BUICK LACROSSE 2007 Owner's Manual

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper
limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found
on the Tire-Loading Information label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 319. Be sure not to go
over the GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR,
including the weight of the trailer tongue. If a
weight distribution hitch is used, make sure not to
go over the rear axle limit before applying the
weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why the right hitch
is needed. Here are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only
a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
If holes need to be made in the body of the
vehicle to install a trailer hitch, then be sure
to seal the holes later when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not sealed, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust
can get into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 122. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
Chains should always be attached between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains
and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig can be turned.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the
ground.
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Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to
read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try
to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you
do, both brake systems won’t work well, or
at all.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock
brakes, don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake
system if the trailer’s brake system will
use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of uid
from your vehicle’s master cylinder. If it
does, both braking systems won’t work well.
You could even lose your brakes.
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the
trailer brake system must not be used with
your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then make
the brake uid tap at the upper rear master
cylinder port. But don’t use copper tubing
for this. If you do, it will bend and break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
get to know the rig. Acquaint yourself with the
feel of handling and braking with the added weight
of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the
vehicle is now a good deal longer and not nearly
as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires, and mirror adjustment. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and
trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check the electrical
connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
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Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up ahead when
towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle is a
good deal longer with the trailer, you will need to
go much farther beyond the vehicle you have
passed before you can return to the proper lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one
hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to
the right, move your hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while
trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal
well in advance.
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.
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Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
starting 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 DRIVE (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.
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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 462for 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 367.
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✍NOTES
336

Service........................................................ 340
Accessories and Modications................... 341
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 341
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 342
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 343
Fuel............................................................. 343
Gasoline Octane........................................ 343
Gasoline Specications.............................. 344
California Fuel........................................... 344
Additives................................................... 344
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 345
Filling the Tank......................................... 346
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 348
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 348
Hood Release........................................... 349
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 350
Engine Oil................................................. 353
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 356
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 358
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 360Engine Coolant.......................................... 363
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 367
Engine Overheating................................... 367
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 370
Cooling System......................................... 370
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 378
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 380
Brakes...................................................... 381
Battery...................................................... 384
Jump Starting............................................ 385
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 391
Bulb Replacement....................................... 394
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 394
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps........... 395
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps....... 397
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps.............. 398
License Plate Lamp................................... 400
Replacement Bulbs................................... 400
Windshield Replacement............................ 401
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
337

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 401
Tires............................................................ 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 403
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 406
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 409
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 411
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 416
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 417
Buying New Tires...................................... 418
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 420
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 421
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 422
Wheel Replacement.................................. 422
Tire Chains............................................... 424
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 425
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 426
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 427
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 429
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 435
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 437Appearance Care........................................ 438
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 438
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 440
Leather...................................................... 441
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 441
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 442
Weatherstrips............................................ 442
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 442
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 443
Finish Care............................................... 443
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 444
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 444
Tires......................................................... 445
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 445
Finish Damage.......................................... 446
Underbody Maintenance............................ 446
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 446
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 447
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
338

Vehicle Identication.................................. 448
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 448
Service Parts Identication Label............... 448
Electrical System........................................ 449
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 449
Headlamp Wiring....................................... 449
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 449Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................. 450
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 450
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 450
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 452
Capacities and Specications.................... 454
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
339

Service
Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you
to be happy with it. We hope you will go to your
dealer for all your service needs. You will get
genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.We hope you will want to keep your GM vehicle all
GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
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