air conditioning BUICK LACROSSE 2005 Owner's Manual

To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry
transmitter, do the following:
1. Insert a at object, with a thin edge, into the notch
located below the remote alarm button, and
separate the bottom half from the top half of the
transmitter.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object
to do this.3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the
positive side of the battery facing up. Use a type
CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.
4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter
together. Make sure the cover is on tight, so
water will not get in.
5. Test the operation of the transmitter with
the vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is active and the vehicle
has an automatic climate control system, it will
automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is turned
to RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
2-7

9(Fan):Turn the knob by this symbol, located on the
left side of the climate control panel, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
During the highest fan speed selections, the fan
speed will be temporarily reduced between the transition
to a new mode. The fan will resume the original
speed when the transition to the new mode is complete.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This mode directs outside air to the
instrument panel outlets. If driving in city traffic, and the
vehicle is stopped and idling, or the weather is hot,
switch from this mode to the recirculation mode.
To prevent the air inside the vehicle from becoming
stale, be sure to return to the vent mode periodically.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the
windshield. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed to
the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed toward the side
window outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
In this mode, the system will automatically use outside
air. The air conditioning compressor will be engaged
unless the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
Recirculation cannot be selected when in this mode.
You can also select modes by using the
following buttons:
h(Recirculate):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more
quickly. An indicator light below the button will come on
in this mode. Operation in this mode during periods
of high humidity and cool outside temperatures
may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
3-22

#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When this button is
pressed, an indicator light below the button will come on
to let you know the air conditioning is activated. Air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as the
fan switch is on.
On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent/outside air mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the vehicle is a result of high
humidity causing moisture to condense on the cool
window glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are two modes
to clear frost or fog from the windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of condensation and
to warm the vehicle’s occupants. Use the defrost
mode to remove frost or condensation from the
windshield quickly. Recirculation cannot be selected
when in these modes.
See “Rear Window Defogger” later in this section for
information on clearing the rear window of fog or ice.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets and half to the
oor outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to the oor outlets.
3-23

Recirculation is not available while in the defrost or
oor/defog modes. Using recirculation for long periods of
time may cause the air inside your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in your
vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air conditioning compressor on and off. The indicator
light on the button will come on when the air
conditioning is on.
((Heated Seats):Press this button to turn the driver
or passenger heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-5for additional information.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the oor/defog mode to
clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm
the passengers. Use defrost to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
-(Floor/Defog):Press this button to direct the air
between the windshield, oor outlets and side windows.
When you select this mode, the system turns
recirculation off and runs the air conditioning compressorunless the outside temperature is near or below
freezing. Pressing the recirculation button will have no
effect other than turning on the telltale light while in
oor/defog mode.
1(Defrost):Press this button to direct most of the
air to the windshield, with some air directed to the
side windows. In this mode, the system will automatically
turn off the recirculation and run the air conditioning
compressor, unless the outside temperature is near or
below freezing. Pressing the recirculation button will
have no effect other than turning on the telltale
light while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
Sensors
The solar sensor on the vehicle monitors the solar heat
and the air inside of the vehicle. This information is
used to maintain the selected temperature by initiating
needed adjustments to the temperature, the fan
speed, and the air delivery system. The system may
also supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated, as
necessary. Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield,
or the system will not work properly.
3-27

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window. The rear
window defogger will only work when the engine
is running.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to
turn the rear window defogger on and off. Be sure
to clear as much snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
20 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately
20 minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be
turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheels located between the center
outlets to open and close the outlets. Move the lever in
the center of each air outlet to adjust the direction of
the airow.
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.
If the vehicle has a passenger compartment air lter
and 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 3-28.
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. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
The lter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like the engine’s air cleaner
lter, it may need to be changed periodically. For
information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air lter, seeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.
3-28

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.
3-54

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kiloPascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
5-55

J-Style Fuses Usage
25 Air Pump
26 Battery Main 1
27 Battery Main 2
28 Battery Main 3
29 Fan 1
30 Battery Main 4
31 Anti-lock Brake System Motor
32 Fan 2
33 Starter
Micro-Relays Usage
34 Headlamp High Beam
35 HDM Module
36 Fog Lamp
37 Ignition 1
38 Air Conditioning Compressor
39 Horn
40 Powertrain
41 Fuel Pump
Mini-Relays Usage
42 Fan 1
43 Fan 3
Mini-Relays Usage
44 Windshield Wiper High
45 Windshield Wiper
46 Fan 2
48 Crank
Spare Fuses Usage
49 Spare
50 Spare
51 Spare
52 Spare
53 Spare
54 Spare
Fuse Puller Usage
55 Fuse Puller
Diodes Usage
§Air Conditioner Compressor
Clutch Diode
5-91

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions.
Capacities and Specications
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 2.31 lbs 1.05 kg
Automatic Transmission 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3.6L V6
3.8L V611.0 qt
11.7 qt10.4 L
11.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L V6
3.8L V65.5 quarts
4.5 quarts5.2 L
4.3 L
Fuel Tank 17.5 gallons 66.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 ft lb 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transaxle Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 7 Automatic 0.044 inches (1.1 mm)
3.8 V6 2 Automatic 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
5-92

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door and console
door. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better and not stick or
squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
6-7