service BUICK LACROSSE 2007 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems
....................... 7
Front Seats
.............................................. 9
Rear Seats
............................................. 14
Safety Belts
............................................ 16
Child Restraints
...................................... 39
Airbag System
........................................ 66
Restraint System Check
......................... 82
Features and Controls
................................ 85
Keys
....................................................... 87
Doors and Locks
.................................... 96
Windows
............................................... 102
Theft-Deterrent Systems
....................... 104
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
..... 109
Mirrors
.................................................. 124
OnStar
®System
................................... 126
Universal Home Remote System
.......... 130
Storage Areas
...................................... 141
Sunroof
................................................ 143Instrument Panel
....................................... 145
Instrument Panel Overview
................... 148
Climate Controls
................................... 168
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
.......................................... 179
Driver Information Center (DIC)
............ 199
Audio System(s)
................................... 238
Driving Your Vehicle
................................. 285
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
..................................... 286
Towing
................................................. 325
Service and Appearance Care
.................. 337
Service
................................................. 340
Fuel
...................................................... 343
Checking Things Under
the Hood
........................................... 348
Headlamp Aiming
................................. 391
Bulb Replacement
................................ 394
2007 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM
1

In many crashes severe enough to inate an airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur
from the right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After
airbags inate, you will need some new parts
for the airbag system. If you do not get them,
the airbag system will not be there to help
protect you in another crash. A new system
will include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for your vehicle
covers other parts that need to be replaced.
Your vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information
after a crash. SeeVehicle Data Collection and
Event Data Recorders on page 489.
Let only qualied technicians work on the
airbag system. Improper service can mean that
your airbag system will not work properly. See
your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The
passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument
panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key
to RUN or START.
The passenger airbag
status indicator will
light ON and OFF for
several seconds as a
system check.
If you use remote start to start your vehicle from a
distance, if your vehicle has this feature, you may
not see the system check. When the system check
is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF
will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 183.
The passenger sensing system will turn off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver’s airbags are not part of
the passenger sensing system.
75

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something may
be wrong with the airbag system. If this
ever happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person
sitting in the right front passenger’s seat
may not have the protection of the frontal
airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 182for more on this, including
important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material such as a
blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers, can
affect how well the passenger sensing system
operates. Remove any additional material from
the seat cushion before reinstalling or securing
the child restraint and before a small occupant,
including a small adult, sits in the right front
passenger’s seat. You may want to consider notusing seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if
your vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 81for more information about
modications that can affect how the system
operates.
The passenger sensing system may suppress the
airbag deployment when liquid is soaked into the
seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the
passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag
readiness light on the instrument panel will be lit.
The system should resume normal operation after
the seat is allowed to dry. If the system operates
incorrectly after the seat has dried, have your
dealer check the system.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat
cushion and seatback may interfere with
the proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
79

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in
several places around your vehicle. You do
not want the system to inate while someone is
working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information about servicing
your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a
service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 495.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds, after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an airbag can still inate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are
close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part
of the airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
80

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) 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 interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
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.
At times you may notice a decrease in operating
range. This is normal for any RKE system. If
the transmitter does not work or if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from
your vehicle. You may need to stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps
to the left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 90.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer
or a qualied technician for service.
89

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 229for 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.
106

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 450. 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 484for more
information.
107

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.
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.
108

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. See
Towing a Trailer on page 327for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
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.
109

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an electronic shift lock release system. You must
fully apply the regular brakes before shifting
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 120
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get
it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 318.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine
is running at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is rmly on the brake
pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running
at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that
it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as
you increase speed may damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You
can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D)
for higher speeds until then.
115