Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
228 Driving and Operating
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
. Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control when towing.
. The Forward Automatic Braking
system should be set to Off
when towing. See Forward
Automatic Braking (FAB) 0216.
. Turn off Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
when towing.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing. .
Front Pedestrian Braking should
be on Off or Alert.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0186. Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 255
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
12-Volt Battery
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery. Refer to the replacement
number on the original battery label
when a new standard 12-volt battery
is needed.
High Voltage Battery
eAssist vehicles also have a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. Thedealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available
at http://www.recyclemybattery.com.
The eAssist system high voltage
battery is cooled with air drawn from
the vehicle interior. The cold air
intake is under the leading edge of
the rear seat. The exhaust for warm
air is in the trunk. Do not cover the
intake or exhaust.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle. See
California Proposition
65 Warning 0235 and on the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful.
See Jump Starting - North
America (with or without eAssist)
0 302 orJump Starting - North
America (On-board with eAssist
Only) 0301 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 257
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield must be
replaced, get one that is designed
for HUD or the HUD image may
look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the
windshield needs to be replaced, be
sure to get an acoustic windshieldso you will continue to have the
benefits an acoustic windshield can
provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0320.
Hood
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
258 Vehicle Care
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent
bulbs with aftermarket LED
replacement bulbs. This can
cause damage to the vehicle
electrical system.
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting
{Warning
The High Intensity Discharge
(HID) lighting system operates at
a very high voltage. If you try to
service any of the system
components, you could be
seriously injured. Have your
dealer or a qualified technician
service them.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 259
After an HID headlamp bulb has
been replaced, the beam might be a
slightly different shade than it was
originally. This is normal.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps
Driver Side Shown, PassengerSide Similar
1. Stoplamp/Turn Signal
2. Back-Up Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 41.
2. Remove the fasteners to pull the trunk trim out. 3. Remove and retain the four
nuts fastening the taillamp
assembly to the vehicle body.
4. Remove the taillamp assembly by pulling straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket by turning it counterclockwise.
6. Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out.
7. Reverse Steps 1–6 to install.
License Plate Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 295
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0339.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle. 12. Turn the air only hose (10)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.
15. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
The tire sealant and compressor kit
has accessory adapters located in a
compartment on the bottom of its
housing that can be used to inflate
air mattresses, balls, etc.
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit
To access the tire sealant and
compressor kit: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 41.
2. Lift the cover.
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to remove the
tire sealant and compressor
kit bag.
4. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from the bag.
To store the tire sealant and
compressor kit, reverse the steps.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
296 Vehicle Care
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
1. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
2. Extension Bolt
3. Jack
4. Wrench
To access the spare tire and tools:1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the spare tire cover. 3. Turn the retainer nut
counterclockwise and remove
the spare tire. Place the spare
tire next to the tire being
changed.
4. The jack and tools are stored below the spare tire. Remove
them from their container and
place them near the tire being
changed.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
Take off the wheel cover or center
cap, if the vehicle has one, to reach
the wheel bolts. 1. Do a safety check before
proceeding. See If a Tire Goes
Flat 0287.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen and
remove the wheel nut caps.
Do not try to remove plastic
caps from the cover or
center cap.
3. Pull the cover or center cap away from the wheel. Store the
wheel cover in the cargo area
until you have the flat tire
repaired or replaced.
Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 307
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be used. See
the following information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive Only)
Tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly.
To tow the vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on the dolly. 2. Shift the transmission to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park
0 182.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer ’s
instructions for preparing the
vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Turn the vehicle off.
9. Open the trunk.
10. Wait two minutes.
11. Disconnect the negative (−) terminal connector from the
12-volt battery.
12. Close the trunk.
After towing has been completed:
1. Enter the vehicle. If the vehicle is locked, use the key and the
driver door key lock cylinder.
See “Driver Door Key Lock