2018 BUICK LACROSSE check engine light

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Vehicle Care 227
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 228
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 229
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 237
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 238
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 243
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Battery - North America . . . . . . 247 All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 248
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 249
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 249
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 252
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 253
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 253
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 261 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 292

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
238 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer
service department. Contact your
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
0 334.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 311, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0319.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0231.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 311.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
2.5L L4 Engine

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Vehicle Care 243
2. Keep turning the pressure capslowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6. If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of the engine overheating.
The instrument cluster has an
engine coolant temperature gauge
and an engine coolant temperature
warning light.
See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 0114 and Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light 0122.
The vehicle may also display a
message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
329.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface. Then
check to see if the engine cooling
fans are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
244 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode 0244 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 may 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
If the overheat warning is displayed
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 engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the
overheated area or the 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 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
0 244.
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-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
246 Vehicle Care
{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.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0323.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0231 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
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.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Service and Maintenance 317
.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 0319 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-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
350 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 195
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 226
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 238
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 75 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 70
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .116
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 213
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 187, 248
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 187 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
352 Index
CheckEngine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 82
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94, 96
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 332
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 280
Connections OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . .114
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 195
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 334
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 332
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 338
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 337
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 324
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 187, 248
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 203
Driver Efficiency Gauge . . . . . . . . 114
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126