
Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
10-22 Vehicle Care
.Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning displays with
no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
2.4L L4 Engine
If the engine coolant temperature
warning light no longer displays, the
vehicle can be driven. Continue to
drive the vehicle slowly for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally. 3.6L V6 Engine
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
engine coolant temperature warning
light no longer displays, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to drive the
vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes.
Keep a safe vehicle distance from
the vehicle in front. If the warning
does not come back on, continue to
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see
Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 10‑22.Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance.
2.4L L4 Engine
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on the
instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
Driving extended distances and/or
towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.

Black plate (23,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
Vehicle Care 10-23
3.6L V6 Engine
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on the
instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also
indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine
with AWD)
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for information on the
location of the power steering fluid
reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak is suspected in the system or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Check the level when the engine
is cool.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
2. Unscrew the cap and pull it straight up.
3. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

Black plate (91,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
Vehicle Care 10-91
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
tow the vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, a dolly should be used. See
the following information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow the vehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow
vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight-ahead
position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer
instructions.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to OFF.

Black plate (2,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
11-2 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services‐
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑10.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑47.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services ‐
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐Severe chart.
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑4.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑11.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑49.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑55.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service

Black plate (11,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
Customer Information 13-11
Assistance, depending on
availability at the chosen
destination. Restrictions apply
based on vehicle specifications.
If you are on the road, taxi
service to the nearest bus
station or airport will be
provided.
.*Complimentary
Transportation for Vehicle Pick
Up: Transportation to pick up
your vehicle after repairs are
complete. Once the dealer has
reported that the vehicle has
been repaired, Roadside
Assistance will provide bus or
commercial airline one-way
service (subject to availability)
for the person designated by you
to collect your vehicle at the
dealership's location if you or the
designated person are not in the
same town or city as the
dealership.
*These services are not provided for
U.S. or Canada residents. All
services provided in the U.S. and Canada are at the owner's expense
and will be reimbursed by Roadside
Assistance.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Roadside Assistance does not
cover or reimburse services for the
following:.Events caused by fraud or bad
faith by the driver.
.Vehicle immobilization situations
due to a major force or
unforeseen circumstances, such
as natural phenomena of an
extraordinary nature,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
and other cyclonic storms.
.Vehicle immobilization situations
arising from car accidents
caused by the driver of the
vehicle or third parties. This
means any occurrence that
causes physical injury to the
occupants and/or the vehicle
caused by external forces.
.Acts of terrorism, riot or uproar,
armed forces or police actions
which prevent timely delivery of
assistance services.
.Food service, beverages,
telephone calls, or other extra
costs. Accommodation costs
apply only to Mexico per the
terms and conditions of the
Roadside Assistance program.
.Any damage to the vehicle
without intent, derived from the
services provided.
.Cost of towing a trailer when
choosing a Buick dealer that is
nearest to the temporary storage
facility for the disabled vehicle.
.Cost of all maneuvers required
to access the vehicle when it is
not available to be towed.
.Cost of fuel provided.
Routine vehicle repair costs are not
covered by the Roadside
Assistance program. For more
information, see your new vehicle
warranty.

Black plate (11,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
INDEX i-11
Storage AreasCenter Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Sun Visor Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20, 7-1
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-5
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13, 2-14
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 Tires
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-52
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-50
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . 10-64, 10-71
Sealant and Compressor Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61 Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-61
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 9-51
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-90
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54, 9-56
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-90
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . 9-34
Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . 9-37
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 9-37
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54, 9-56
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12