hood 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

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
A door on the vehicle is open.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE
START DISABLED.Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start
system enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-75for additional
information. If your vehicle does not have the DIC feature,
and remote vehicle start was installed at the dealership,
you will need to have the dealership enable or disable
the system.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This
feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer’s
remote vehicle start feature.
If the keyless entry transmitter has a plus (+) symbol
on the back cover, your vehicle has the remote
start ready feature. You can lock or unlock your
vehicle from approximately 492 feet (150 m) away.
See your dealer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to
your vehicle.
2-9

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

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
B. Interior Lamps Control. SeeInterior Lamps on
page 3-16.
C. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-13. Fog Lamp Control. SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-15.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/
Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-126.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
G. DIC Buttons (If Equipped) and Hazard Warning
Flasher Button. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-51andHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-35.I. Audio System Controls. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-84.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-30.
L. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
M. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
N. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
O. Steering Wheel Climate Controls. SeeSteering
Wheel Climate Controls on page 3-31.
P. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-22orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-25.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-31.
R. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
3-5

Perimeter Lighting
Perimeter lighting provides a period of exterior vehicle
lighting. Perimeter lighting activates when the key is
removed from the ignition or the vehicle is unlocked using
the remote keyless entry transmitter. The amount of time
the exterior lamps will remain on can be programmed
using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “EXIT
LIGHT DELAY” underDIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-75for additional information.
Overhead Console Reading Lamps
Your vehicle may have reading lamps located on the
overhead console. Press the lens to turn them on and off.
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps
Your vehicle may have reading lamps located near
the rear assist handles. Press the lens to turn them
on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This helps prevent the vehicle’s battery from draining in
case the interior courtesy lamps, reading lamps, trunk
lamp, underhood lamp, glove box lamps, or sun visor
vanity lamps, if equipped, are accidently left on. If any of
these lamps are left on while the ignition is off, they will
automatically turn off after 10 minutes. The lamps will not
come back on again until one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The interior lamps control is turned off,
then to door or on.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
Your vehicle may be equipped with Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA). URPA is designed to help you
park while in REVERSE (R) and operates only at speeds
less than 3 mph (5 km/h). URPA can help you avoid
colliding with objects such as parked vehicles. The
system can detect objects 5 feet (1.5 m) behind your
vehicle and tell you how close those objects are to your
rear bumper.
3-18

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.
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:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
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 3-30.
3-29

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

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.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message will display when the amount of available
light outside of the vehicle is low, or the windshield wipers
have been on for approximately 30 seconds, and the
exterior lamps control is off or in the park lamps position.
This message informs the driver that turning on the
exterior lamps is recommended. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-13for more information.
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.
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.
HOOD AJAR
This message will display when the hood is not closed
properly. When this message appears, you should make
sure that the hood is closed completely. SeeHood
Release on page 5-11.
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.
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.
HOT TRANS FLUID
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle
until it cools down. If the warning message continues to
display, have the vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it
from the screen.
3-63

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.
REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN SAFE
This message will display when your vehicle is in an
overheated engine operating mode. This operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. In this mode, you will notice a signicant
loss in power and engine performance. SeeOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode on page 5-29for
more information. Anytime this message is on, the
vehicle should be taken to your GM dealer for service
as soon as possible.
This message will display and a chime will sound only
when the ignition is in RUN. 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.
REMOTE START DISABLED
This warning message will come on if a remote start
attempt is unsuccessful. This may be caused if any of
the following conditions are true when a remote
start attempt is made:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The key is in the ignition.
The hood or the doors are not closed.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
The hazard warning ashers are turned on.
The maximum number of remote starts or remote
start attempts between ignition cycles has been
reached.
The content theft-deterrent alarm is on while
attempting to remote start the vehicle.
See “REMOTE START” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-75and “Remote Vehicle
Start” underRemote Keyless Entry System Operation
on page 2-4for more information.
3-69

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps.................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-54
Replacement Bulb..........................................5-56
Windshield Replacement.................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-64
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-66
Buying New Tires.........................................5-66
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1