fuel BUICK LACROSSE 2007 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems
....................... 7
Front Seats
.............................................. 9
Rear Seats
............................................. 14
Safety Belts
............................................ 16
Child Restraints
...................................... 39
Airbag System
........................................ 66
Restraint System Check
......................... 82
Features and Controls
................................ 85
Keys
....................................................... 87
Doors and Locks
.................................... 96
Windows
............................................... 102
Theft-Deterrent Systems
....................... 104
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
..... 109
Mirrors
.................................................. 124
OnStar
®System
................................... 126
Universal Home Remote System
.......... 130
Storage Areas
...................................... 141
Sunroof
................................................ 143Instrument Panel
....................................... 145
Instrument Panel Overview
................... 148
Climate Controls
................................... 168
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
.......................................... 179
Driver Information Center (DIC)
............ 199
Audio System(s)
................................... 238
Driving Your Vehicle
................................. 285
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
..................................... 286
Towing
................................................. 325
Service and Appearance Care
.................. 337
Service
................................................. 340
Fuel
...................................................... 343
Checking Things Under
the Hood
........................................... 348
Headlamp Aiming
................................. 391
Bulb Replacement
................................ 394
2007 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM
1

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 or 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 109for
information regarding the ignition positions on your
vehicle.
The RKE transmitter with the remote start button
provides an increased range of operation. You can
start your vehicle from an average range of about
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 (RKE) System on page 89for
additional information.
93

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 turned 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 229. 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.
104

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 450. 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 484for more
information.
107

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey but
then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
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 have an engine coolant heater.
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.
112

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If more power is needed for passing, and the
vehicle is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator pedal all the way down.
By doing this the vehicle will automatically
shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 302.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. However it reduces vehicle speed
more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes.
You might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D)
when driving on hilly, winding roads, when
towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between
gears and when going down a steep hill.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 DRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
SECOND (2): This position reduces vehicle
speed even more than THIRD (3) without using
your brakes. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.
FIRST (1): This position reduces vehicle speed
even more than SECOND (2) without using
your brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or
in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in
FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, the
transmission 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.
116

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 187
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light........................................ 187
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 188
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 189
Low Coolant Warning Light....................... 189
Tire Pressure Light.................................... 190
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 190
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 194
Change Engine Oil Light........................... 195
Security Light............................................ 195
Cruise Control Light.................................. 195
Reduced Engine Power Light.................... 196
Highbeam On Light................................... 196
Headlamps Suggested Light...................... 196
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light............... 197
Door Ajar Light.......................................... 197
Trunk Ajar Light........................................ 197
Service Vehicle Soon Light........................ 197
Fuel Gage................................................. 198
Low Fuel Warning Light............................ 198
Check Gas Cap Light................................ 199Driver Information Center (DIC)................... 199
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 200
DIC Compass (Uplevel Only)..................... 206
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 208
DIC Vehicle Personalization....................... 229
Audio System(s)......................................... 238
Setting the Time........................................ 239
Radio with CD (Base)............................... 240
Radio with CD (Uplevel)............................ 245
Radio with CD (MP3)................................ 252
Radio with Six-Disc CD............................. 260
Using an MP3........................................... 272
XM Radio Messages................................. 278
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 280
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 280
Radio Reception........................................ 281
Care of Your CDs..................................... 282
Care of the CD Player.............................. 282
Backglass Antenna.................................... 283
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 284
Chime Level Adjustment............................ 284
Section 3 Instrument Panel
146

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.
180

Tire Pressure Light
This light should come
on briey as you start
the engine.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires is signicantly under-inated. Stop
and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate them to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 402This light will
ash for 60 seconds and then turn on solid
if a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 411.
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. 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.
190

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 341.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.
191