
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Driving and Operating 167
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0259 andTire
Pressure 0266.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
170 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start. If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a
strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) system. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 028.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on and the brake pedal
must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Light) : When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the vehicle off.
The transmission will shift to
P (Park) automatically.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0176.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
(Continued)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Driving and Operating 171
Warning (Continued)
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the ignition must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and press ENGINE
START/STOP.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0188. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) :
This mode allows
you to use some electrical
accessories when the ignition is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
ENGINE START/STOP once without
the brake pedal applied will place
the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
10 minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) : This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off and the
brake pedal applied, pressing
ENGINE START/STOP once will
place the ignition system in ON/
RUN/START. Once engine cranking
begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine starts. See
Starting the
Engine 0172. The ignition will then
remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics. See
Automatic Transmission 0181.
Service Mode is also available to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the ignition off and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will
not be able to be driven. The engine
will not start in Service Mode. Press
ENGINE START/STOP again to turn
the vehicle off.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
172 Driving and Operating
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral).
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 226. To start the vehicle:
1. With the Keyless Access system, the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter must
be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms up. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, a Driver
Information Center (DIC)
message will display. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 028.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP
immediately after cranking has
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there, then
press ENGINE START/STOP
for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button and
the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Driving and Operating 173
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Stop/Start System
{Warning
Exiting the vehicle without first
shifting into P (Park) may cause
the vehicle to move. You or others
may be injured. Because the
vehicle may have an auto engine
stop/start feature, the vehicle's
engine might seem to be shut off;
however, once the brake pedal is
released, the engine will start up
again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
The vehicle may be equipped with a
fuel saving Stop/Start system to
shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel.
Auto Stop (Vehicles without
eAssist)
If equipped, when the brakes are
applied and the vehicle is at a
complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer
displays AUTO STOP. See
Tachometer 0112. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pushed, the engine will
restart.
The vehicle may remain in Auto
Stop even after it is shifted into
P (Park). Auto Stop will be
maintained until the door is opened
or the seat belt is unbuckled. There are several conditions that
may prevent an Auto Stop or cause
an Auto Start.
Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
.
A minimum vehicle speed is not
reached.
. The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range,
typically below −10 °C (14 °F) or
above 50 °C (122 °F).
. The transmission is in any gear
other than D (Drive).
. The battery charge is low.
. The battery has been
disconnected.
. The system may not be able to
shut off the engine in order to
maintain the air conditioning
comfort level or defrost system
settings. See Dual Automatic
Climate Control System 0152.
To maximize fuel economy, use
the ECO air conditioning mode.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
174 Driving and Operating
.The Auto Stop time is greater
than two minutes.
Auto Stop (Vehicles with
eAssist)
If equipped, when the brakes are
applied and the vehicle is at a
complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer
displays AUTO STOP. See
Tachometer 0112. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pushed, the engine will
restart.
The vehicle may remain in Auto
Stop for up to two minutes. The vehicle may remain in Auto
Stop even after it is shifted into
P (Park). If the driver opens the door
or unbuckles the seat belt the
vehicle will exit Auto Stop and
restart the engine.
There are several conditions that
may prevent an Auto Stop or cause
an Auto Start.
Auto Stop may be
deactivated when:
.
The engine, transmission,
or high voltage battery is not at
the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range,
typically below −20 °C (−4 °F).
. The system may not be able to
shut off the engine in order to
maintain the air conditioning
comfort level or defrost system
settings. See Dual Automatic
Climate Control System 0152.
To maximize fuel economy, use
the ECO air conditioning mode. .
The transmission is in any gear
other than D (Drive).
. The high voltage battery charge
is low.
. The hood is not fully closed.
. The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.
. High humidity is detected.
The Engine Will Restart when:
. The brake pedal is released.
. The accelerator pedal is applied.
. Shifting out of D (Drive) to any
other gear besides P (Park).
. The air conditioning or defrost
system needs the compressor to
maintain interior comfort. See
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0152. To maximize fuel
economy, use the ECO air
conditioning mode.
. The engine is required to run for
either heater or climate control
performance, or the climate
control system is turned from off

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Driving and Operating 175
to normal air conditioning,
or defrost. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System 0152.
. The high voltage battery charge
is low and requires recharging.
. Auto Stop time is greater than
two minutes.
. The hood is opened.
Engine Heater
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
coolant heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end
of the cord will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures
above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the
driver side of the engine
compartment, between the
fender and the engine
compartment fuse block.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
(Continued)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
176 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0188. 2. Press the button on top of the
shift lever to shift into P (Park).
See Automatic Transmission
0 181.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the
vehicle is in P (Park).
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when (Continued)