2015 BUICK LACROSSE trailer

Black plate (66,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
9-66 Driving and Operating
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing (Except
eAssist)
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
.Weight of the trailer.
.Weight of the trailer tongue.
.Total weight on your vehicle's
tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, andhow much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices
on page 13-3.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-10.

Black plate (67,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Driving and Operating 9-67
The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
10 % of the total loaded trailer
weight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits on
page 9-10. Make sure not to go over
the GVW limit for the vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer
tongue.
Trailer Towing (eAssist)
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
.The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
.Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust on
page 9-26.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all.

Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
10-22 Vehicle Care
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 13-5.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fans
should be running. If not, do not
continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
{Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10-23 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem might not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.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. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
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 and have the cooling
system checked for proper fill and
function.

Black plate (23,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Vehicle Care 10-23
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, seeOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 10-23.
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. 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)
See
Engine 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.

Black plate (83,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Vehicle Care 10-83
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.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
{Caution
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.

Black plate (2,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
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. SeeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9-10.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel on page 9-58.
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 10-50.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10-56.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10-24.

Black plate (12,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
i-12 INDEX
Storage AreasCenter Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Sun Visor Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Sunshade Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
System Active Emergency Braking . . . . 9-53
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1, 13-15
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-4
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16, 2-17
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-52
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-51
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 Tires (cont'd)
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Sealant and Compressor
Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-62
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 9-63
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 9-63
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-83
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66, 9-67
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82

Black plate (13,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
INDEX i-13
TractionControl System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . 9-36
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 9-36
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66, 9-67
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-44
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Universal Remote System . . . . . 5-51 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
V
Vehicle
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-44
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 5-21 Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 10-72
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
W
WarningBrake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 9-57
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24