2016 BUICK LACROSSE trailer

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Driving and Operating 223
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, and
how 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”
following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, all the
required tow equipment, 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 0332.
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 0171.
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.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
224 Driving and Operating
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
0 171. 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 0185.
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.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
246 Vehicle Care
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 0246 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. 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, see
Overheated
Engine Protection Operating
Mode 0246.
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

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 247
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)
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 231 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.
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 the reservoir 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 0323. 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

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
302 Vehicle Care
.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.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
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.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
To dolly tow the vehicle from the
front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
314 Service and Maintenance
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
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. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0171.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0215.
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 0229.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0236.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0271.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0277.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0247.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Index 365
Tires (cont'd)Sealant and Compressor
Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Terminology and Definitions . . 268
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 282
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 220
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 301
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222, 224
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . 194
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 194
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Trailer
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222, 224
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 281
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 145Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 326
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Vehicle (cont'd)
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 117
Vehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 257
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 213
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 282