BUICK LACROSSE 2008 Owners Manual

Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat
and suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a
helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
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Power Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome from extreme heat in
warm or hot weather and suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke.
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children
or others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with
children.
When there are children in the rear seat use
the window lockout button to prevent
unintentional operation of the windows.The switches on the driver’s door armrest are used
to control each of the windows. The power window
switches work while the ignition is in ON/RUN,
ACC/ACCESSORY, or while Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-25. Each passenger door
has its own window switch.
To lower the window, press and hold the front of the
switch to the rst position until the window is at
the desired level. To raise the window, pull up and
hold the front of the switch.
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Express-Down Window
The driver’s window switch has an express-down
feature labeled AUTO. This lets you lower the window
completely without holding the switch. Press the front of
the switch to the second position and release.
To stop the window while it is lowering, briey pull up
on the switch.
Window Lockout
o
(Window Lockout):The driver’s window switches
also include a lockout switch. Press the right side of the
switch to prevent the rear passengers from using
their window switches. The driver can still control all the
windows and the front passenger can control their
own window with the lockout on. Press the left side of
the switch to return to normal window operation. A
red bar on the right side of the switch indicates that the
lockout is off.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. They
can be detached from the center retainer and slid along
the rod to cover different areas of the front window
and turned to cover the side windows.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Swing down the sun visors and lift the cover to expose
the vanity mirror. Do not drive with the cover lifted
due to possible glare impeding other drivers behind or
to the side of the vehicle.
2-19

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent alarm
system.
Your vehicle may have a
red light located on top of
the instrument panel,
toward the center of the
vehicle and near the
windshield, that will ash
slowly when the system is
armed.The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be activated
through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
“CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items”
inDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-76. While
armed, the doors will not unlock with the power door lock
switch. The remote alarm will sound if someone tampers
with the trunk or enters the vehicle without using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or key to unlock
the doors. The horn will sound and the headlamps will
ash for up to two minutes. The system will also cut off
the fuel supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven.
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 system will not arm 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 3-76.
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When the doors are locked using the power door lock
switch of either front door, the red light, if your vehicle has
one, 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, if your vehicle has
one, will begin to ash at a very slow rate, indicating the
system is armed.
Arming with the RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will arm when the RKE transmitter is
used to lock the doors after the key is removed from
the ignition. The red light, if your vehicle has one,
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, if your vehicle has one, will begin
ashing at a very slow rate to show the system is armed.
Arming Conrmation
Your vehicle may have a red light located on top of the
instrument panel, towards the center of the vehicle
and near the windshield, that will ash slowly to conrm
when the system is armed.
Disarming with the RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when the RKE transmitter
is used to unlock the doors. The red light, if your
vehicle has one, 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, if your vehicle has
one, 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 3-76for more information.
2-21

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.
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.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
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, there
may be a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn
the ignition off and try again.
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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 5-109. 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/retailer who can service the PASS-Key
®III to have
a new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-8for 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/retailer 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/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
ON/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/retailer.
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/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-23

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 the 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 4-28for 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.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), the ignition must be in
ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal must be applied.
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 (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This position
locks the ignition and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent
feature.
2-24

If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to left
and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To
use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns to
after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR
when the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in
the ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58for more information.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound,
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Power to these accessories continues to work for
10 minutes or until a door is opened.
2-25

Starting the Engine
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:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to 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
transmission 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
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
2-26