2009 BUICK LACROSSE power steering fluid

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

Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-39
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-39
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-40
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-42
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-43
Security Light...............................................3-43
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-44
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-44
Headlamps Suggested Light...........................3-44
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-45
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-45
Trunk Ajar Light............................................3-45
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-47
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-47Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-47
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-48
DIC Compass (Uplevel Only)..........................3-54
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-56
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-74
Audio System(s).............................................3-82
Setting the Clock..........................................3-82
Radio(s)......................................................3-83
Using an MP3..............................................3-95
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-98
Bluetooth
®...................................................3-99
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-110
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-110
Radio Reception.........................................3-112
Backglass Antenna......................................3-113
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-113
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-113
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

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

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
B.Battery on page 5-40.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-41.
D.Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
E.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-101.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24.
G.Radiator Pressure Cap on page 5-31.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-34.
I. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24.J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
L. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick.
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
M. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-24.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
O.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
B.Battery on page 5-40.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-41.
E.Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
F. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-31.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-34.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick.
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
L.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
M. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

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

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
If your vehicle has the 3.8L V6 engine or the
5.3L V8 engine, the uid level should be between
the ADD and HOT marks when the engine is cold,
and at the HOT mark when the engine is hot. If the
uid is at the ADD mark when the engine is cold or
hot, power steering uid should be added.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
5-35

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring
Anchor, and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-12