air condition BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Manual

In many crashes severe enough to inate an airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After
they inate, you will need some new parts for
your airbag system. If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other parts. The
service manual for your vehicle covers other
parts that need to be replaced.
Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
SeeVehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders on page 7-10.
Let only qualied technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that your
airbag system will not work properly. See your
GM dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The
passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument
panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key
to RUN or START. The words ON and OFF will
be visible during the system check. If you use remote
start to start your vehicle from a distance, if equipped,
you may not see the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the word ON or the
word OFF will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-35.
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver’s airbags are not part of the passenger
sensing system.Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator
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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, the climate control
system will heat and cool the inside of the vehicle based
on the outside temperature. The rear window defogger
will be turned on by the climate control system when it is
heating the inside of the vehicle. Normal operation of the
system will return after the key is turned to the RUN
position.
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.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset
after your vehicle’s engine is started two times using
the transmitter’s remote start button. The remote start
system is reset by inserting the vehicle’s key into the
ignition switch and turning it to RUN. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
Your remote keyless entry transmitter with the remote
start button provides an increased range of operation.
You can start your vehicle from an average range of
approximately 492 feet (150 m) away. However the
range may be less while the vehicle is running, and as
a result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle to
turn it off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-3for additional information.
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A complete OnStar®Owner’s Guide and the Terms
and Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your vehicle.
For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe &
Sound Plan is included for one year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the rst
year, or upgrade to the Directions & Connections Plan
to meet your needs. For more information, press
the OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Safe & Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Directions & Connections®Plan

All Safe & Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling allows OnStar®subscribers
to make and receive calls using voice commands at the
touch of a button. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated
into the vehicle, and may be used with Pre-Paid
Packages or linked to a cell phone through OnStar
®
Shared Minutes Plan. To nd out more, refer to the
OnStar®Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak with an
OnStar
®advisor by pressing the OnStar®button or
calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
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If the URPA system is not functioning properly, the
display will ash red, indicating that there is a problem.
The light will also ash red while driving if a trailer is
attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or object is on
the back of, or hanging out of your trunk. The light will
continue to ash until the trailer or the object is
removed and your vehicle is driven forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h).
It may also ash red if the ultrasonic sensors are not
kept clean. So be sure to keep your rear bumper free
of mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush or materials such as
paint or the system may not work properly. If after
cleaning the rear bumper and driving forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h), the display continues to ash red,
see your GM dealer. For cleaning instructions,
seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-87.
It may also ash red if your vehicle is moving in
REVERSE (R) at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Other conditions that may affect system performance
include things like the vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of airbrakes on a very large truck.
As always, drivers should use care when backing up a
vehicle. Always look behind you, being sure to check
for other vehicles, obstructions and blind spots.Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets enable power electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone or a CB radio
to be used inside the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with 12-volt outlets. One outlet
is located on the center console below the climate
controls. There may be another outlet located inside the
center storage console or in the ip and fold console.
Open the cover to use the outlet. Be sure to close the
cover when the outlet is not in use.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer.
3-20

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,
turn on the recirculation mode. To prevent the air inside
the vehicle from becoming stale, after ve minutes
recirculate will allow outside air into the vehicle.
)(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.
If recirculation is selected, the led will come on.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. To prevent the air inside the vehicle
from becoming stale, after ve minutes recirculate will
allow outside air into the vehicle.
#(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. Note that the indicator light will
change with each button press even when conditions
prevent operation.
3-23

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 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 (the indicator light will
come on when pressed).
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. When you select this mode, the system
turns recirculation off and runs 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 indicator light while in
defog mode.
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. When you select this
mode, the system turns recirculation off and runs 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
indicator light while in defrost mode.
3-24

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.
Recirculation is not available while in the oor, defrost, or
oor/defog modes. Using recirculation for long periods of
time may cause the air inside your vehicle to become too
dry. Recirculation mode has a 5 minute timer after which
the system allows for some fresh outside air into the
vehicle to maintain interior air quality.
#(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. Note that the indicator light will change with each
button press even when conditions prevent operation.
The indicator light on the air conditioning button will come
on every time the vehicle is started. The air conditioning
may be turned off by pressing the air conditioner button.
((Heated Seats):Press this button to turn the driver
or passenger heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-4for 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 compressor unless the
outside temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing
the recirculation button will have no effect other than
turning on the indicator 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 indicator light while in
defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
3-28

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter is located
below the air inlet grille, near the passenger’s side
windshield wiper arm. SeeEngine 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.
To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY and turn the
windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF when the windshield
wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Peel back the hood weather-strip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to the center
of the hood.6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
8. Remove the old
air lter by pulling
up on its tab.
9. Install a new passenger compartment air lter.
SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-13for the type of lter to use. Make sure it
slides under the compartment retainers.
10. Reverse Steps 1 through 7.
3-30

If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights remain
on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem
with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your
dealer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag readiness light
ever come on together, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system. If this
ever happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person sitting
in the right front passenger seat may not have
the protection of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 3-34.
Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on briey when
the ignition is turned on,
as a check to show that it
is working. Then it should
go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while the vehicle is being
driven, a chime will sound and there may be a problem
with the charging system. It could indicate that the
vehicle has a loose accessory belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while
this light is on could drain the battery.
If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the
light on, be certain to turn off all the accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner.
3-37

The check engine light comes on to indicate that there
is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often
will be indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your
service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good,
and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could
lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by
your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.This light should come on, as a check to show you it
is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and may damage the emission control system
on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
3-42