2009 BUICK LACROSSE stop start

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transmission
to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-31.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
4-33

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
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 needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the 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 5-31.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a at tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
4-34

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
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...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Cooling System............................................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-31Pressure Cap...............................................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
Headlamp Aiming..........................................
.5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-50
License Plate Lamp......................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Replacement.................................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-53
Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-64
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-93.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-40.The vehicle may also have a check gas cap warning
light, which displays on the instrument panel cluster
if the fuel cap is not properly installed. SeeCheck
Gas Cap Light on page 3-47for more information.
If the vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
the CHECK GAS CAP message displays if the fuel
cap is not properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-56for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not t
properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-40.
5-9

TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate the vehicle’s tires, the identication codes need
to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel positions, in the following
order: driver side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire using
a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
The TPMS sensors may also be matched to each
tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire’s
air pressure. When increasing the tire’s pressure, do
not exceed the maximum ination pressure indicated on
the tire’s sidewall. To decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style
air pressure gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match each tire and wheel
position. If it takes longer than two minutes to match
any tire and wheel position, the matching process
stops and you need to start over.
The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with the
engine off.3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for
approximately ve seconds. The horn sounds twice
to signal the receiver is in relearn mode and the
TPMS sensor matching process can begin.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s valve
stem. Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure for 10 seconds,
or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp, which
may take up to 30 seconds to sound, conrms that
the sensor identication code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
9. After hearing the conrming horn chirp for the driver
side rear tire, the horn chirps two more times to
signal the tire learning process has ended. Turn
the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air
pressure level as indicated on the tire and loading
information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
5-66

Setting the Clock............................................3-82
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-97
Shifting Into Park............................................2-29
Shifting Out of Park........................................2-32
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-89
Installing....................................................5-79
Removing...................................................5-78
Storing...............................................5-84, 5-87
Specications, Capacities...............................5-106
Speedometer..................................................3-32
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-7
StabiliTrak
®System.......................................... 4-6
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-7
Starting the Engine.........................................2-23
Steering........................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-110
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-47
Convenience Net.........................................2-48
Cupholders.................................................2-47
Glove Box..................................................2-47
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-19
Sun Visors.....................................................2-16
Sunroof.........................................................2-48
T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-50
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-37
Theater Dimming............................................3-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-110
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-16
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer............2-18
PASS-Key®III Electronic Immobilizer
Operation................................................2-19
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-82
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-39
Tires.............................................................5-54
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-96
Buying New Tires........................................5-69
Chains.......................................................5-75
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-76
Cleaning....................................................5-97
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-89
Different Size..............................................5-71
12