2019 BUICK LACROSSE ABS

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Driving and Operating 193
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 125. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Electric Parking Brake

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Driving and Operating 195
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system underconditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature
will activate when the vehicle is
stopped on a moderate to steep
grade to help prevent it from rolling
in an unintended direction. After the
brake pedal has been released and
before the accelerator pedal has
been pressed, HSA uses braking
pressure to hold the vehiclestationary. If HSA is holding the
vehicle, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays. HSA will
not activate in a forward drive gear
when facing downhill, or in
R (Reverse) when facing uphill.
Select the duration of the HSA
feature through vehicle
personalization. See
”Extended Hill
Start Assist” under“Comfort and
Convenience” inVehicle
Personalization 0138. When
Standard Hold is selected, the
vehicle is held stationary for up to
two seconds after the brake pedal is
released. When Extended Hold is
selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to five minutes
after the brake pedal is released. In
either case, override the hold
feature by pressing the accelerator
pedal and attempting to drive away.
If Standard Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for two seconds
unless the driver door is opened or
the driver seat belt is unbuckled
after releasing the brake pedal.
If Extended Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for five minutes

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
230 Driving and Operating
If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0320.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
254 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0238 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. .
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 0124.
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 0320.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0329.
{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.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 301
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America (On-board with
eAssist Only)
If the vehicle fails to crank, it may
be jump started by using the eAssist
battery to charge the 12-volt battery.
Use the following procedure to
activate the on-board jump start
using the DIC controls.
DIC Buttons
With the brake pedal not applied,
press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for more than

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 309
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0329.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Index 361
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 185
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 201
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 233
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 245
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 77 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 72
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 121
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 220
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 256
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 193 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
366 Index
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 169
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Indicator
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Information Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . 344
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 47
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301, 302
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 29
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 269
Lamps Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 150
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Sun Visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 220
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 222
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 126
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Lighting Adaptive Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 153
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Lights Adaptive Forward Lighting(AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 124
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 127
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 128