engine compartment overview BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Manual

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols
instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specic component, control, message, gage, or indicator.
If you need help guring out a specic name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
Climate Controls in Section 3
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
Audio System(s) in Section 3
Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System........................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-17
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-18
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-18Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-30
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-34
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

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

LEFT REAR TURN LAMP OUT
This message will display when the left rear turn signal
bulb needs to be replaced. SeeTaillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps on
page 5-54.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
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.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message will display when the brake uid level
is low. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper level.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the brake master cylinder reservoir. Also,
seeBrakes on page 5-39for proper uid level.
The brake system warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-38.This message will display and a chime will sound only
while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this 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.
LOW FUEL
This message will display when your vehicle is low
on fuel. You should rell the tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 3-48andFilling the Tank
on page 5-8for more information.
The message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-65

LOW OIL LEVEL
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
is low. Fill the oil to the proper level as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the engine oil ll location. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-15for information on the kind of
oil to use and the proper oil level.
The message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this 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.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
Notice:If the LOW OIL PRESSURE warning
message appears on the DIC display, stop the
vehicle immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe engine damage can result from driving a
vehicle with low oil pressure. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15for more information.
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
pressure is low. The oil pressure light will also appear
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure Light
on page 3-44.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have
the vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as
possible when this message is displayed.
This message will display only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound continuously when this
message is displayed.
This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared
from the screen. This message will re-display for a
few seconds if 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.
3-66

LOW WASHER FLUID
This message will display when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer reservoir as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the windshield washer
reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-38for more information.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
when the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this 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.
PARKING BRAKE ON
This message will display to alert the driver when the
vehicle’s parking brake is on, the ignition is in RUN,
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Release the parking brake before driving. SeeParking
Brake on page 2-30for more information.The brake light will also appear on the instrument panel
cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
A chime will sound continuously while this message
is displayed if driving above 5 mph (8 km/h). Press any
of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this 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.
PARK LAMPS ON
This message will display to alert the driver when the
headlamps or parking lamps are on while the ignition
is off and the driver’s door is opened. SeeExterior
Lamps on page 3-13for more information.
A chime will sound continuously while this message is
displayed. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
3-67

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps.................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-54
Replacement Bulb..........................................5-56
Windshield Replacement.................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-64
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-66
Buying New Tires.........................................5-66
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3.6L V6 engine, here is what you will see:
5-12

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-30.
E. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-95.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-37.
I. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
L. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-21.M. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-30.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-39.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of
the dipstick, you will need to add at least one quart/liter
of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section
explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and Specications on
page 5-98.Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range in the cross-hatched area.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when you are
through. 3.6L V6 Engine
3.8L V6 Engine
5-16