2009 BUICK LACROSSE maintenance

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-7
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-8
Child Restraints
.......................................1-29
Airbag System
.........................................1-53
Restraint System Check
............................1-68
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-9
Windows
.................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-35
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-39
Universal Home Remote System
................2-43
Storage Areas
.........................................2-47
Sunroof
..................................................2-48
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-82Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under
the Hood
.............................................5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-46
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-49
Windshield Replacement
...........................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-53
Tires
......................................................5-54
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-99
Capacities and Specications
...................5-106
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn
or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See
Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-32for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-93.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-33for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are
any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-59. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-68

3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature,
if necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield.
For more information on the solar sensor, see
“Sensors” later in this section.
4. Press OFF to turn the climate control system off.
Only the rear defog and heated seats will function.
Press AUTO or any other button except the heated
seats or rear defog to turn the climate control system
back on.
This control has four types of operation.
Automatic can set/change the temperature only.
AUTO and temperature only will appear on the
display.
Semi-Automatic Fan can set/change the
temperature and mode. The fan operates
automatically. The temperature and mode
will appear on the display.
Semi-Automatic Mode can set/change the
temperature and fan speed. The mode operates
automatically. The fan speed and temperature
will appear on the display.
Manual can set/change the temperature, mode and
fan. The fan speed, temperature, and mode will
appear on the display.For vehicles with the remote start feature, the climate
control system automatically regulates the inside
temperature of the vehicle when the remote start system
is activated. Normal operation and the last setting of
the climate control system will return after the key
is turned on.
Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
OFF:Press to turn the climate control system off.
yz(Temperature):Press to manually adjust the
temperature inside the vehicle. Press
yorzon the
driver or passenger side to increase or decrease the
temperature. The display will show the selected
temperature.
z9/9y(Fan Control):Press the fan control
buttons to increase or decrease the fan speed. Pressing
the arrows cancels the automatic operation and places
the system in manual or semi-automatic mode. Press the
AUTO button to return to automatic operation. If the
airow seems low when the fan is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air lter may need to
be replaced. For more information seePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
3-26

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

9. Remove the old air lter.
10. Install a new passenger compartment air lter.
SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-13
for the type of lter to use. Make sure it slides
under the compartment retainers.
11. Reverse Steps 1 through 8.
For best climate control performance, re-installation of a
clean air lter is required.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
3-30

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle.
This system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3.
3-40

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
II (on-board diagnostic) system determines that
critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection. This
can happen if the battery has recently been replaced
or if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system
is designed to evaluate critical emission control
systems during normal driving. This can take several
days of routine driving. If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
3-42

This light comes on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is
not owing through the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might have some other system
problem.
Change Engine Oil Light
If this light comes on,
it means that service is
required for your vehicle.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine
Oil on page 5-15for more information.
After having the oil changed you will need to reset the
light. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for more information.
If this light is blinking, a chime will sound indicating
low engine oil.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light
comes on whenever the
cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
3-43