Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®(if equipped)
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g:First Responder
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
(: Heated Steering Wheel
j:LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
9-4 Driving and Operating
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has electric power
steering it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Vehicle Messages
on page 5-35.Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
If the vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving
slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power
steering, but steering will be stiffer
than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require
maintenance. See
Power Steering
Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD) on
page 10-23 orPower Steering Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine with AWD) on
page 10-23.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-13
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-15
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-21
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23 Power Steering Fluid (2.4L
L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD) . . . . . 10-23
Power Steering Fluid (3.6L V6 Engine with AWD) . . . . . 10-23
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-28
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-29
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-30
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31 High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-33
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Black plate (9,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
Vehicle Care 10-9
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-15.
2. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD) on
page 10-23 orPower Steering
Fluid (3.6L V6 Engine with AWD)
on page 10-23.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10-11.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10-11. 5. Engine Cover.
6. Transmission Fluid Cap and
Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10-15.
7. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brakes on
page 10-25.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10-19. 9. Battery Cover. See
Battery on
page 10-27.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-36.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
on page 10-24.
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 (24,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
10-24 Vehicle Care
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 thereservoir 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.
The fluid level should be between
MIN and MAX on the dipstick.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12. Always
use the proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-6 for reservoir location.
Black plate (12,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
11-12 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE
viscosity grade. Look for the dexos1 approved logo for GM approved
engine oil. See Engine Oil on page 10-11.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant on page 10-19.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (If Equipped) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).
Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707475) - 2015 - CRC - 10/9/14
i-4 INDEX
Driving (cont'd)Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . 5-20
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-38
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-26
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-14
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-2
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-4
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . 10-15
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19