warning BUICK LACROSSE 2005 Owner's Guide

Fuel Gage
The fuel gage indicates
about how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank when the
ignition is on.
When the indicator nears empty, there is still a little fuel
left, but you should get more fuel soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. All
these things are normal and do not indicate that
anything is wrong with the fuel gage:
At the gas station, the pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
It takes more, or less, fuel to ll up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but
it took more, or less, than half of the tank’s capacity
to ll it.
The gage pointer may move while cornering,
braking or accelerating.
The gage may not indicate empty when the ignition
is turned off.
Low Fuel Warning Light
If the vehicle’s fuel is low, a light on the fuel gage, if
equipped, will come on and a chime will sound
periodically until fuel is added to the fuel tank.
It will also come on for a few seconds when the ignition
is turned on as a check to indicate it is working. If it
does not come on then, have it xed.
For vehicles with a DIC, a LOW FUEL message will
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53
for more information.
Check Gas Cap Light
If equipped, this light will
come on and a chime will
sound if your gas cap
is not securely fastened.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-39for more
information.
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Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle may have a Driver Information
Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located in
the instrument panel cluster, below the speedometer.
The DIC buttons are located on the center of the
instrument panel, below the center outlets.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC on the uplevel vehicle will display the
WELCOME DRIVER (1 or 2) if a personalized key 1 or 2
is used, and then the information that was last
displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC on the base level vehicle displays the odometer
and trip odometers only.
The DIC on the uplevel vehicle displays the odometer,
trip odometers, fuel economy, trip computer, vehicle
system, and compass display information. It also
displays warning messages if a system problem is
detected. In addition, the DIC on the uplevel vehicle
displays phone numbers that are called using the
OnStar
®system, if equipped. SeeOnStar®System on
page 2-34.The outside air temperature automatically appears in
the bottom right corner of the uplevel DIC display when
viewing the trip/odometer screens, fuel screens and
some of the gages screens. If the outside air
temperature is at or below 37°F (3°C), the temperature
reading will toggle between displaying the outside
temperature and the word ICE for two minutes. If there
is a problem with the system that controls the
temperature display, the letters OC (open circuit) or SC
(short circuit) will appear on the display. If this occurs,
have the vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
The DIC on the uplevel vehicle also allows some
features to be customized or personalized. SeeDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71for more
information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different modes which can be accessed by
pressing the DIC buttons located on the center of the
instrument panel. Depending on whether your vehicle
has the base level or uplevel DIC, the buttons and
modes available will differ.
The buttons on the base level vehicle are the
trip/odometer and English/Metric buttons.
The buttons on the uplevel vehicle are the trip/odometer,
set/reset, gages, fuel, and option buttons.
The button functions are detailed in the following pages.
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DIC Buttons
TRIP/ODO (Trip/Odometer):Press this button on
the base level vehicle to display the odometer and
trip distance.
Press this button on the uplevel vehicle to display
the odometer, trip distance, time elapsed, and
average speed.
E/M (English/Metric)**:Press this button on the base
level vehicle to select between English or Metric units.
To select between English or Metric units on the uplevel
vehicle, see “Units” later in this section.
.(Fuel)*:Press this button to display the fuel range,
average fuel economy, and instantaneous fuel economy.
2(Gages)*:Press this button to display the battery
voltage and oil life.
r(Set/Reset)*:Press this button to set or reset
certain functions and to turn off or acknowledge
messages on the DIC.
4(Option)*:Press this button to display the units,
language, personalization, compass zone, and compass
calibration. SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-71for more information.
t(Traction Control)*:If your vehicle has the traction
control system, press this button to turn traction
control on or off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8for more information.
|(Hazard):Press this button to turn the hazard
warning ashers on and off. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6for more information.
*These buttons are available on uplevel vehicles only.
**This button is available on base level vehicles only. Uplevel shown
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Fuel Menu Items (Uplevel Only)
.
(Fuel):Press this button to scroll through the
following menu items:
Fuel Range
Press the fuel button until FUEL RANGE displays.
This mode shows the approximate number of
remaining miles or kilometers the vehicle can be
driven without refueling.
Fuel range is based on several factors, including
distance travelled, fuel used, fuel capacity, etc. This
estimate will change if driving conditions change.
For example, if driving in traffic and making frequent
stops, this mode may read one number, but if the vehicle
is driven on a freeway, the number may change even
though the same amount of fuel is in the fuel tank. This
is because different driving conditions produce
different fuel economies. Generally, freeway driving
produces better fuel economy than city driving.
Fuel range cannot be reset.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, FUEL RANGE LOW will
display followed by the LOW FUEL message. See “LOW
FUEL” underDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-53for more information.
Average Fuel Economy
Press the fuel button until AVG ECONOMY displays.
This mode shows the approximate average miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km). This
number is calculated based on the number of mpg
(L/100 km) recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. To reset AVG ECONOMY, press and hold the
set/reset button. The display will return to zero.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy
Press the fuel button until INST ECONOMY displays.
This mode shows the current fuel economy at a
particular moment and will change frequently as driving
conditions change. This mode shows the instantaneous
fuel economy in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km). Unlike average fuel
economy, this screen cannot be reset.
Gages Menu Items (Uplevel Only)
2
(Gages):Press this button to scroll through the
following menu items:
Battery
Press the gages button until BATTERY displays. This
mode shows the current battery voltage.
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If there is a problem with the battery charging system, a
DIC message will display. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-53for more information.
Your vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage based
on the state of the battery. The battery voltage may
uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC. This
is normal.
Oil Life
Press the gages button until OIL LIFE displays. This
mode shows an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful
life. If you see OIL LIFE 99% on the display, that means
99% of the current oil life remains. The engine oil life
system will alert you to change your oil on a schedule
consistent with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE OIL
SOON message will appear on the display. You should
change your oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15. In addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance Schedule in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself after
each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any
time other than when the oil has just been changed. It
cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.To reset the engine oil life system, press and hold the
set/reset button while OIL LIFE is displayed. The display
will show 100% when the system is reset. SeeEngine
Oil Life System on page 5-18for more information.
Option Menu Items (Uplevel Only)
4
(Option):Press this button to scroll through the
following menu items:
Units
Press the option button until UNITS displays. This mode
allows you to select between English or Metric units
of measurement. Once in this mode, press the set/reset
button to select between ENGLISH or METRIC units.
Language
Press the option button until the language screen
displays. This mode allows you to select the language
in which the DIC messages will appear. Once in
this mode, press the set/reset button to select among
the following choices:
English
Francais (French)
Espanol (Spanish)
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3. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and
select the appropriate variance zone.
The direction the vehicle is moving will be displayed
in the top right corner of the DIC display.
4. If you need to calibrate the compass, use the
compass calibration procedure. See “Compass
Calibration Procedure” following.
Compass Calibration
The compass is manually calibrated. Only calibrate the
compass in a safe location where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a problem.
To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Press the option button until the COMPASS
CALIBRATION screen is displayed.
2. Press the set/reset button to start the compass
calibration.
3. The DIC will display CALIBRATION BEGUN DRIVE
IN CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in a circle until the
DIC displays CALIBRATION FINISHED. The
DIC will display CALIBRATION FINISHED for
several seconds and then will display the
COMPASS CALIBRATION screen.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the uplevel DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and
that some action may be needed by the driver to
correct the condition. Multiple messages may appear
one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you can press any of the DIC buttons on the uplevel
vehicle to acknowledge that you received the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared.
If there are any active warning messages when the
vehicle is turned off, two chimes will sound and the DIC
will go into a reminder mode. The reminder mode
displays any active message. If there are multiple
messages, the DIC will display each message for
ve seconds. After each active message is displayed
once, the reminder mode will turn off.
You should take any messages that appear on the
display seriously and remember that clearing the
messages will only make the messages disappear, not
correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
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A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
This message will display when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-38.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor will turn back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
This message will come on while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
warning message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on. If this message continues
to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer
as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message will display when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to
save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. If
you have an uplevel DIC, you can monitor the battery
voltage by pressing the gages button until BATTERY
displays.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message will display when service is required for
the vehicle. See your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The OIL LIFE screen
under the gages menu on the DIC must also be reset.
See “Oil Life” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-47andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
This message will display while the ignition is in
RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
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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 5-24for more information.
This message will display when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature
warning light will also appear 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 will display only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound 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 will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message will display when the amount of available
light outside of the vehicle is low, or the windshield
wipers have been on for approximately 30 seconds, and
the exterior lamps control is off or in the park 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 will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
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HOOD AJAR
This message will display when the hood is not closed
properly. When this message appears, you should
make sure that the hood is closed completely. SeeHood
Release on page 5-11.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
HOT TRANS FLUID
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to
idle until it cools down. If the warning message
continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it
from the screen.This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
KEY FOB BATTERY LOW
This message will display when the battery in the
remote keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery, see “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry System Operation
on page 2-4.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
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The brake system warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-36.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it
from the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
LOW FUEL
This message will display when your vehicle is low on
fuel. You should rell the tank as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gage on page 3-46andFilling the Tank on
page 5-8for more information.
The message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
LOW OIL LEVEL
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine oil
is low. Fill the oil to the proper level as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the engine oil ll location. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-15for information on the kind of
oil to use and the proper oil level.
The message will display and a chime will sound while
the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message will continue to display for two seconds if
it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display 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 will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
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