BUICK LACROSSE 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (93,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-93
3. Replace the jack and tools intheir original storage location.
4. Place the tire, lying flat, facing up in the spare tire well.
5. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to secure the tire.
6. Place the floor cover on the wheel.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact
spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.Compact Spare Tire
{WARNING
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when the
vehicle was new; however, it can
lose air after a time. Check the
inflation pressure regularly. It should
be 420 kPa (60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after installing the spare on
the vehicle. The compact spare is
designed to perform well at speeds
up to 105 km/h (65 mph) for
distances up to 5 000 km (3,000 mi),
so a trip can be completed and the
full-size tire repaired or replaced when possible. However, the
compact spare tire will last longer
and be in good shape if it is
replaced as soon as possible.
Notice:
When the compact spare
is installed, do not take the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on
the rails which can damage the
tire, wheel, and other parts of the
vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Notice: Tire chains will not fit the
compact spare. Using them can
damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.

Black plate (94,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-94 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting (On-board
with eAssist Only)
If the vehicle fails to crank, it may
be jump started by using the eAssist
battery to charge the 12-volt battery.
Use the following procedure to
activate the on‐board jump start
using the DIC controls.
DIC Buttons
A. SET/CLR
B.
w x(Thumbwheel)
C. MENU With the ignition key in the run
position, proceed as follows:
1. Press MENU (C) on the turn
signal lever until Vehicle
Information Menu is displayed.
Use
w x(Thumbwheel) (B) to
scroll through the menu items
until Jump Start is displayed.
2. Press SET/CLR (A) to activate the jump start.
3. The system will then ask for confirmation. If yes is selected,
the jump start will begin and the
display will show JUMP START
ACTIVE, WAIT TO START.
4. When the jump start is complete, the display will show JUMP
START COMPLETE. ATTEMPT
START. If the vehicle is started, the
on‐board jump start function will be
automatically disabled. If the vehicle
cranks but does not start, the
procedure may be repeated
again. If the vehicle start is still
unsuccessful, the jump start can be
attempted using the following jump
starting procedure under
“Jump
Starting (with or without eAssist).”
On‐board jump starting may be
unavailable due to the 12-volt
battery charge level, the eAssist
battery charge level, power
capability, or an issue with the
eAssist system. In these cases, the
display will not be available because
of the power issue, or the DIC will
display JUMP START DISABLED.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL.

Black plate (95,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-95
Jump Starting (with or
without eAssist)
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery on
page 10‑25.
If the battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some
jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{WARNING
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can
burn you.
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
.They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.
Notice: Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage to
the vehicle that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by
pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
The jump start positive is located
under a trim cover in the engine
compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle.

Black plate (96,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-96 Vehicle Care
This post (A) is used instead of a
direct connection to the battery.
1. Check the other vehicle. It musthave a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice: Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump
starting. If the other vehicle does
not have a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles
can be damaged.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching. 3. Set the parking brake firmly and
put the shift lever in P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9‑27.
Notice: If any accessories are left
on or plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible,
turn off or unplug all accessories
on either vehicle when jump
starting the vehicle.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
and switch off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{WARNING
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
(Continued)

Black plate (97,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-97
WARNING (Continued)
add water to take care of that
first. If you do not, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{WARNING
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the redpositive (+) cable to the jump
start positive (+) post (A). Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
6. Do not let the other end of the red positive (+) cable touch
metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery (B). Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. 7. Connect one end of the black
negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the good
battery (C). Use a remote
negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step. The
other end of the negative (–)
cable does not go to the dead
battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
to a remote negative (–) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead
battery.

Black plate (98,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-98 Vehicle Care
8. Connect the other end of theblack negative (–) cable to an
unpainted heavy metal engine
part (D) away from the dead
battery, but not near engine
parts that move.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service. Notice:
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct
order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (–)
Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote
Negative (–) Terminals
C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal

Black plate (99,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-99
To disconnect the jumper cables
from both vehicles:
1. Disconnect the blacknegative (−) cable from the
vehicle that had the dead
battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the
good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle.
5. Return the caps over the positive (+) and negative (–)
terminals to their original
positions.Towing
Towing the Vehicle
Notice: To avoid damage, the
disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the
ground. Care must be taken with
vehicles that have low ground
clearance and/or special
equipment. Always flatbed on a
car carrier.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing” in this
section.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.

Black plate (100,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-100 Vehicle Care
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
tow the vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, a dolly should be used. See
“Dolly Towing” that follows for more
information.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow the vehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

Black plate (101,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-101
3. Shift the transmission toP (Park).
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight-ahead
position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.Dolly Towing from the Front
(All-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with all-wheel drive cannot
be dolly towed.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
The vehicle cannot be dolly towed
from the rear.

Black plate (102,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-102 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Notice:Do not use petroleum
based, acidic, or abrasive
cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered
by the vehicle's warranty.
Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer.
Follow all manufacturer
directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product. Notice:
Avoid using high
pressure washes closer than
30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers
exceeding 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi)
can result in damage or removal
of paint and decals.
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 finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. 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 finish 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.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Notice:
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.