2008 BUICK LACROSSE engine coolant

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the uplevel DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and
that some action may be needed by the driver to correct
the condition. Multiple messages may appear one
after another.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you can press any of the uplevel DIC buttons to
acknowledge that you received the message and clear it
from the DIC display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared.
If there are any active warning messages when the
vehicle is turned off, two chimes sound and the
DIC goes into a reminder mode. The reminder mode
displays any active message. If there are multiple
messages, the DIC displays each message for ve
seconds. After each active message is displayed once,
the reminder mode turns off.
You should take any messages that appear on the
display seriously and remember that clearing the
messages will only make the messages disappear, not
correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-40.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
This message comes on while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
warning message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds if it
has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on. If this message continues
to appear, have the system repaired by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid damage to
the engine.
3-58

DRIVER’S REAR DOOR AJAR
This message displays when the driver side rear door is
not closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds when the gear position is shifted out of
PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds if it
has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30for more information.This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature
warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 3-40andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-40for more information.
To avoid added strain on the engine, turn off the air
conditioner if it is on. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air conditioner can be turned
back on.
This message displays only when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this
message is displayed. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds if it
has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-62

This message continues to display for two seconds if it
has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
REMOTE START DISABLED
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays if a remote start attempt is
unsuccessful. This may be caused if any of the following
conditions are true when a remote start attempt is
made:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The key is in the ignition.
The hood or the doors are not closed.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
The hazard warning ashers are turned on.
The maximum number of remote starts or remote
start attempts between ignition cycles has been
reached.
The content theft-deterrent alarm is on while
attempting to remote start the vehicle.
See “REMOTE START” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-76andRemote Vehicle Start
on page 2-8for more information.
RIGHT FRONT TURN LAMP OUT
This message displays when the right front turn signal
bulb needs to be replaced.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds if it
has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-69

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-27
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-29
Pressure Cap...............................................5-30Engine Overheating.......................................5-30
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-32
Cooling System............................................5-33
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-43
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-44
Brakes........................................................5-46
Battery........................................................5-49
Jump Starting...............................................5-50
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-56
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-58
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-58
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps...................................5-59
License Plate Lamp......................................5-61
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-61
Windshield Replacement.................................5-62
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-62
Tires..............................................................5-63
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-64
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-67
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-71
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-73
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You
can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under the
Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-10

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-49.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-50.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-112.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-33.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-43.
H. Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap on
page 5-29.I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
J. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-33.
K. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-25.
M. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-46.
N. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-49.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-50.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
E. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-112.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-33.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-29.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-43.I. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-33.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-25.
M. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-33.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-46.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
5-15

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-49.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-112.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-50.
E. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-30.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-43.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-25.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-46.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
L. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-33.
5-17