air conditioning BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When
the remote start system is active, the climate control
system will heat and cool the inside of the vehicle based
on the outside temperature. The rear window defogger
will be turned on by the climate control system when it is
heating the inside of the vehicle. Normal operation of the
system will return after the key is turned to the RUN
position.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws may require a person
using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing
so. Check local regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset
after your vehicle’s engine is started two times using
the transmitter’s remote start button. The remote start
system is reset by inserting the vehicle’s key into the
ignition switch and turning it to RUN. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
Your remote keyless entry transmitter with the remote
start button provides an increased range of operation.
You can start your vehicle from an average range of
approximately 492 feet (150 m) away. However the
range may be less while the vehicle is running, and as
a result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle to
turn it off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-3for additional information.
2-7

Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This mode directs outside air to the
instrument panel outlets. If driving in city traffic, and
the vehicle is stopped and idling, or the weather is hot,
turn on the recirculation mode. To prevent the air inside
the vehicle from becoming stale, after ve minutes
recirculate will allow outside air into the vehicle.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the
windshield. Slightly cooler air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets and warmer air is directed to the oor
outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to
the oor outlets with some air directed toward the side
window outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
In this mode, the system will automatically use outside
air. The air conditioning compressor will be engaged
unless the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
If recirculation is selected, the led will come on.You can also select modes by using the following
buttons:
h(Recirculate):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help
heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly. An
indicator light below the button will come on in this mode.
Operation in this mode during periods of high humidity
and cool outside temperatures may result in increased
window fogging. If window fogging is experienced, select
the defrost mode. To prevent the air inside the vehicle
from becoming stale, after ve minutes recirculate will
allow outside air into the vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air conditioning system on or off. When this button is
pressed, an indicator light below the button will come
on to let you know the air conditioning is activated. Air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as
the fan switch is on. Note that the indicator light will
change with each button press even when conditions
prevent operation.
3-23

On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close them.
This helps to reduce the time it takes for the vehicle to
cool down. It also helps the system to operate more
efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent air mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the vehicle is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to condense on the cool
window glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are two modes
to clear frost or fog from the windshield. Use the defog
mode to clear the windows of condensation and to warm
the vehicle’s occupants.Use the defrost mode to remove frost or condensation
from the windshield quickly. Recirculation cannot be
selected when in these modes (the indicator light will
come on when pressed).
See “Rear Window Defogger” later in this section for
information on clearing the rear window of fog or ice.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets and half to the
oor outlets. When you select this mode, the system
turns recirculation off and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing. Pressing the recirculation button will have
no effect other than turning on the indicator light while in
defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to
the windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to the oor outlets. When you select this
mode, the system turns recirculation off and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is near or below freezing. Pressing the recirculation
button will have no effect other than turning on the
indicator light while in defrost mode.
3-24

h(Recirculation):Press this button to turn
recirculation mode on or off. This mode keeps outside
air from coming into the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help
cool the air inside the vehicle more quickly.
Recirculation is not available while in the oor, defrost, or
oor/defog modes. Using recirculation for long periods of
time may cause the air inside your vehicle to become too
dry. Recirculation mode has a 5 minute timer after which
the system allows for some fresh outside air into the
vehicle to maintain interior air quality.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. The indicator light
on the button will come on when the air conditioning is
on. Note that the indicator light will change with each
button press even when conditions prevent operation.
The indicator light on the air conditioning button will come
on every time the vehicle is started. The air conditioning
may be turned off by pressing the air conditioner button.
((Heated Seats):Press this button to turn the driver
or passenger heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-4for additional information.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost from
your windshield. Use the oor/defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use defrost to remove fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly.
-(Floor/Defog):Press this button to direct the air
between the windshield, oor outlets and side windows.
When you select this mode, the system turns recirculation
off and runs the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing
the recirculation button will have no effect other than
turning on the indicator light while in oor/defog mode.
1(Defrost):Press this button to direct most of the
air to the windshield, with some air directed to the side
windows. In this mode, the system will automatically
turn off the recirculation and run the air conditioning
compressor, unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing. Pressing the recirculation button will have
no effect other than turning on the indicator light while in
defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
3-28

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located
below the air inlet grille, near the passenger’s side
windshield wiper arm. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like the engine’s air
cleaner lter, it may need to be changed periodically.
For information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air lter, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Peel back the hood weather-strip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to the center
of the hood.6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
8. Remove the old
air lter by pulling
up on its tab.
9. Install a new passenger compartment air lter.
SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-13for the type of lter to use. Make sure it
slides under the compartment retainers.
10. Reverse Steps 1 through 7.
3-30

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the uplevel DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
Some messages may not require immediate action,
but you can press any of the DIC buttons on the uplevel
vehicle to acknowledge that you received the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display
because they are more urgent. These messages require
action before they can be cleared.
If there are any active warning messages when the
vehicle is turned off, two chimes will sound and the
DIC will go into a reminder mode. The reminder mode
displays any active message. If there are multiple
messages, the DIC will display each message for
ve seconds. After each active message is displayed
once, the reminder mode will turn off.
You should take any messages that appear on the
display seriously and remember that clearing the
messages will only make the messages disappear,
not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
This message will display when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-41.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor will turn back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
This message will come on while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
warning message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition still
exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on. If this message continues
to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer
as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine.
3-59

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as
the rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
5-60

Micro-Relays Usage
34 Headlamp High Beam
35 HDM Module
36 Fog Lamp
37 Ignition 1
38 Air Conditioning Compressor
39 Horn
40 Powertrain
41 Fuel Pump
Mini-Relays Usage
42 Fan 1
43 Fan 3
44 Windshield Wiper High
45 Windshield Wiper
46 Fan 2
48 Crank
Spare Fuses Usage
49 Spare
50 Spare
51 Spare
52 Spare
53 Spare
54 Spare
Fuse Puller Usage
55 Fuse Puller
Diodes Usage
§Air Conditioner Compressor
Clutch Diode
5-97

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions.
Capacities and Specications
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Regfrigerant R134a 1.35 lbs .61 kg
Automatic Transaxle 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3.6L V6 12.2 qt 11.6 L
3.8L V6 11.7 qt 11.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L V6 5.5 qt 5.2 L
3.8L V6 4.5 qt 4.3 L
Fuel Tank 17.5 gal 66.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transaxle Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 7 Automatic 0.044 inches (1.1 mm)
3.8L V6 2 Automatic 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
5-98

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking
brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged or
that streak or miss areas of the windshield.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job,
have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors, hood,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
6-7