automatic transmission BUICK LACROSSE 2009 Owner's Manual

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks.............................................2-9
Door Locks....................................................2-9
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-11
Trunk..........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-16
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III Electronic Immobilizer...............2-18
PASS-Key®III Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-19
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-22
Starting the Engine.......................................2-23Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-24
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-26
Parking Brake..............................................2-29
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-29
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-32
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-33
Engine Exhaust............................................2-33
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-34
Mirrors...........................................................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-35
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-35
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-36
Object Detection Systems...............................2-37
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)...........................................2-37
OnStar
®System.............................................2-39
Universal Home Remote System......................2-43
Universal Home Remote System Operation......2-43
Storage Areas................................................2-47
Glove Box...................................................2-47
Cupholders..................................................2-47
Center Console Storage.................................2-47
Convenience Net..........................................2-48
Sunroof.........................................................2-48
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle’s automatic
transmission may have a
shift lever on the steering
column or on the console
between the seats.
There is also a display
located on the instrument
panel cluster that
indicates the vehicle’s
gear position.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-29. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. Console Shift Lever
2-26

Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy. If more power is needed
for passing, and the vehicle is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle will automatically shift
down to the next gear and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding. See Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal driving.
However it reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive)
without using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third)
instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads,
when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between
gears and when going down a steep hill.Notice:Driving in 2 (Second) for more than 25 miles
(40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may
damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
2 (Second) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in 3 (Third) or D (Drive)
instead of 2 (Second).
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You
can use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle
speed as you go down steep mountain roads, while
using the brakes off and on.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If
the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle
is moving forward, the transmission will not shift into
rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-28

Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a
an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-41.
Console Shift
If the console shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-21for more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button
5. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If the column shift lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-21for more information.
3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral)
position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-32

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-33.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-29.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-28.
2-34

For vehicles with the 5.3L V8 engine, StabiliTrak can be
turned off by pressing and holding the traction control
button, located above the radio, for approximately
ve seconds. A STABILITY CONTROL OFF message
will be displayed on the DIC when StabiliTrak is
turned off. StabiliTrak will remain off until the traction
control button is pressed once to turn it back on, or until
the engine is restarted.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin. It may also upshift
the transmission to limit wheel spin. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
The TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will be displayed
when the system is limiting wheel spin.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions.
But the system can upshift the transmission only as high
as the shift lever position that was chosen, so use the
lower gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
4-7

If cruise control is being used when ETS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for
more information.
ETS operates in all transmission shift lever positions. But
the system can upshift the transmission only as high as
the chosen shift lever position, so use the lower gears
only when necessary. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-26for more information.
This warning light, along
with the TRACTION
CONTROL OFF message,
will display briey on the
DIC when ETS is not on.
If there is a problem with the system, the SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM message will also come on in the
DIC. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, ETS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off if needed. ETS should be
turned off if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-19.
To turn ETS on or off,
press the Traction Control
button located above
the radio.
When ETS is turned off, the ETS warning light will come
on along with the TRACTION CONTROL OFF message
on the DIC. It will turn off when ETS is turned back on. If
ETS is limiting wheel spin when the traction control button
is pressed, the ETS warning light comes on and ETS will
turn off right away.
4-9

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-31.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a at tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
4-34

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
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 Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Cooling System............................................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-31Pressure Cap...............................................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
Headlamp Aiming..........................................
.5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-50
License Plate Lamp......................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Replacement.................................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-53
Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-64
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
B.Battery on page 5-40.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-41.
D.Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
E.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-101.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24.
G.Radiator Pressure Cap on page 5-31.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-34.
I. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24.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 Transmission Fluid Dipstick.
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
M. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-24.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
O.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13