fuel BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-30
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-71
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-36
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
Universal Home Remote System
................2-40
Storage Areas
.........................................2-44
Sunroof
..................................................2-47
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-31
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-50
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-84Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-36
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Replacement
...........................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-56
Tires
......................................................5-57
Appearance Care
.....................................5-84
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-92
Electrical System
......................................5-93
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-98
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM

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.
2-7

Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. They can
be detached from the center retainer and slid along the
rod to cover different areas of the front window and
rotated to cover the side windows.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Swing down the sun visors and lift the cover to expose
the vanity mirror. Do not drive with the cover lifted due to
possible glare impeding other drivers behind or to the
side of the vehicle.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
A red light located on top
of the instrument panel,
toward the center of the
vehicle and near the
windshield, will ash
slowly when the system
is armed.
The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be activated
through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
“CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items”
inDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-75. While
armed, the doors will not unlock with the power door lock
switch. The remote alarm will sound if someone tampers
with the trunk or enters the vehicle without using the
remote keyless entry transmitter or key to unlock the
doors. The horn will sound and the headlamps will ash
for up to two minutes. The system will also cut off the fuel
supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven.
2-18

PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means nothing special
needs to be done to arm
or disarm the system.
It works when the key is
inserted or removed
from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®III uses a transponder in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down the
vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will stop owing to the engine. If someone
tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong key, the
vehicle will not start. Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be discouraged to do so
because of the high number of electrical key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the STARTING DISABLED warning message
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-93. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III to have a
new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to accept
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
2-21

Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an
internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will
prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the
temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on
the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the underside of the
diagonal brace, which is located above the engine
air cleaner/lter assembly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
2-25

THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving,
but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
When driving in no-highway scenarios such as
city streets.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).SECOND (2): This position gives the vehicle more
power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You
can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control
the speed going down steep mountain roads, but then
you would also want to use the brakes off and on.
FIRST (1): This position gives the vehicle even more
power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2).
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle
will not shift into rst gear until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle
in place.
2-29

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-45
Security Light...............................................3-46
Cruise Control Light......................................3-46
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-46
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Headlamps Suggested Light...........................3-47
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-47
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-47
Trunk Ajar Light............................................3-48
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-48
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-49
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-49Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-50
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-51
DIC Compass (Uplevel Only)..........................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-59
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-75
Audio System(s).............................................3-84
Setting the Time...........................................3-85
Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-86
Radio with CD (Uplevel)................................3-90
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-99
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-113
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-126
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-126
Radio Reception.........................................3-128
Care of Your CDs.......................................3-128
Care of the CD Player.................................3-129
Backglass Antenna......................................3-129
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-130
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-130
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to let the driver know at a glance how the vehicle is running. It will show
how fast the vehicle is going, about how much fuel is in the fuel tank and many other things needed to drive safely
and economically.
3-32

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The vehicle has a gage
that shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves towards the H, the engine is
too hot.
This reading indicates the same thing as the warning
light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27.
Low Coolant Warning Light
If equipped, this light
comes on briey when
you turn your ignition on
as a bulb check only.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which monitors
operation of the fuel,
ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
3-41

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