
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
18 In Brief
Transmission
Tap Shift
If equipped, Tap Shift allows you to
shift an automatic transmission
similar to a manual transmission. To
use the Tap Shift feature:1. When in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to enter
M (Manual Mode).
2. Use Tap Shift to manually shift the automatic transmission.
3. To exit, pull back on the shift lever to go from M (Manual
Mode) back to D (Drive).
See Manual Mode 0185.
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
It also includes information on
settings.
Steering Wheel Controls
The infotainment system can be
operated by using the steering
wheel controls. See "Steering
Wheel Controls" in the infotainment
manual.
Cruise Control
5:Press to turn cruise control on
or off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster.
RES+ : If there is a set speed in
memory, press the control up briefly
to resume to that speed or press
and hold to accelerate. If cruise
control is already engaged, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET− :Press the control down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already engaged, use to decrease
vehicle speed.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The vehicle has the keyless ignition.
The key can be used for the locks.
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to access the key.If it becomes difficult to turn the key
in a vehicle lock, inspect the key
blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar
Overview 0339.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 335.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
. Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
. Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section. .
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” later in this
section.
The RKE transmitter functions may
work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Keys, Doors, and Windows 43
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the trunk, or the
hood is opened without first
disarming the system. When the
alarm is activated, the turn signals
flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn
off the alarm if it has been activated,
do one of the following:
. Press
Kon the RKE transmitter. .
Unlock the vehicle using the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
. Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
. Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
. Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter or use the
Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the alarm system
or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lights
flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 335.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pressed and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
The security light on the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
108 Instruments and Controls
operates within the limit is plugged
into the outlet and a system fault is
not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for
the following equipment, and may
not work properly if any of the
following is plugged in:
.Equipment with high initial peak
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools
. Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply,
such as
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, and touch
sensor lamps
. Medical equipment
Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket outside the armrest
of the center console. The system
wirelessly charges one PMA or Qi
compatible mobile device. See
Radio Frequency Statement 0335. To check for phone or other device
compatibility:
.
In the U.S., see my.buick.com/
learn.
. In Canada, see
gmtotalconnect.ca.
. Or, see your dealer for details.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging
feature may not correctly indicate
charging when the vehicle is in RAP.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0176. The operating temperature is
−20 °C
(−4 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F) for the
charging system and 0 °C (32 °F) to
35 °C (95 °F) for the mobile device.
{Warning
Remove all objects from the
charging pocket before charging
your mobile phone. Objects, such
as coins, keys, rings, paper clips,
or cards, between the mobile
phone and the charger will
become very hot. On the rare
occasion that the charging system
does not detect an object, and the
object gets wedged between the
mobile phone and the charger,
remove the mobile phone and
allow the object to cool before
removing it from the charging
pocket, to prevent burns.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Instruments and Controls 117
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
The light turns off when the engine
is started. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is on
with the engine not running for Key
Access or in Service Mode for
Keyless Access. SeeIgnition
Positions 0170.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0229.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Instruments and Controls 131
Metric
English
Audio/Phone View : This display
includes the information in speed
view along with audio/phone
information. The current radio
station, media type, and incoming
calls will be displayed.
All HUD views may briefly display
audio information when the steering
wheel controls are used to adjust
the audio settings appearing in the
instrument cluster.
Incoming phone calls appearing in
the instrument cluster may also
display in any HUD view.
Metric
English
Navigation View : This display
includes the information in speed
view along with Turn-by-Turn
Navigation information. The
compass heading is displayed when
navigation routing is not active.
Navigation Turn-by-Turn Alerts
shown in the instrument cluster may
also be displayed in any HUD view.
Metric
English
Performance View : This display
gives the speedometer reading (in
English or metric units), rpm
reading, transmission positions, and
gear shift indicator.
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield
as needed to remove any dirt or film
that could reduce the sharpness or
clarity of the HUD image.
Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe
the lens gently, then dry it.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
Instruments and Controls 133
be re
duced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven at
a reduced speed while this
message is on, but maximum
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, or displays repeatedly, the
vehicle should be taken to your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
Vehicle
Personalization
Use the audio system controls to
access the personalization menus
for customizing vehicle features.
The following are all possible
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
To access the personalization
menus:1. Touch SETTINGS on the Home page on the infotainment
display.
2. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available
options.
3. Touch the desired option.
4. Touch to select the desired option setting.
5. Touch
hBACK to return to the
previous menu.
Personalization Menus
The following list of features may be
available:
. Time and Date
. Rear Seat Reminder
. Language
. Valet Mode
. Teen Driver
. Radio
. Vehicle
. Bluetooth
. Apple CarPlay
. Android Auto
. Voice
. Display
. Rear Camera
. Return to Factory Settings
. Software Information
. Wi-Fi
Each menu is detailed in the
following information.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10999169) -
2018 - crc - 3/28/17
134 Instruments and Controls
Time and Date
Manually set the time and date. See
Clock0106.
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a
message when the rear door has
been opened before or during
operation of the vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Language
Select Language, then select from
the available language(s).
Valet Mode
To turn Valet Mode on and off, see
“Valet Mode” under“Setting Radio
Preferences” in the infotainment
manual.
Teen Driver
See “Teen Driver” under“Settings”
in the infotainment manual.
Radio
To manage the radio features, see
“Radio Setup” under“Setting Radio
Preferences” in the infotainment
manual.
Vehicle
Select and the following may be
displayed:
. Climate and Air Quality
. Collision/Detection Systems
. Comfort and Convenience
. Lighting
. Power Door Locks
. Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Climate and Air Quality
Select and the following may be
displayed:
. Auto Fan Speed
. Air Quality Sensor
. Auto Defog
. Auto Rear Defog
. Ionizer Auto Fan Speed
This feature will set the auto fan
speed.
Select Low, Medium, or High.
Air Quality Sensor
This feature may operate the
recirculation mode automatically.
Select Off, Low Sensitivity, or High
Sensitivity.
Auto Defog
If equipped, the front defog will
automatically react to temperature
and humidity conditions that may
cause fogging.
Select Off or On.
Auto Rear Defog
This allows the Auto Rear Defog to
be turned on or off. This feature will
automatically turn on the rear
window defogger when it is cold
outside.
Select Off or On.