Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 1-18
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-18
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Universal Remote System . . . 1-18
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
eAssist Features
eAssist®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
High Voltage Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20 Driver Efficiency Gauge . . . . . . 1-20
Automatic Engine Start/Stop
Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . 1-21
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-23
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-23
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Black plate (20,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-20 In Brief
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade. SeeHill Start Assist (HSA)
on page 9‑34.
Vehicles with eAssist have a slightly
different instrument cluster, which
includes an efficiency gauge, and
an AUTO STOP indicator on the
tachometer. See Instrument Cluster
on page 5‑9. There is also a Power
Flow Gauge in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25.
The eAssist system uses a high
voltage battery, which is cooled with
air drawn from the vehicle interior.
The cold air intake for the battery is
located behind the rear seat, on the
filler panel. Do not cover the intake.
See Battery on page 10‑27.
High Voltage Safety
Information
Vehicles with eAssist have a
standard 12-volt battery and a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. In emergency situations, first
responders can cut the two clearly
labeled cut points in the engine
compartment to disable the high
voltage battery and air bag systems
- do not cut the high voltage cable.
Driver Efficiency Gauge
This gauge assists the driver in
operating the vehicle more
efficiently and will vary based on
driver input.
See
Driver Efficiency Gauge on
page 5‑12 for more information.
Black plate (21,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-21
Automatic Engine Start/
Stop Feature
Vehicles with eAssist have an
automatic engine start/stop feature.
After the engine is started and has
reached operating temperature, the
auto stop feature may cause the
engine to turn off when the brake
pedal is applied and the vehicle
comes to a complete stop. When
the brake pedal is released, or the
accelerator pedal is applied, the
engine will restart. The engine will
continue to run until the next
auto stop.
To restart the engine during the auto
stop, release the brake pedal or
press the accelerator pedal. The
engine starts immediately. The
vehicle continues to run until the
next stop.
AUTO STOP on the tachometer
signifies that the engine is in auto
stop mode. SeeTachometer on
page 5‑11 for more information.
A chime will sound when the driver
door is opened while in auto stop mode. Remember to shift to P (Park)
and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
before exiting the vehicle.
See
Starting the Engine on
page 9‑19.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored in the
vehicle's high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
fuel efficiency.
The system works whenever the
accelerator pedal is released, and
increases the energy captured as
more brake pedal is applied.
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery. Refer to the replacement
number on the original battery label
when a new standard 12-volt battery
is needed. Vehicles with eAssist also have a
high voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. See
Battery on page 10‑27.
Service
Never try to do your own service on
eAssist components. You can be
injured and the vehicle can be
damaged if you try to do your own
service work. Service and repair of
these high voltage components
should only be performed by a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools. See
Doing Your Own Service Work on
page 10‑4.
Black plate (2,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for the ignition and all locks
if the vehicle is a key access
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
keyless ignition, the key can be
used for the locks.Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key
in a vehicle lock, inspect the key
blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S.
and Canada) on page 13‑7or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑9. With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
Black plate (7,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
5. Press the ignition. When thetransmitter is learned the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
the ignition for 10 seconds to
exit programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak, the
DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when you try to start
the vehicle. The REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message may also be displayed at
this time.
To start the vehicle:
1. Remove the cupholder from the center console storage area.
2. Place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing up.
3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and the START/STOP
button. See Starting the Engine
on page 9‑19 for additional
information about the vehicle's
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start. Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC. See
“REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE
KEY”
under Key and Lock
Messages on page 5‑36.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying it with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it
toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Push the battery
down until it is held in place.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Black plate (14,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a
new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on When there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in your
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter.
Or, you may try placing the
transmitter in the transmitter pocket
in the center console. See
“Starting
the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
If the engine does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the pocket in the
center console, your vehicle needs
service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or
device that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.
Black plate (18,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
2-18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.
The switches work when the ignition
is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY, or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑24.
Express Window Operation
Windows with an express-up or
down feature allow the front
windows to be lowered or raised
without holding the switch. Rearwindows only have express-down.
Pull a window switch up or push it
down all the way, release it, and the
window goes down or up
automatically. Stop the window by
pushing or pulling the switch.
Rear Window Lockout
This feature prevents the rear
passenger windows from operating,
except from the driver position.
Press
o
{to activate the rear
window lockout switch.
The indicator light comes on when
activated.
The rear door locks are also
disabled. See Safety Locks on
page 2‑10.
Press
o {again to deactivate the
lockout switch.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected, or is
not working, you will need to
reprogram each front power window
for the express-up feature to work.
Before reprogramming, replace or
recharge the vehicle's battery.
To program each front window:
1. With the ignition in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), close all doors.
2. Press and hold the power window switch until the window
is fully open.
Black plate (30,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
3-30 Seats and Restraints
{WARNING
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑16.
{WARNING
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing or
moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing anddiagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, roof-rail airbag
modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors, side
impact sensors, or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort‐enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper