
Black plate (78,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
10-78 Vehicle Care
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑62 for other important
safety warnings.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10‑79.
2. Unwrap the air only hose (7) and the power plug (8).
3. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground
so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the tire valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (7) onto the tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until it is tight. 6. Plug the power plug (8) into the
accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette
lighter, use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the
air compressor.
8. Press and turn the selector switch (1) clockwise to the Air
Only position.
9. Press the on/off button (2) to turn the compressor on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only. 10. Inflate the tire to the
recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (3). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑49.
The pressure gauge (3) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate reading. The
compressor may be turned on/
off until the correct pressure is
reached.
If you inflate the tire higher
than the recommended
pressure you can adjust the
excess pressure by pressing
the pressure deflation
button (4), if equipped, until the
proper pressure reading is
reached. This option is only
functional when using the air
only hose (7).

Black plate (95,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
Vehicle Care 10-95
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually
check constant velocity joints,
rubber boots, and axle seals for
leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosionmaterial to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils. Note
that newspapers or dark garments
that can transfer color to home
furnishings can also permanently
transfer color to the vehicle's
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Your dealer may have products for
cleaning the interior. Use cleaners
specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all
cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners directly
on any switches or controls.
Cleaners should be removed
quickly. Never allow cleaners to

Black plate (20,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
13-20 Customer Information
OnStar Terms and Conditions and
Privacy Statement on the OnStar
website.
Infotainment System
If the vehicle is equipped with a
navigation system as part of the
infotainment system, use of the
system may result in the storage of
destinations, addresses, telephone
numbers, and other trip information.
See the infotainment manual for
information on stored data and for
deletion instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some
vehicles for functions such as tire
pressure monitoring and ignition
system security, as well as in
connection with conveniences such
as Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitters for remote door locking/
unlocking and starting, and
in-vehicle transmitters for garage
door openers. RFID technology inGM vehicles does not use or record
personal information or link with any
other GM system containing
personal information.
Radio Frequency
Statement
This vehicle has systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
comply with Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and with Industry Canada
Standards RSS‐GEN/210/220/310.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.

Black plate (2,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
14-2 OnStar
Press the OnStar Emergency button>to get a priority connection to an
Emergency Advisor available
24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or
respond to an AMBER Alert.
.Get crisis assistance and
evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
With Automatic Crash Response,
the built-in system can automatically
connect to help in most crashes,
even if help cannot be requested.
Press
>to connect to an
Emergency Advisor. GPS
technology is used to identify the
vehicle location and can provide
critical information to emergency
personnel. The Advisor is also
trained to offer critical assistance in
emergency situations before first
responders arrive.
Security
OnStar provides services like Stolen
Vehicle Assistance, Remote Ignition
Block, and Roadside Assistance,
if the vehicle is equipped with these
services. OnStar can unlock the
vehicle doors remotely, if it is equipped with automatic door locks,
and can help police locate the
vehicle if it is stolen.
Navigation
OnStar navigation requires the
Directions and Connections
service plan.
Press
Qto receive directions or
have them sent to the vehicle
navigation screen, if equipped.
Destinations can also be forwarded
to the vehicle from MapQuest.com.
The OnStar mapping database is
continuously updated. For coverage
maps, see www.onstar.com (U.S.)
www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Turn-by-Turn Navigation
1. PressQto connect to a live
Advisor.
2. Request directions.
3. Directions are downloaded to the vehicle.
4. Follow the voice-guided commands.

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
OnStar 14-5
OnStar RemoteLink information and
compatibility, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.), www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Diagnostics
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will
perform a vehicle check every
month. It will check the engine,
transmission, antilock brakes, and
major vehicle systems. It also
checks the tire pressures, if the
vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System. If a
diagnostics check is needed
between e-mails, press
Q, and an
Advisor can run a check.
OnStar Additional
Information
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor
can assist in canceling or removing
account information. If OnStar
receives information that vehicle
ownership has changed, OnStar
may send a voice message to the
vehicle, requesting updated account
information.
Reactivation for Subsequent
Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible after acquiring the vehicle.
The Advisor will update vehicle
records and will explain the OnStar
service offers and options available.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn
Navigation, and Hands-Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For
more information, a full description
of OnStar services, system
limitations, and OnStar terms and
conditions:
.In the U.S. see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR.
(1.888.466.7827).
.In Canada see www.onstar.ca
(Canada) or call
1.888.4.ONSTAR.
(1.888.466.7827).
.PressQto speak with an
Advisor.
OnStar services require a vehicle
electrical system, wireless service,
and GPS satellite technologies to be

Black plate (7,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
OnStar 14-7
OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some of
the OnStar services, like Remote
Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle
Assistance. You will be prompted to
change the PIN the first time when
speaking with an Advisor. To
change the OnStar PIN, call OnStar
and provide the Advisor with the
current number.
Warranty
OnStar equipment may be
warranted as part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. The
manufacturer of the vehicle
furnishes detailed warranty
information.
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to
respond in French or Spanish.
Press
Qand ask an Advisor.
Advisors can speak French or
Spanish.
Potential Issues
Some OnStar services are disabled
after five days. OnStar cannot
perform Remote Door Unlock or
Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the
vehicle has been off continuously
for five days. After five days, OnStar
can contact Roadside Assistance
and a locksmith to help gain access
to the vehicle.
Global Positioning
System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can
occur in a large city with tall
buildings; in parking garages;
around airports; in tunnels,
underpasses, or parking
garages; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are
not available, the OnStar system
should still operate to call
OnStar. However, OnStar could
have difficulty identifying the
exact location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar
can use the last stored GPS
location to send to emergency
responders.
.A temporary loss of GPS can
cause loss of the ability to send
a Turn-by-Turn Navigation route.
The Advisor may give a verbal
route or may ask for a call back
after the vehicle is driven into an
open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Avoid placing items over or near the
antenna to prevent blocking cellular
and GPS signal reception. Cellular
reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle.
Unable to Connect to OnStar
Message
If there is limited cellular coverage
or the cellular network has reached
maximum capacity, this message
may come on. Press
Qto try the
call again or try again after driving a
few miles into another cellular area.

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
INDEX i-3
Climate Control SystemsDual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 13-14
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . .10-64, 10-71
Connections
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine TemperatureGauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4, 13-5
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . 13-16
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1, 13-3
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . 13-14
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-19
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Devices Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18 Diagnostics
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . 9-37
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . 12-4
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . 10-28, 9-30
Driver Efficiency Gauge . . . . . . . 5-12
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . 1-23
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
INDEX i-5
Front SeatsAdjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-47
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 5-23
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-47
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Fuses Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Gauges Driver Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
HeadlampsAdaptive Forward
Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23