windshield wipers BUICK LACROSSE 2009 Owner's Manual

The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from left to
right while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate the radio and windshield wipers
while the engine is off. To use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn
the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR
when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the
ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56for more information.
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.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System......................................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-17
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-18
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-18Electric Power Management...........................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-32
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-33
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-35
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-35
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light........3-36
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light........3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Telescoping Column
If the vehicle has a telescoping column on the steering
wheel it adjusts the distance of the steering wheel
to the driver without having to move the driver’s seat.
The lever that makes this
adjustment is located on
the left side of the steering
column and behind the tilt
lever, if the vehicle has this
feature.
To adjust the steering wheel, pull the steering wheel
column lever down and push or pull the steering wheel
to a comfortable position. Then pull the lever up to
lock the wheel in place.
Do not drive the vehicle unless the telescoping column
is locked.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
G: Turn and Lane Change Signals
2: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
N: Windshield Wipers
LQ: Windshield Washer
Flash-to-Pass.
For information on the headlamps, seeExterior Lamps
on page 3-13.
Information for these features is on the pages following.
3-7

Windshield Wipers
Turn the band with the wiper symbol to control the
windshield wipers.
8(Mist):Turn to mist for a single wiping cycle. Hold it
there until the wipers start. Then let go. The wipers stop
after one wipe. Hold the band on mist longer, for more
wipe cycles.
9(Off):Turns the wipers off.
6(Delay):Turn the band to adjust the delay time.
The delay between wiping cycles becomes shorter as
the band is moved to the top of the lever. This can
be very useful in light rain or snow.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed.
?(High Speed):For high-speed wiping.
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 5-53.
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.
Windshield Washer
LQ(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked
with the windshield washer symbol at the top of the
multifunction lever. To spray washer uid on the
windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will clear the
window and then either stop or return to your preset
speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
3-9

Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
This vehicle has a passenger compartment air lter.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting it may need to be replaced. For more
information, seePassenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 3-29.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located in
the engine compartment below the air inlet grille,
near the passenger’s side windshield wiper arm.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. The lter needs to be
changed periodically to keep the air conditioning working
at its best. For information on how often to change the
passenger compartment air lter, seeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Peel back the hood weather-strip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to the
center of the hood.
6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
8. Remove the water deector panel.
3-29

ENGINE COOLANT HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-31for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature
warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light on page 3-38andEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-38for more information.
To avoid added strain on the engine, turn off the air
conditioner if it is on. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air conditioner can be turned
back on.
This message displays only when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this
message is displayed. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the
screen.This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays when the amount of available
light outside of the vehicle is low, or the windshield
wipers have been on for about 30 seconds, and
the exterior lamps control is off or in the parking lamps
position. This message informs the driver that turning
on the exterior lamps is recommended. SeeExterior
Lamps on page 3-13for more information.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-60

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

Fuses Usage
INJ 1 Injectors 1
INJ 2 Injectors 2
LT HI BEAM Driver Side High-Beam Headlamps
LT LO BEAM Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
RT HI BEAMPassenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
RT LO BEAMPassenger Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
STRTR Starter
TRANS Transmission
WPR Windshield Wipers
WSW/RVC1Windshield Washers, Regulated
Voltage ControlRelays Usage
A/C CMPRSR Air Conditioning Compressor
FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2
FAN 3 Cooling Fan 3
FUEL/PUMP Fuel Pump
HDM Headlamp Driver Module
PWR/TRN Powertrain
STRTR Starter
5-105

Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-74
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-7
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Visors...........................................................2-16
W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............3-30
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-56
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-45
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-74
Different Size..............................................5-71
Replacement...............................................5-74
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-40
Windows.......................................................2-14
Power ........................................................2-15Windshield
Replacement...............................................5-53
Washer........................................................ 3-9
Washer Fluid..............................................5-35
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-53
Wiper Blades, Cleaning................................5-95
Wiper Fuses...............................................5-99
Wipers......................................................... 3-9
Winter Driving................................................4-17
X
XM Radio Messages.......................................3-98
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-113
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14