
Black plate (18,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
7-18 Infotainment System
Channel Unauth:This channel is
blocked or cannot be received with
your XM Subscription package.
Channel Unavailable: This
previously assigned channel is no
longer assigned. Tune to another
station.
No Artist Info: The system
is working properly. No artist
information is available at this
time on this channel.
No Title Info: The system is
working properly. No song title
information is available at this
time on this channel.
No CAT Info: The system is
working properly. No category
information is available at this
time on this channel. No Information:
The system
is working properly. No text or
informational messages are
available at this time on this
channel.
No Subscription Please Renew:
XM subscription needs to be
reactivated. Contact XM at
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 in the U.S.
and www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
No XM Signal: The system is
working properly. The vehicle may
be in a location that where the XM
signal is being blocked. When the
vehicle is moved into an open area,
the signal should return.
CAT Not Found: The system is
working properly. There are no
channels available for the selected
category. XM Radio ID:
If tuned to channel 0,
this message alternates with the
XM Radio eight‐digit radio ID label.
This label is needed to activate the
service.
Unknown: If this message is
received when tuned to channel 0,
there could be a receiver fault.
Consult with your dealer.
Check Antenna: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver could have a
fault. Consult with your dealer.
XM Not Available: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver could have a
fault. Consult with your dealer.

Black plate (40,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
7-40 Infotainment System
Audio Output
Audio from the DVD player or
auxiliary inputs can be heard
through the following:
.Wireless Headphones
.Vehicle Speakers
The RSE system transmits
the audio signal to the wireless
headphones if an audio signal is
available. See “Headphones” earlier
in this section for more information.
The front seat passengers are able
to listen to playback from the A/V
jacks through the vehicle speakers
by selecting Rear A/V as the source
on the radio.
Video Screens
The video screens are located
in the back of the driver and front
passenger seats.
To use the video screen:
1. Push the release button located
on the seatback console.
2. Move the screen to the desired viewing position. Push the video screen down into its
locked position when it is not in use.
The screen turns off automatically.
Only the left RSE seatback console
contains the infrared transmitters
for the wireless headphones.
They may be visible as eight
illuminated LEDs. These LEDs
are not on the right video screen.
Both seatback consoles contain
an infrared receiver for the remote
control. They are located at the top
of each console.
Notice:
Avoid directly touching
the video screen, as damage may
occur. See “Cleaning the Video
Screen” later in this section for
more information.

Black plate (41,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-41
Video Screen Input Jack
Each video screen is equipped
with a video input jack to allow
video cables to be connected
from an auxiliary device such as
a camcorder or a video game
system. This signal will override
any video provided by the RSE
system; either the DVD or auxiliary
A/V jack source. The RSE system
must be on for this input to operate.
Remote Control
To use the remote control, aim it
at the transmitter window at either
seatback console and press thebutton. Direct sunlight or very bright
light could affect the ability of the
RSE transmitter to receive signals
from the remote control. Check
the batteries if the remote control
does not seem to be working. See
“Battery Replacement”
later in this
section. Objects blocking the line of
sight could also affect the function
of the remote control.
If a CD, DVD, or MP3 disc is in the
Radio DVD slot, the remote control
Obutton can be used to turn on
the video screen display and start
the disc. The infotainment system
can also turn on the video screen
display. See CD/DVD Player on
page 7‑23 or the separate
navigation system manual for
more information.
Notice: Storing the remote
control in a hot area or in direct
sunlight can damage it, and the
repairs will not be covered by the
warranty. Storage in extreme cold
can weaken the batteries. Keep
the remote control stored in a
cool, dry place. Remote Control Buttons
O(Power):
Press to turn the video
screens on and off.
P(Illumination): Press to turn
the remote control backlight on.
The backlight times out after
several seconds if no other
button is pressed.
v(Title): Press to return to
the main menu of the DVD. This
function could vary for each disc.
y(Main Menu): Press to access
the DVD menu. The DVD menu is
different on every DVD. Use the
navigation arrows to move the
cursor. After making a selection
press the enter button. This button
only operates when using a DVD.
n,q,p,o(Menu Navigation
Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to
navigate through a menu.
r(Enter): Press to select the
highlighted choice in any menu.

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Climate Controls 8-3
Pressing this button cancels
automatic air conditioning and
turns off the air conditioner.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner
runs automatically as needed.
When the indicator light is on, the
air conditioner runs automatically
to cool the air inside the vehicle or
to dry the air needed to defog the
windshield faster.
>(Recirculation):Press to
alternate between recirculating
air inside the vehicle or pulling in
outside air. When the indicator light
is on, air is being recirculated inside
the vehicle. This helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle or
prevent outside air and odors from
entering.
Pressing this button cancels
automatic recirculation. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation and
recirculation runs automatically as
needed.
Rear Window Defogger
=(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger
turns off automatically after
about 10 minutes. If turned on
again it runs for about five minutes
before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by turning
the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY
or LOCK/OFF.
The rear window defogger can
be set to automatic operation.
See “Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑39. When auto rear defog is
selected, the rear window defogger
turns on automatically when the
interior temperature is cold and
the outside temperature is about
4°C (40°F) and below. The auto
rear defogger turns off automatically
after about 10 minutes, or after
five minutes if the outside
temperature is not as cold. For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on when
the rear window defogger button
is on and help to clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror.
See
Heated Mirrors on page 2‑17.
Notice: Do not try to clear frost
or other material from the inside
of the front windshield and rear
window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This
may damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect your
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs wouldn't be
covered by your warranty.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation: For vehicles with the
remote vehicle start feature, the
climate control system may run
when the vehicle is started remotely.
The system uses the driver's
previous settings to heat or cool the
inside of the vehicle. See Remote
Vehicle Start on page 2‑8.
The rear window defogger turns on
if it is cold outside.

Black plate (7,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Climate Controls 8-7
Rear Window Defogger
=(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger
turns off automatically after
about 10 minutes. If turned on
again it runs for about five minutes
before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by turning
the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY
or LOCK/OFF.
The rear window defogger can
be set to automatic operation.
See “Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑39. When auto rear defog is
selected, the rear window defogger
turns on automatically when the
interior temperature is cold and
the outside temperature is about
4°C (40°F) and below. The auto
rear defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes, or after
five minutes if the outside
temperature is not as cold.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on when
the rear window defogger button
is on and help to clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror.
See
Heated Mirrors on page 2‑17.
Notice: Do not try to clear frost
or other material from the inside
of the front windshield and rear
window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This
may damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect your
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs wouldn't be
covered by your warranty.
((Heated Steering Wheel): For
vehicles with this feature, press to
turn on or off. See Heated Steering
Wheel on page 5‑3. Remote Start Climate Control
Operation:
For vehicles with
the remote vehicle start feature,
the climate control system may
run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system uses the
driver's previous settings to heat
or cool the inside of the vehicle.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑8.
The rear window defogger turns on
if it is cold outside.
Sensor
The solar sensor, located on top
of the instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system
uses the sensor information to
adjust the temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor or the
automatic climate control system
may not work properly.

Black plate (8,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
8-8 Climate Controls
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
To open the vent, move the
thumbwheel to
R. To close the vent,
move the thumbwheel to
(.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
.Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Maintenance
Air Intake
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air intake at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of
air into the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2 for replacement intervals.
To find out what type of filter to use,
see Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11‑9. The passenger compartment air
filter can be accessed by removing
the entire glove box.
1. Open the passenger side door.
Remove the end cover located
on the side of the instrument
panel in the top right corner.
Remove the screw affixed to
the side of the glove box.
2. Open the glove box door and remove the attached screws
from around the glove box.
3. Lower the loosened glove box housing.
4. Unplug both wire cables and remove the glove box.

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-8
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-11
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-16
Ignition Positions(Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-28
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-35
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . 9-38
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . 9-38
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-42
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-5
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and the
road surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle speed.
While in a curve, speed is the one
factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve, while
the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into
the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering
can be more effective than braking.
For example, you come over a hill
and find a truck stopped in your
lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out
from between parked cars and stops
right in front of you. These problems
can be avoided by braking—if you
can stop in time. But sometimes you
cannot stop in time because there
is no room. That is the time for
evasive action —steering around
the problem.
The vehicle can perform very
well in emergencies like these.
First apply the brakes. See Braking
on page 9‑3. It is better to remove
as much speed as possible from
a collision. Then steer around
the problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear safety
belts properly.