2007 BUICK LACROSSE service

When the system activates, a STABILITY
CONTROL ACTIVE message will be displayed on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 208. You may
also hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle
in the direction you want it to go.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®,a
SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM or STABILITY
CONTROL OFF message will be displayed on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). A warning light
will also appear on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 208.
When this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
StabiliTrak
®activates, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage
the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 154for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning, you
can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable
speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
297

Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If
you must start when you are not fresh — such
as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you will nd experienced and able service experts
in GM dealerships all across North America. They
will be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First,
be aware that it can happen.Then here are some tips:Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
311

{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
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 your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 484.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle
Towing” following.
325

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
Start the engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle will need service more often when it
pulls a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 462for more information. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transaxle uid; which should not be
overlled; engine oil, drive belt(s), and cooling and
brake systems. Each of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help you nd them
quickly. If trailering, it is a good idea to review this
information before starting on a trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 367.
335

Service........................................................ 340
Accessories and Modications................... 341
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 341
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 342
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 343
Fuel............................................................. 343
Gasoline Octane........................................ 343
Gasoline Specications.............................. 344
California Fuel........................................... 344
Additives................................................... 344
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 345
Filling the Tank......................................... 346
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 348
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 348
Hood Release........................................... 349
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 350
Engine Oil................................................. 353
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 356
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 358
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 360Engine Coolant.......................................... 363
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 367
Engine Overheating................................... 367
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 370
Cooling System......................................... 370
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 378
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 380
Brakes...................................................... 381
Battery...................................................... 384
Jump Starting............................................ 385
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 391
Bulb Replacement....................................... 394
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 394
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps........... 395
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps....... 397
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps.............. 398
License Plate Lamp................................... 400
Replacement Bulbs................................... 400
Windshield Replacement............................ 401
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
337

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 401
Tires............................................................ 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 403
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 406
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 409
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 411
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 416
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 417
Buying New Tires...................................... 418
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 420
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 421
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 422
Wheel Replacement.................................. 422
Tire Chains............................................... 424
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 425
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 426
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 427
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 429
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 435
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 437Appearance Care........................................ 438
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 438
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 440
Leather...................................................... 441
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 441
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 442
Weatherstrips............................................ 442
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 442
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 443
Finish Care............................................... 443
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 444
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 444
Tires......................................................... 445
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 445
Finish Damage.......................................... 446
Underbody Maintenance............................ 446
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 446
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 447
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
338

Vehicle Identication.................................. 448
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 448
Service Parts Identication Label............... 448
Electrical System........................................ 449
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 449
Headlamp Wiring....................................... 449
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 449Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................. 450
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 450
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 450
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 452
Capacities and Specications.................... 454
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
339