have it xed.
Power Windows and Other
Power Options
Circuit breakers in the instrument panel fuse block
protect the power windows and other power accessories.
When the current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker
opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the
problem is xed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and in the fuse block wiring itself. This greatly reduces
the chance of res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Make sure
a bad fuse is replaced with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
5-93

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-20
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-70
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-93
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning......................................3-22, 3-25
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-35
Readiness Light..........................................3-34
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
Airbag System................................................1-56
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-69
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-64
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-59
Antenna, Backglass.......................................3-129
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-130
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-89
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-87
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-90
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-87
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-84
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-85
Finish Care.................................................5-88
Finish Damage............................................5-90
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-86
Leather......................................................5-86
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-90
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-91
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-87
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-21
Audio System(s).............................................3-84
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-126
Backglass Antenna.....................................3-129
Care of Your CD Player..............................3-129
Care of Your CDs......................................3-128
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-130
Radio with CD............................3-86, 3-90, 3-99
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-113
Setting the Time..........................................3-85
1

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-94
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-93
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-95
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-93
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-41
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-27
Reduced Power Light...................................3-46
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-15
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-90
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-72
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-73
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-82
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-49
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
5

Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-20
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-93
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-46
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-23
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-37
Windows....................................................2-17
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-29
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-84
Care of Your CD Player..............................3-129
Care of Your CDs......................................3-128
Radio with CD............................3-86, 3-90, 3-99
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-113
Setting the Time..........................................3-85
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-126
Understanding Reception............................3-128
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps...................3-18Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-25
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-36
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®..............................................2-37
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-36
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-36
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-36
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-46
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-76
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-74
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-56
Replacement, Windshield.................................5-56
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-71
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-72
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
10