2009 BUICK LACROSSE air conditioning

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger. When the remote
start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, it will automatically regulate
the inside temperature. Normal operation of these
systems will return after the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button for about four seconds or
until the vehicle’s turn signal lamps ash. The doors
will lock.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on
and remain on while the engine is running.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time, or one start with a time extension. The
rst start must expire or be canceled to get two separate
10 minute starts.
If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes
from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting.
The remote start running time can be extended one time
and only after the rst remote start.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
2-7

A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
ControlD. Recirculation
E. Air Conditioning
F. Rear Window
Defogger
OFF:Turn the fan control knob to this position to turn
the climate control system off.
9(Fan):Turn the knob by this symbol, located on
the left side of the climate control panel, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan speed is temporarily reduced when adjusting
modes, but resumes the original speed when the
transition to the new mode is complete.Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the
airow inside the vehicle.
Select from the following air delivery modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
If driving in city traffic, and the vehicle is stopped and
idling, or the weather is hot, turning on the recirculation
mode helps to prevent the air inside the vehicle from
becoming stale. After ve minutes recirculate will allow
some outside air into the vehicle.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward
the windshield. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed
to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some air directed toward the side window outlets and
windshield.
In this mode, the system automatically uses outside air.
The air conditioning compressor will be engaged unless
the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
3-22

-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is divided between the windshield and
the side window outlets, and the oor outlets. In this
mode, the system turns recirculation off and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is near or below freezing. Pressing the recirculation
button will have no effect other than turning on the
indicator light while in defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and
the side window outlets, with some air directed to the oor
outlets. In this mode, the system turns recirculation off
and runs the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing
the recirculation button will have no effect other than
turning on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light turns on
to show that the air conditioning is on. Air conditioning
can be selected in any mode as long as the fan switch is
on. The indicator light changes with each button press
even when conditions prevent operation.On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system
to operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select
Hmode.
2. Press
h.
3. Press
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this, after ve minutes recirculate will allow
some outside air into the vehicle.
3-23

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation
can be controlled.
A. AUTO
B. OFF
C. Fan Control
D. Display
E. Air Conditioning
F. Recirculation
G. PASSH. Heated Seats
I. Rear Window
Defogger
J. Air Delivery Mode
Controls
K. Defrost
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Press the AUTO button for
automatic control of the inside temperature, the air
delivery mode, and the fan speed. There might be a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when the automatic operation is used in cold weather.
For the automatic system to function, the temperature
must be set between 61°F (15°C) and 89°F (32°C).
1. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting.
2. Press the PASS button or the
yorzon the
passenger side to turn the passenger temperature
set on and off. When turned on, the passenger
temperature will be the same as the driver setting.
Press
yorzon passenger side to adjust the
passenger temperature setting.
When the passenger’s temperature set is off,
the passenger display will be off and the driver’s set
temperature will be for the driver and passenger.
In cold weather, the system will start at reduced
fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system will start
out blowing air at the oor but may change modes
automatically as the vehicle warms up to maintain
the chosen temperature setting. The length of time
needed for warm up will depend on the outside
temperature and the length of time that has elapsed
since the vehicle was last driven.
3-25

Air Delivery Mode Controls:Use these buttons to
change the direction of the airow inside the vehicle.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor, with some
air directed to the side window outlets and a small
amount to the windshield.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets, with some air directed to
the windshield and the side window outlets.
Y(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
-(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, oor
outlets and side windows. In this mode, the system turns
recirculation off and runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is near or below freezing.
Pressing the recirculation button will have no effect
other than turning on the indicator light while in oor/
defog mode.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the side windows. In this mode,
the system automatically turns off the recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing the
recirculation button will have no effect other than turning
on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air conditioning is on.
The indicator light changes with each button press
even when conditions prevent operation.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
Recirculation is not available while in the oor, defrost, or
oor/defog modes. Using recirculation for long periods of
time may cause the air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. Recirculation mode has a ve minute timer after
which the system allows for some fresh outside air into
the vehicle to maintain interior air quality.
3-27

Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
This vehicle has a passenger compartment air lter.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting it may need to be replaced. For more
information, seePassenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 3-29.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located in
the engine compartment below the air inlet grille,
near the passenger’s side windshield wiper arm.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. The lter needs to be
changed periodically to keep the air conditioning working
at its best. For information on how often to change the
passenger compartment air lter, seeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Peel back the hood weather-strip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to the
center of the hood.
6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
8. Remove the water deector panel.
3-29

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 3-38.
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.
3-56