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eAssist Overview(if equipped)
A compact electric assist system called eAssist has been integrated with the highly
efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to provide an
electric “boost” to help conserve fuel. eAssist includes a small, but powerful, electric motor
rated at 15 kilowatts. It replaces the typical alternator found on most engines. eAssist also
uses a small, advanced 115-volt lithium-ion battery located in the trunk.
eAssist Features
Your LaCrosse with eAssist has several features that increase vehicle efficiency and
maximize fuel economy.
When braking or coasting, the electric motor acts like a generator to charge the high-
voltage battery. This “regenerative braking” process captures kinetic energy that would
otherwise be lost and stores it in the high-voltage battery. This electrical energy can then
be reused.
Note:The regenerative braking process requires unique transmission shifting as the vehicle
slows down.
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine may turn off automatically, saving fuel that
would otherwise be used while idling. This is called an Auto Stop. The vehicle is powered
by the high-voltage battery.
Note:The eAssist features of the vehicle are enabled after the engine reaches operating
temperature.
Auto Start/Stop
While driving, when the brake is applied and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the
automatic engine start/stop system may turn off the engine, referred to as an Auto Stop.
In Auto Stop mode, the tachometer gauge (A) will read AUTO STOP. The audio system,
climate controls and other accessories will be powered by the high-voltage battery. The
engine will restart immediately when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal
is applied.
After parking the vehicle and turning off the engine using the key orSTART/STOP
button✦, the tachometer gauge will read OFF.
Auto Start/Stop Conditions
There are several conditions that may cause the engine to remain running or restart when
the vehicle is stopped.
• The engine, transmission or high-voltage battery is not warmed up.
• The outside temperature is less than –4°F (–20°C).
• The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).
• The high-voltage battery state of charge is low.
• The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or
defog setting. Using theeco Air Conditioningmode will result in more frequent
and longer Auto Stops than theComfort Air Conditioningmode.
• The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
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eAssist Features
Power Flow Display
The Power Flow display (B) located on the instrument panel’s Driver Information Center,
or on the navigation system✦, indicates the energy flow direction, the high-voltage battery
charge level, and the current eAssist operating mode. These modes include:
• Engine Idle – The vehicle is stopped and the engine is running.
• Auto Stop – The vehicle is stopped, the engine has been automatically turned off and is
ready to automatically restart when needed.
• Engine Power – The engine is providing the primary drive power for the vehicle.
• Hybrid Power – The eAssist electric motor is providing significant electrical assist to
the engine.
• Battery Charging – The eAssist electric motor is charging the high-voltage battery while
the vehicle is slowing down.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Driver Efficiency Gauge
The efficiency gauge (C) assists you in driving efficiently. To maximize efficiency, attempt
to keep the pointer in the solid green zone in the middle of the gauge. The gauge moves
to the left when braking and to the right when accelerating. When either is done aggres-
sively, it is less efficient and the gauge will move farther away from the center. The eAssist
system’s ability to capture energy while the vehicle is slowing down makes decelerating
very important for efficiency.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Climate Control Settings
• Select theeco Air Conditioningsetting for maximum efficiency. This setting will
maximize the frequency and duration of Auto Stops while still providing cabin comfort
when the vehicle is in an Auto Stop. To further maximize efficiency, operate the climate
controls in Automatic mode at the highest comfortable temperature setting or turn off
the air conditioning system when climate conditions allow.
• Select theComfort Air Conditioningsetting for maximum cabin comfort. Auto
Stops will be reduced in both frequency and duration.
See Climate Controls in your Owner Manual.
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