Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Driving and Operating 209
Warning (Continued)
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another vehicle too rapidly, the red
collision alert symbol on the HUD
will flash on the windshield. Either
eight beeps will sound from the
front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times.
When this Collision Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver
braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal
as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs. Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will
display amber when you are
following a vehicle ahead much too
closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press
[to set the
alert timing. The first button press
shows the current setting on the
DIC. Additional button presses will
change this setting. The chosen
setting will remain until it is changed
and will affect the timing of both the
Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed,
the farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Changing the FCA timing setting
automatically changes the following
gap setting (Far, Medium, or Near)
for the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) feature.
Following Distance Indication
The following distance to a moving
vehicle you are following is
indicated in following time in
seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0123. The
minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no
vehicle detected ahead, or the
vehicle ahead is out of sensor
range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles
in other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
216 Driving and Operating
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0114.
If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer for diagnosis. If it
is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, manganese, or any other
fuel not recommended. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper
fuel would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel0215.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of Fuel
System Treatment PLUS added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change can help. Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Driving and Operating 225
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0114.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 075 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 076.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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248 Vehicle Care
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. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0231 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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322 Service and Maintenance
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire. .
Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care 0308 and
Exterior Care 0304.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment. Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.
Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
. Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 359
Front SeatsAdjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 56
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 120
Requirements, California . . . . . 216
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 258
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 Gauges (cont'd)
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 313
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 151
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
HeadlampsAdaptive ForwardLighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Headlamps (cont'd)
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 149
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 121
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 272
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 168
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 192
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 175, 176
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
360 Index
IndicatorVehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Information Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 44
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297, 298
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 133
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 28
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 266
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 149
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Lamps (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . .114
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Sun Visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 211
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lane Departure Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Light Adaptive Forward Lighting(AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Lighting Adaptive Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Lighting (cont'd)
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 152
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .115
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . .116
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . .118
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .119
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 149
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .117
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 111
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 361
Lights (cont'd)Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . .118
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . 194
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 120
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 314 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 114 Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Messages
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Battery Voltage andCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 132
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Object Detection System . . . . . 134
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . 136
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Starting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Mirrors
Automatic Dimming
Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 44
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
N
NavigationOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 174
O
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 238
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133