3-30 BUICK LACROSSE 2005 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-31
Airbag System
.........................................1-51
Restraint System Check
............................1-65
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
OnStar
®System
......................................2-34
HomeLink®Transmitter
.............................2-36
Storage Areas
.........................................2-40
Sunroof
..................................................2-42
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-79Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-34
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-43
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-45
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-51
Tires
......................................................5-52
Appearance Care
.....................................5-78
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-86
Electrical System
......................................5-87
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-92
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2005 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................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.........................................3-18Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-28
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-32
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-33
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-35
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-37
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Interior Lamps Control. SeeInterior Lamps on
page 3-16.
C. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-13. Fog Lamp Control. SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-15.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-118.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
G. DIC Buttons. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-47.
H. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.I. Audio System Controls. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-79.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
L. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Steering Wheel Climate Controls. SeeSteering
Wheel Climate Controls on page 3-30.
O. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-24.
P. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28.
Q. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-20.
R. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
3-5

Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
9(Off):Press this button to turn the climate control
system off.
yz(Temperature):Press these buttons to manually
adjust the temperature inside the vehicle. Press the
up arrow on the driver or passenger side to raise
the temperature and press the down arrow to lower the
temperature. The display will show the selected
temperature.
You may also have controls on your steering wheel that
can be used to adjust the temperature inside your
vehicle. SeeSteering Wheel Climate Controls on
page 3-30for additional information.
z9(Fan):Press this button to decrease the fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual or
semi-automatic mode. Press the AUTO button to return
to automatic operation. If the airow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger
compartment air lter may need to be replaced. For
more information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-28andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
9y(Fan):Press this button to increase the fan
speed. Pressing the arrows cancels the automatic
operation and places the system in manual or
semi-automatic mode. Press the AUTO button to return
to automatic operation. If the airow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger
compartment air lter may need to be replaced. For
more information seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-28andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor, with some air directed to the side window outlets
and a small amount to the windshield.
)(Bi-Level):This setting directs airow to the
instrument panel and oor outlets. A small amount
of air is also directed to the windshield and the side
window outlets.
Y(Vent):This mode directs air through the instrument
panel outlets.
h(Recirculation):Press this button to turn
recirculation mode on or off. This mode keeps outside
air from coming into the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering your vehicle
or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more quickly.
3-26

Steering Wheel Climate Controls
If your vehicle has this
feature, you can control
the temperature inside
your vehicle by using the
controls located on
your steering wheel.
yz(Temperature):Press the up arrow to increase
or the down arrow decrease the temperature inside
your vehicle.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on the vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly – and even dangerous. So please get to know
the warning lights and gages. They are a big help.
3-30

Check
Engine Light...............................................3-39
Check Gas Cap Light......................................3-46
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-84
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-48
Top Strap...................................................1-41
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-120
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-83
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-81
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-78
Finish Care.................................................5-82Cleaning (cont.)
Glass Surfaces............................................5-80
Instrument Panel.........................................5-80
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-80
Leather......................................................5-80
Tires..........................................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Vinyl..........................................................5-80
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-81
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-82
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-28
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-30
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-77
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-41
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Low Warning Light.......................................3-39
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
3

Spare Tire
Installing....................................................5-71
Removing...................................................5-69
Storing.......................................................5-76
Specications, Capacities.................................5-92
Speedometer..................................................3-32
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-8
StabiliTrak
®System.......................................... 4-9
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-22
Steering........................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Comfort Controls......................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-118
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-41
Convenience Net.........................................2-41
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-40
Glove Box..................................................2-40
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-42
T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-48TCS Warning Light..........................................3-37
Theater Dimming............................................3-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-117
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III Operation..............................2-19
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-52
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-83
Buying New Tires........................................5-62
Chains.......................................................5-66
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-68
Cleaning....................................................5-83
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-67
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-58
Inspection and Rotation................................5-60
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-71
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-71
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-69
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-76
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-55
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-63
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-64
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-61
12

Top Strap......................................................1-41
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-43
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-34
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-34
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-8
Control System Warning Light.......................3-37
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-9
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-24
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Trunk............................................................2-13
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-45
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-18
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-119
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-63
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... ivVehicle (cont.)
Loading......................................................4-29
Service Soon Light......................................3-45
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-86
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-86
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-71
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-30
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-53
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-45
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-65
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-40
13