coolant temperature BUICK LACROSSE 2006 User Guide

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-30.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light on the instrument panel cluster that indicate
an overheated engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-41andEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-40for more
information.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), you will nd an ENGINE
COOLANT HOT and a REDUCED POWER STOP
WHEN SAFE message displayed on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-59
for more information.
5-27

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Set the climate controls to the highest heat setting
and fan speed and open the windows as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on,
you can drive normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the
engine for three minutes while you are parked. If you
still have the warning, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN
SAFE message will come on in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), along with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on the instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated engine protection
operating mode. The temperature gage will also indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles
(km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15.
5-29

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-52
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-130
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-89
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-85
Finish Care.................................................5-88
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-84
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-86
Leather......................................................5-86
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87Cleaning (cont.)
Weatherstrips..............................................5-87
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-22
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-30
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-29
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-31
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-83
Compass.......................................................3-57
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-46
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-41
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-46
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-45
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-94
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-93
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-95
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-93
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-41
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-27
Reduced Power Light...................................3-46
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-15
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-90
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-72
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-73
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-82
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-49
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
5

Fuel (cont.)
Gage.........................................................3-48
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-49
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-94
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-95
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-93
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-41
Fuel..........................................................3-48
Speedometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-40
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-48
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-93
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System...................................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps................5-51
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Suggested Light..........................................3-47
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps...................5-51
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-22
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-47
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
6

Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-23
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-63
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-32
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-58
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-18
Courtesy....................................................3-16
Exterior......................................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Interior.......................................................3-16
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-18
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-34
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-39
Brake System Warning.................................3-38
Change Engine Oil......................................3-45
Charging System.........................................3-37
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-49
Cruise Control.............................................3-46
Door Ajar...................................................3-47
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-40
Headlamps Suggested.................................3-47
Highbeam On.............................................3-47
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-49
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-47
7