2019 BUICK LACROSSE trailer

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Driving and Operating 231
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
.Weight of the trailer
. Weight of the trailer tongue
. Total weight on your vehicle's
tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, the
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how much the vehicle is used
to pull a trailer are all important.
It can depend on any special
equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, all the required tow equipment, and all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See
Customer Assistance Offices
0 337.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0172.
In general, trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% of the total
loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat
trailers, fall outside of this range.
Refer to the trailer owner ’s manual
for the recommended trailer tongue
weight. In all cases, do not exceed
the maximum loads for the vehicle
series and hitch type.
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
232 Driving and Operating
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 172. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper. .
Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust 0186.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? State and local regulations
may require the trailer to have its
own braking system if loaded above
a certain threshold. Trailer brake
requirements vary from state to
state. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
252 Vehicle Care
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, seeOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode
0 252.
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 engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also
indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0238 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
(Continued)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
306 Vehicle Care
The vehicle is equipped with
specific attachment points to be
used by the towing provider. These
holes may be used to pull the
vehicle from a flat road surface onto
the flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing thevehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.
Before towing the vehicle,
become familiar with the local
laws that apply to recreational
vehicle towing. These laws may
vary by region.
. What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations. .
Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Service and Maintenance 319
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 172.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0224.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart. The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain
. Frequently towing a trailer
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work 0236.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Index 371
Towing (cont'd)Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 306
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Traction Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 127
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 198
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 259U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 284
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 145
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 332
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealantand Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 222
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 286
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 89
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Winter
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269