key BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Guide

Arming with the Power Lock Switch
The vehicle’s content theft-deterrent alarm system can be
activated when the key is removed from the ignition and
the power door lock switch of either the driver’s or front
passenger’s door is used to lock the vehicle. The door
needs to be in the open position when pressing the power
door lock switch. The alarm system will not activate if
the door is closed when the power door lock switch is
pressed. This system can be activated through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “CONTENT THEFT”
under “Customization Menu Items” inDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-75.
When the doors are locked using the power door lock
switch of either front door, the red light on top of the
instrument panel will start ashing at a fast rate,
indicating that the system is arming. After all the doors
are locked there will be a time delay and then the red light
will begin to ash at a very slow rate, indicating the
system is armed.
Arming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
The alarm system will arm when the remote keyless
entry transmitter is used to lock the doors after the key
is removed from the ignition. The red light will come on
to indicate that the system is arming.
After all doors are closed and locked, and after a time
delay, the red light will begin ashing at a very slow rate
to show the system is armed.
Arming Conrmation
A red light located on top of the instrument panel, towards
the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, will
ash slowly to conrm when the system is armed.
2-19

Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when the remote keyless
entry transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The red light
will go out to show that the system is disarmed.
Disarming with Your Key
The alarm system will disarm when the key is used to
unlock the doors. The red light will stop ashing when the
system is disarmed. If you would like the key to disarm
the alarm system, see “CONTENT THEFT” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-75for more
information.
PASS-Key®III
Your PASS-Key®III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
2-20

PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means nothing special
needs to be done to arm
or disarm the system.
It works when the key is
inserted or removed
from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®III uses a transponder in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down the
vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will stop owing to the engine. If someone
tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong key, the
vehicle will not start. Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be discouraged to do so
because of the high number of electrical key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the STARTING DISABLED warning message
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-93. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III to have a
new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to accept
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
2-21

To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start
the engine. If the engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message
on the DIC will turn off, once the key has been
programmed. It may not be apparent that the
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message went
on due to how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message
appears and stays on the DIC while the vehicle is being
driven, the engine will be able to be restarted if it is turned
off. Your PASS-Key
®III system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. The
vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
®III system at
this time.
If the PASS-Key
®III key is lost or stolen, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key®III
to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-38for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-22

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature.B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off.
To use ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of the
warning and indicator lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR OPEN when
the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in OFF,
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-59for more
information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP),
certain features will continue to operate for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF
unless a door is opened.
2-23

Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects the electrical system. If the ignition key
is turned to START, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking until the vehicle starts or until it exceeds
the maximum cranking time allowed, approximately
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To
prevent starter-motor gear damage, this system also
prevents cranking if the engine is already running.
The engine cranking can be stopped by turning the
ignition switch to the ACCESSORY or OFF.Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try to help avoid draining your battery
or damaging your starter.
2. If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, hold
your key in START for about 10 seconds at a time
until the engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try.
When your engine has run for about 10 seconds
to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven.
Do not race your engine when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C),
let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
3. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing. This
time keep the pedal down for ve or six seconds to
clear the extra gasoline from the engine. After
waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
2-24

Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-38.
Steering Column Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing
it all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-31

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than OFF.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case
of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to the RUN position. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for more information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the Ignition key to the ACCESSORY or RUN
position. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23for
more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
2-33

Outside Power Heated Mirrors
For information on the operation of the outside power
mirrors seeOutside Power Mirrors on page 2-37.
If the vehicle has heated mirrors, they will warm up to
melt ice and snow, and dissolve condensation when the
defroster is turned on. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-25orClimate Control System
on page 3-22.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver’s seat, but it also makes things look farther
away than they really are.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and
live advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar
®Emergency where we
can request emergency services be sent to your
location. If you lock your keys in the car, call OnStar
®
at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to unlock
your doors. If you need roadside assistance, press the
OnStar
®button and they can contact Roadside
Service for you.
2-38

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
in the center of the
instrument panel.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
If equipped, a tilt wheel allows adjustment of the steering
wheel before you drive. The steering wheel can be raised
to the highest level to give the driver’s legs more room
when you enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that allows you
to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of
the steering column, If
equipped.
To tilt the wheel, pull the lever down. Then move the
wheel to a comfortable position and pull the lever up to
lock the wheel in place.
3-6