
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
Vehicle Care 243
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0116.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0297.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0305.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery under the trim panel on the
left side of the trunk. Refer to the

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
266 Vehicle Care
.Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or
more of the TPMS sensors. The
TPMS sensor matching process
should also be performed after
replacing a spare tire with a road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next
ignition cycle. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions,
using a TPMS relearn tool, in the
following order: driver side front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to
purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS
relearn tool can also be purchased.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS
(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching
process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place the vehicle in ON/RUN/ START. See Ignition Positions
0 173.
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info page option is turned on.
The info pages on the DIC can
be turned on and off through
the Settings menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0122. 4. Use the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel
to scroll to the Tire Pressure
screen under the DIC
info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center
of the DIC controls.
The horn sounds twice to
signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
Vehicle Care 269
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01–52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec numberwill be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0256.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0267. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
282 Vehicle Care
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.
1. Discharged Remote BatteryPositive Terminal
2. Discharged Remote Battery Negative Ground Terminal
3. Good Battery Positive Terminal 4. Good Battery Negative
Terminal
The jump start remote positive
terminal (1) and the remote negative
ground terminal (2) for the
discharged battery are in the engine
compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle.
The jump start positive terminal (3)
and negative terminal (4) are on the
battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start.
The positive jump start connection
for the discharged battery is under a
cover. Remove the cover to expose
the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting. 2. Position the two vehicles so
that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and shift to P (Park). See
Shifting Into Park 0179.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Set the ignition to OFF. Turn off all lights and accessories in
both vehicles, except the
hazard warning flashers if
needed.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
Service and Maintenance 303
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0305 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
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

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
Index 335
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 194
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 225
Additional Information
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 235
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 72 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .113
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 212
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 186, 244
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 186 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
336 Index
ArmrestRear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 203
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
B
BatteryLoad Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Battery - North America . . . . 243, 281
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 245 Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .116
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 210
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 173
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 247
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 217 California (cont'd)
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .227, 243, 281
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . 98
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 114
Check Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 80
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9803782) -
2017 - crc - 9/7/16
338 Index
Driving (cont'd)Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 167
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 169
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 187
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 116
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 249
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Engine (cont'd)
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 230
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Cooling System Messages . . . 131
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 181
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 323
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 148
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 149
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 150
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 234
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 209
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210