stop start BUICK LACROSSE 2007 Owner's Manual

Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while
the vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and confuse you,
or make you push a pedal when you do
not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only
when the vehicle is not moving.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on the
seatback to be sure it is locked.Your seats have manual reclining seatbacks.
The lever used to operate them is located on the
outboard side of the seats.
To recline the seatback, do the following:
1. Lift the recline lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position,
then release the lever to lock the seatback
in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it
is locked.
Driver’s Side shown, Passenger Side similar
11

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

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

Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position — this 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.
Starting Procedure
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 your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently
to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
111

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey but
then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You will get
easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater
should be plugged in a minimum of four hours
prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required. Your vehicle may also have an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
112

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

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
GTurn and Lane Change Signals. See
Turn and Lane-Change Signals on page 152.
2Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
on page 153.
Flash-to-Pass. SeeFlash-to-Pass on page 153.
NWindshield Wipers. SeeWindshield Wipers
on page 153.
LQWindshield Washer. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 154.
For information on the headlamps, seeExterior
Lamps on page 158.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
To signal a turn, move the lever up or down.
The lever returns to its original position when the
turn is completed.
An arrow on the
instrument panel
cluster will ash in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to ash. Hold it there until the
lane change is completed. The lever will return
to its original position when released.
Arrows that ash rapidly when signaling for a turn
or lane change, or that fail to work, may indicate
a burned-out signal bulb or fuse. Other drivers will
not see the signal. SeeFront Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps on page 397andTaillamps, Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps on page 398for turn signal bulb
replacement procedures. Also seeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 450for location of fuses.
A chime will sound if the turn signal is left on
for more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km).
152

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to
high beam, push the turn signal/multifunction
lever away from you.
When the high beams
are on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on if the
ignition is on.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low
beam, pull the turn signal lever toward you.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam
headlamps momentarily to signal a driver in
front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever
toward you until the high-beam headlamps
come on, then release the lever to turn them off.
Windshield Wipers
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they are frozen to the
windshield, gently loosen or thaw them. Damaged
wiper blades may not clear the windshield well,
making it harder to see and drive safely. If the
blades do become damaged, install new blades or
blade inserts. For more information, seeWindshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on page 401.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
You control the windshield wipers by turning the
band with the wiper symbol on it.
8(Mist):For a single wiping cycle, turn the
band to mist. Hold it there until the wipers
start. Then let go. The wipers will stop after
one wipe. If you want more wipe cycles, hold
the band on mist longer.
153

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
Your vehicle may have
the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS).
This light will come on when your engine is
started and may stay on for several seconds.
That is normal.
If the ABS warning light comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the anti-lock
portion of the brake system. If the brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but you do not have anti-lock brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 186.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. If the
light comes on when you are driving, stop as
soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then
start the engine again to reset the system. If
the light still stays on, or comes on again whileyou are driving, your vehicle needs service. If the
regular brake system warning light is not on,
you still have brakes, but you do not have anti-lock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light
is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 186.
The ABS warning light should come on briey
when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle may
have a Traction
Control System (TCS)
warning light.
If this warning light comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the TCS and, if your
vehicle has this feature, the StabiliTrak
®system.
187

The TCS warning light will come on briey when
you turn the ignition to RUN. If it does not come on
then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
If the TCS warning light stays on or comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road as soon as
possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the
system by turning the ignition off then back on. If
the light still stays on or comes back on again
while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
Have the traction control system and, if your
vehicle has this feature, the StabiliTrak
®system
inspected as soon as possible. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 294and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 296for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that
your engine is very hot.
This light will come on when you rst start the
vehicle as a check to let you know that the light is
working. It will go out after a few seconds. If the
light does not come on, the bulb may be burned out.
See your dealer to have it corrected.
If the light does not go out or if the light comes on
and stays on while you are driving, your vehicle
may have a problem with the cooling system. You
should stop the vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible to avoid damage to the
engine. A warning chime will sound when this light
is on, also.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 367.
188