oil change BUICK LACROSSE 2007 Owner's Manual

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

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

Change Engine Oil Light
If this light comes on, it
means that service is
required for your
vehicle.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 462and
Engine Oil on page 353for more information.
After having the oil changed you will need to reset
the light. SeeEngine Oil on page 353for more
information.
If this light is blinking, a chime will sound indicating
low engine oil.
Security Light
For information
regarding this light,
seeTheft-Deterrent
Systems on page 104.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on
whenever you set the
cruise control.
The light goes out when the cruise control is
turned off. SeeCruise Control on page 154for
more information.
195

Tire Pressure
Press the gages button until FRONT TIRE
PRESSURE displays. This mode shows the
pressure for the front tires. To view the pressure
for the rear tires, press the gages button again
until REAR TIRE PRESSURE displays. The
tire pressure will be shown in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected
by the system while driving, a message advising
you to check the pressure in a specic tire
will appear in the display. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 409andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 208for more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes
instead of a value, there may be a problem with
your vehicle. If this consistently occurs, see
your dealer for service.
Oil Life
Press the gages button until OIL LIFE displays.
This mode shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. If you see OIL LIFE 99% on
the display, that means 99% of the current oil
life remains. The engine oil life system will alert
you to change your oil on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE OIL
SOON message will appear on the display. You
should change your oil as soon as possible. See
Engine Oil on page 353. In addition to the engine oil
life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 462for more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself
after each oil change. It will not reset itself.
Also, be careful not to reset the OIL LIFE
accidentally at any time other than when the oil
has just been changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 356. The display will show 100%
when the system is reset.
204

This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on. If this message
continues to appear, have the system repaired by
your dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects
that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a
reasonable level. The battery saver system starts
reducing certain features of the vehicle that
you may be able to notice. At the point that the
features are disabled, this message is displayed.
It means that the vehicle is trying to save the
charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the
battery to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to
15.5 volts. If your vehicle has an uplevel DIC, you
can monitor the battery voltage by pressing the
gages button until BATTERY displays.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when service is required
for the vehicle. See your dealer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 353andScheduled Maintenance on
page 462for more information.
The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The OIL LIFE screen
under the gages menu on the DIC must also be
reset. See “Oil Life” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 200andEngine Oil Life System
on page 356.
This message displays 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 continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays 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 re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
209

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will
provide easier cold starting and better protection
for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and lter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil
life system to work properly, you must reset the
system every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change
is necessary. A change engine oil light or, if
your vehicle has the Driver Information Center
(DIC), a CHANGE OIL SOON message will come
on. SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 195
orDIC Warnings and Messages on page 208.
Change the oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine
oil and lter must be changed at least once a
year and at this time the system must be reset.
Your dealer has GM-trained service people
who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system. It is also important to
check your oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
356

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change the engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Anytime the oil is changed, reset the system
so it can calculate when the next oil change is
required. If a situation occurs where you change the
oil prior to a change engine oil light or CHANGE OIL
SOON message being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC)
1. Press the option button on the DIC until
ENGINE OIL MONITOR appears on the
DIC screen.
2. Press the set/reset button to reset the
system. The next screen indicates that
the CHANGE OIL SOON message
has been reset.
If the vehicle has the uplevel DIC, when
the gages button is pressed and the
OIL LIFE REMAINING mode appears,
it should read 100 percent OIL LIFE
REMAINING.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
Vehicles without Driver Information
Center (DIC)
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition
key to RUN.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator
pedal slowly three times within
ve seconds.
3. Turn the key to OFF, then start the
vehicle.
If the light or message comes back on when
you start your vehicle, the oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that
may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails
with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner.
Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil
products.
357

Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used
oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is located in the
engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 350for more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change
after each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 462for
more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the lter at each engine
oil change.
3.6L V6 Engine shown, 3.8L V6 Engine similar
358

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed
inAdditional Required Services on page 464,
and be sure to use the transaxle uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 470.
How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too
little uid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle uid.
360

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a signicant loss in
power and engine performance. The REDUCED
POWER STOP WHEN SAFE message will come
on in the Driver Information Center (DIC), if the
vehicle has one, along with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on the instrument panel,
to indicate the vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode. The temperature
gage will also indicate an overheat condition exists.
Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer
in the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will
be severely degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and reset the
oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 353.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, this is
what you will see:
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
3.8L V6 Engine
370