heating BUICK LACROSSE 2006 Owner's Manual

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

When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on, do the following:
1. Unlock the door using the remote keyless entry
transmitter, if equipped, the power door lock
switch, or by lifting the rear door manual lock.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn
it so the slot is in the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
The lockout protection feature makes it more difficult
to lock the key in the vehicle. If the driver’s door is open
while the key is in the ignition, the door cannot be locked
with the power door lock switch.
This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of the vehicle. If the key is not left in the
ignition, or, if the manual door lock is used, the key
could still be locked inside the vehicle. Always
remember to take the key with you.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-34.
2-13

Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do not
plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
If your vehicle has a front ashtray and cigarette lighter
it may be located near the center instrument panel or on
the front console. Pull on the ashtray door to open it.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in the
ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it from the center console.
Slide it back in and push down to be sure it is secure.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and let
go. When the heating element is ready, it will pop back
out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
3-21

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system will automatically
cool the vehicle if the temperature is greater than
90°F (32°C) and heat the vehicle if the temperature
is below 37°F (3°C). If the temperature is between
37°F (3°C) and 90°F (32°C), the last control setting
selected when the engine was running will be used.
Normal operation and the last setting of the climate
control system will return after the key is turned to
the RUN position.
Operation
OFF:Turn the left knob to this position to turn the
climate control system off.
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.
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.
3-22

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press the button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light below the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in run. The rear window defogger will stay
on for approximately 20 minutes after the button is
pressed, unless the ignition is turned to ACCESSORY
or RUN. 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.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar to
the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
Your vehicle may have this climate control system.
The heating, cooling and ventilation can be controlled
with it.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Press the AUTO button for
automatic control of the inside temperature, the air
delivery mode and the fan speed. There might be a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when the automatic operation is used in cold weather.
3-25

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle may be
equipped with the Traction
Control System (TCS), if
this warning light comes
on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the
TCS and, if equipped, the
StabiliTrak
®system.
The TCS warning light will come on briey when you turn
the ignition to RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The light will also come on if you turn the TCS off using
the TCS on/off button located near the shift lever.
If the TCS warning light stays on or comes on while
you are driving, pull off the road as soon as possible and
stop carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the
ignition off then back on. If the light still stays on
or comes back on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the traction control system
and, if equipped, the StabiliTrak
®system inspected
as soon as possible. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-11
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that
your engine is very hot.
This light will come on when you rst start the vehicle as
a check to let you know that the light is working. It will go
out after a few seconds. If the light does not come on, the
bulb may be burned out. See your GM dealer to have it
corrected.
If the light does not go out or if the light comes on and
stays on while you are driving, your vehicle may have a
problem with the cooling system. You should stop the
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible to
avoid damage to the engine. A warning chime will sound
when this light is on, also.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
3-40

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

DRIVER’S REAR DOOR AJAR
This message will display when the driver’s side
rear door is not closed properly. When this message
appears, you should make sure that the driver’s
side rear door is closed completely.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
A chime will sound when the ignition is shifted out of
PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this 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.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27for more information.
This message will display when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature
warning light will also appear on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 3-40andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-41for more information.
To avoid added strain on the engine, turn off the air
conditioner if it is on. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air conditioner can be turned
back on.
This message will display only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound continuously when this
message is displayed. Press any of the DIC buttons to
acknowledge this message and to clear it from the
screen.
3-62

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When towing a trailer, the vehicle may need a different
turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check with your
dealer. The arrows on the instrument panel will ash
whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other
drivers you are about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. You may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It is important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long hill or steep downgrade. If the vehicle
is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be
used so much that they would get hot and no longer
work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
If towing a trailer, you may want to drive in THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Shift to
a lower gear as needed.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if the rig ever has to be parked on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply the regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer’s
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply the parking
brake, and shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-43

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start the engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle will need service more often when it pulls a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more
information. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid; which should not
be overlled; engine oil, drive belt(s), and cooling and
brake systems. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly. If trailering,
it is a good idea to review this information before starting
on a trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27.
4-44