2009 BUICK LACROSSE check engine light

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

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

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells what
should be checked, when to check it, and what
can easily be done to help keep the vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-13. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light or CHANGE OIL
SOON DIC message displays, service is required for
the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle
service 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 technicians
who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset
the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the light or message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are required. Required services
are described in the following for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is recommended that the
rst service be MaintenanceI, the second service be
MaintenanceII, and then alternate MaintenanceI
and MaintenanceIIthereafter. However, in some cases,
MaintenanceIImay be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the light or
message displays within 10 months since the vehicle
was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light or message displays
10 months or more since the last service or if the
light or message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

Audio System(s).............................................3-83
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-10
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-26
B
Backglass Antenna........................................3-113
Battery..........................................................5-40
Electric Power Management..........................3-18
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Bluetooth
®.....................................................3-99
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brakes..........................................................5-37
System Warning Light..................................3-35
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
License Plate Lamps....................................5-52Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps.................5-50
Buying New Tires...........................................5-69
C
Calibration.....................................................3-54
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements............................................... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-106
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-12, 2-33, 4-17
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-93
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-95
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-47
Center Seat..................................................... 1-7
Chains, Tire...................................................5-75
Charging System Light....................................3-35
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-40
Check Gas Cap Light......................................3-47
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
2

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

Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-47
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-100
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-101
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-99
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-38
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-43
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-47
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-46
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-99
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System....................................3-14
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Suggested Light..........................................3-44
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-21
Engine Coolant...........................................2-24
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-44
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-16
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
6

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

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MP3 .............................................................3-95
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-39
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-43
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Heated Mirrors............................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-18
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-34
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-97
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-32
Park Aid........................................................2-37
Park Brake....................................................2-29
Parking
Assist........................................................2-37
Over Things That Burn.................................2-33
9