2008 BUICK LACROSSE wiring

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or
with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could alsointerfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-62.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-67

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.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-37.
Opening the Trunk
To open the trunk from the outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
The ignition must be off, or the transmission must be in
PARK (P) to open the trunk.
2-14

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
will sound for several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt. This would only
occur if the passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-62for more information.
The passenger safety belt light, located on the
instrument panel, will come on and stay on for several
seconds and then ash for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-54.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. The
light should go out and the
system is ready.
3-33

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can
help avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up ahead when
towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle is a good deal
longer with the trailer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the vehicle you have passed before you
can return to the proper lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When towing a trailer, the vehicle may need a different
turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check with your
dealer/retailer. The arrows on the instrument panel will
ash whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other
drivers you are about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. You may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It is important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
4-33

Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-75
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-77
Buying New Tires.........................................5-78
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-80
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-80
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-82
Wheel Replacement......................................5-82
Tire Chains..................................................5-84
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-86
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-87
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-88
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-89
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
(Base Model)............................................5-95
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
(Super Only).............................................5-97
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-98
Appearance Care............................................5-99
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-99
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-100
Leather......................................................5-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-101
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-102
Weatherstrips.............................................5-102Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-102
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-103
Finish Care................................................5-103
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-104
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................5-104
Tires.........................................................5-105
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-105
Finish Damage...........................................5-105
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-106
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-106
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-106
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-107
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-107
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-108
Electrical System..........................................5-108
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-108
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-109
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-109
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-109
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-109
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................5-110
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-112
Capacities and Specications........................5-116
Capacities and Specications........................5-116
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

5. Remove the two wing nuts holding the taillamp
assembly in place.
6. Pull out the taillamp assembly and disconnect the
wiring harness.A. Taillamp
B. Back-up
C. TaillampD. Stoplamp/Taillamp/Turn
Signal
E. Sidemarker
7. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.
8. Replace with a new bulb.
9. Turn the bulb socket clockwise to reinstall.
10. Reverse these steps to reinstall the taillamp
assembly.
5-60

Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker.
An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have
your headlamp wiring 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 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 or
goes away.
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.
5-109

D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System.......................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-17
Delayed Locking.............................................2-12
DIC Compass.................................................3-56
Diesel
Running Out of Fuel....................................2-37
Disc, MP3......................................................3-97
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-47
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-12
Delayed Locking..........................................2-12
Locks........................................................2-11
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-50
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-76
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58Driving
At Night.....................................................4-13
Before a Long Trip......................................4-15
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-16
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-14
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-21
Winter........................................................4-17
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-24
E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-108
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-109
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-109
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-109
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-112
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-109
4