tow BUICK LACROSSE 2009 Workshop Manual

Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to
remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are
allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
the vehicle. Avoid using high pressure washes closer
than 12 inches (30 cm) to the surface of the vehicle.
Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274 kPa)
can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a
car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing Your Vehicle on
page 5-93.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle
by hand may be necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish,
the clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish on the vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s nish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
5-94

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended
for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
5-95

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for conditions such
as ice and dust. Always wash the vehicle’s chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Notice:Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the warranty. Use only
approved cleaners on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could damage the surface.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice:Driving the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes, could damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
5-96

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, 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, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine 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)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-53 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-95 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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 see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-68.
(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 driving regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
6-7

Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes rst.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered.
In Canada, a person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Buick and General Motors of Canada
Limited reserve the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Buick and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner
or driver if they decide the claims are made too often,
or the same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway:Tow to the nearest Buick dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and
cannot be driven. Assistance is also given when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change
a at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if
equipped, must be in good condition and properly
inated. It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair
or replacement of the tire if it is not covered by
the warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure,
incidental expenses may be reimbursed during
the 5 years/100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are hotel,
meals, and rental car.
7-8

Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either
with the most direct route or the most scenic route.
There is a six request limit per year. Additional
travel information is also available. Allow three
weeks for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:Must
be over 250 kilometres from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization
has been received, the Roadside Assistance
advisor will help you make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistance
advisor may give you permission to get local
emergency road service. You will receive payment,
up to $100, after sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and labor
for repairs not covered by the warranty are
the owner responsibility.
7-9

Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are signicant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide reduced protection
to your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs by using aftermarket collision parts.
Some insurance companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you assure your vehicle will be repaired
with GM original equipment collision parts. If such
insurance coverage is not available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching to another
insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged at
the end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you are
uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your
vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or you
are instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash.
This will help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
7-13

Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for
a police report, phone or go to the police
department headquarters the next day and you
can get a copy of the report for a nominal fee.
In some states/provinces with “no fault” insurance
laws, a report may not be necessary. This is
especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your
GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live
with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your
insurance company may initially value the repair
using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts.
Remember if your vehicle is leased you may be
obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine
GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for the
repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with
that company. In such cases, you can have control of
the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
7-14

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-34
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-29
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-61
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-KEY
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-18
PASS-Key®III Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-19
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 5-4
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-18
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-99
Power
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.........................................5-99
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-3
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-44
Retained Accessory.....................................2-22
Seat ............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-34
Windows....................................................2-15
Pressure Cap.................................................5-31
Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-17
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar .......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-18
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............2-10
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-31
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID),
Privacy......................................................7-18
Radio(s)........................................................3-83
Radios
Reception.................................................3-112
Setting the Clock.........................................3-82
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-110
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps...................3-18
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-11
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-35
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-35
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-11
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-26
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-44
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-79
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-78
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-52
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-13
Replacement, Windshield.................................5-53
10

Tires (cont.)
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-76
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-61
Inspection and Rotation................................5-67
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-79
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-64
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-62
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-79
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools........................................5-84, 5-87
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-74
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-74
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-68
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-26
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-28
Your Vehicle...............................................4-26
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-7
Control System Warning Light.......................3-37
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).................... 4-8
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-37
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-6Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Trunk............................................................2-12
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-45
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-37
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-43
Operation...................................................2-43
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-20
Running While Parked..................................2-34
Service Soon Light......................................3-45
Symbols......................................................... iii
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-17
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-98
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-98
13