2009 BUICK LACROSSE remote start

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

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

In many crashes severe enough to inate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in
another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
SeeVehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 7-17andEvent Data Recorders on page 7-17.
Let only qualied technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The passenger airbag
status indicator will be visible on the instrument
panel when the vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF
will be visible during the
system check.
If you are using remote start to start your vehicle from a
distance, if equipped, you may not see the system
check. When the system check is complete, either the
word ON or OFF will be visible. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver airbag and roof-rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.
1-61

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks.............................................2-9
Door Locks....................................................2-9
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-11
Trunk..........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
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
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-22
Starting the Engine.......................................2-23Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-24
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-26
Parking Brake..............................................2-29
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-29
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-32
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-33
Engine Exhaust............................................2-33
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-34
Mirrors...........................................................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-35
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-35
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-36
Object Detection Systems...............................2-37
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)...........................................2-37
OnStar
®System.............................................2-39
Universal Home Remote System......................2-43
Universal Home Remote System Operation......2-43
Storage Areas................................................2-47
Glove Box...................................................2-47
Cupholders..................................................2-47
Center Console Storage.................................2-47
Convenience Net..........................................2-48
Sunroof.........................................................2-48
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

The vehicle has the PASS-Key®III vehicle theft system.
The key has a transponder in the key head that matches
a decoder in the vehicle’s instrument panel. The key will
have PK3 stamped on it. If a replacement key or an
additional key is needed, it must be purchased from your
dealer/retailer or certied locksmith.
Any new PASS-Key
®III key must be programmed
before it will start the vehicle. SeePASS-Key®III
Electronic Immobilizer Operation on page 2-19for more
information on programming a new key.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7for
more information.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on a
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-3

If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range, try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy
weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician for
service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3.
With Remote Start
Shown, Without Remote
Start Similar
2-4

/(Remote Vehicle Start):For vehicles with this
feature, press to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle
Start on page 2-7for additional information.
Q(Lock):Press to lock all the doors. If enabled
through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking
lamps may ash once to indicate locking has occurred.
If
Qis pressed again within ve seconds the horn
may chirp. See “FOB LOCK FEEDBACK” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74for additional
information.
For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system,
pressing
Qmay arm it. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on
page 2-17.
K(Unlock):Press once to unlock the driver door.
If
Kis pressed again within ve seconds, all remaining
doors unlock. The interior lamps come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If
enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps may come
on. See “EXT (Exterior) LIGHT DELAY” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74.For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system,
pressing
Kmay disarm it. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and hold for
about one second to unlock the trunk. The transmission
must be in P (Park).
L(Panic Alarm):Press to activate the alarm. The
headlamps ash and the horn sounds repeatedly for
two minutes. The alarm turns off when the ignition
is moved to ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again. The
ignition must be in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY for
the alarm to work.
2-5

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