service BUICK LACROSSE 2008 Owner's Guide

Service Vehicle Soon Light
For vehicles with this light,
it will come on if a
condition exists that may
require the vehicle to
be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, see your dealer/retailer for service
as soon as possible.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage indicates
about how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank when the
ignition is on.
When the indicator nears empty, there is still a little fuel
left, but you should get more fuel soon.Here are four things that some owners ask about.
All these things are normal and do not indicate that
anything is wrong with the fuel gage:
At the gas station, the pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
It takes more, or less, fuel to ll up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but
it took more, or less, than half of the tank’s capacity
to ll it.
The gage pointer may move while cornering,
braking or accelerating.
The gage may not indicate empty when the ignition
is turned off.
Low Fuel Warning Light
Your vehicle may have a low fuel light. It is a circle
located on the fuel gage and will come on and a chime
will sound periodically when the vehicle is low on fuel.
The light will go off when fuel is added to the fuel tank.
It will also come on for a few seconds when the ignition
is turned on as a check to indicate it is working. If it
does not come on then, have it xed.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), a
LOW FUEL message will appear. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-58for more information.
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Check Gas Cap Light
If your vehicle has this
light, it will come on if your
gas cap is not securely
fastened.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-42for more
information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle may have a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located in
the instrument panel cluster, below the speedometer.
The DIC buttons are located on the center of the
instrument panel, below the center outlets.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the uplevel DIC will display the WELCOME
DRIVER (1 or 2) if a personalized key 1 or 2 is used,
and then the information that was last displayed before
the engine was turned off.The base level DIC displays the odometer and trip
odometers only.
The uplevel DIC displays the odometer, trip odometers,
fuel economy, trip computer, vehicle system, and
compass display information. It also displays warning
messages if a system problem is detected. In addition,
the uplevel DIC displays phone numbers that are
called using the OnStar
®system, if equipped. See
OnStar®System on page 2-43.
The outside air temperature automatically appears in
the bottom right corner of the uplevel DIC display when
viewing the trip/odometer screens, fuel screens and
some of the gages screens. If the outside air
temperature is at or below 37°F (3°C), the temperature
reading will toggle between displaying the outside
temperature and the word ICE for two minutes. If there
is a problem with the system that controls the
temperature display, the letters OC (open circuit) or SC
(short circuit) will appear on the display. If this occurs,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
The uplevel DIC also allows some features to be
customized or personalized. SeeDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-76for more information.
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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. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-18. 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 6-4for
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 5-21. The display will show 100%
when the system is reset.
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 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. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes or blanks
instead of a value, there may be a problem with your
vehicle. If this consistently occurs, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
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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/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
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 3-50andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21.This message displays while the ignition is in ON/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.
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with
this problem could drain the battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your dealer/retailer immediately.
This message displays and a chime sounds while the
ignition is in ON/RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
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HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays when the amount of available
light outside of the vehicle is low, or the windshield
wipers have been on for about 30 seconds, and
the exterior lamps control is off or in the parking 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 displays while the ignition is in ON/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.
HOOD AJAR
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays when the hood is not closed properly.
Make sure that the hood is closed completely. See
Hood Release on page 5-11.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/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.
HOT TRANS (Transmission) FLUID
This message displays when the transmission 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
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays and a chime sounds only while
the ignition is in ON/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.
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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.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message displays when the brake uid level is low.
Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-46for
proper uid level.
The brake system warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears on
the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-37.
This message displays and a chime sounds only while
the ignition is in ON/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.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 3-48andFilling the Tank on page 5-8for
more information.
The message displays and a chime sounds while the
ignition is in ON/RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
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LOW OIL PRESSURE
Notice:If the LOW OIL PRESSURE warning
message appears on the DIC display, stop the
vehicle immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe engine damage can result from driving a
vehicle with low oil pressure. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-18for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine oil
pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure Light
on page 3-45.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible when this message is displayed.
This message displays only when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this
message is displayed.
This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared
from the screen. This message re-displays for a
few seconds if 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.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer reservoir as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the windshield washer
reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-44for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds only when
the ignition is in ON/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.
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PASSENGER’S REAR DOOR AJAR
This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed properly. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds when the gear position 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 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.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.This message displays and a chime sounds only when
the ignition is in ON/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.
REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN SAFE
This message displays 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 5-32for
more information. Anytime this message is on, the
vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for service
as soon as possible.
This message displays and a chime sounds only when
the ignition is in ON/RUN. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it
from the screen.
3-68

RIGHT REAR TURN LAMP OUT
This message displays when the right rear turn signal
bulb needs to be replaced. SeeTaillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps on
page 5-59.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/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.
SERVICE ABS SYSTEM
This message displays when the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
The antilock brake system warning light also appears on
the instrument panel cluster when this message
appears on the DIC. SeeAntilock Brake System
Warning Light on page 3-38.This message only displays while the ignition is in
ON/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.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays when a problem with the brake
system has been detected. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
The brake system warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears on
the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-37.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
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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.
SERVICE PARK LAMPS
This message displays when there is a problem with the
park lamps. Check to see if the park lamp fuse is
blown and replace the fuse if necessary. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-109andInstrument Panel
Fuse Block on page 5-110for more information. If
changing the fuse does not correct the problem, see
your dealer/retailer.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
ON/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.
SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays if
there has been a problem detected with StabiliTrak®.
A warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-38. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-8for more information.
If this message turns 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 and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/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.
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