2009 BUICK LACROSSE oil temperature

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system must
be reset every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light or, if the vehicle has the Driver
Information Center (DIC), a CHANGE OIL SOON
message comes on. SeeChange Engine Oil Light on
page 3-43orDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
Change the oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and lter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine parts and reset
the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-18

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission uid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear, pausing for about
three seconds in each one. Then, position the shift
lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to ve minutes.
5-22

What to Use
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This mixture:
Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
Protects against rust and corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11for more information.
5-26

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN
SAFE message will come on in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), if the vehicle has one, along with the engine
coolant temperature warning light on the instrument
panel, to indicate the vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode. The temperature
gage will also indicate an overheat condition exists.
Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-34

Electrical System (cont.)
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-101
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-18
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-19
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-40
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-38
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-34
Overheating................................................5-31
Reduced Power Light...................................3-44
Starting......................................................2-23
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Warning Light.............................................3-37
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-15F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-97
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-76
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire, Storing.....................................5-84, 5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-7
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-47
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
5

I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-61
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-31
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-55
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-40
Lamps
Courtesy....................................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-18Lap Belt........................................................1-28
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-22
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-41
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-52
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-33
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-36
Brake System Warning.................................3-35
Change Engine Oil......................................3-43
Charging System.........................................3-35
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-47
Cruise Control.............................................3-43
Door Ajar...................................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-38
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-37
Headlamps Suggested.................................3-44
Highbeam On.............................................3-44
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-39
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-47
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-45
Oil Pressure...............................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-34
Reduced Engine Power................................3-44
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-32
Security.....................................................3-43
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-45
TCS Warning Light......................................3-37
7