check engine BUICK LACROSSE 2008 Workshop Manual

(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-70. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-87.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-75.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If
the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-32.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
6-10

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example, your
vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and control
engine and transmission performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a
crash and, if so equipped, to provide antilock braking to
help the driver control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help your dealer/retailer technician service
your vehicle. Some modules may also store data about
how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel
consumption or average speed. These modules may also
retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as radio
pre-sets, seat positions, and temperature settings.
7-17

Audio System(s).............................................3-86
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-25
Operation...................................................2-29
B
Backglass Antenna........................................3-104
Battery..........................................................5-49
Electric Power Management..........................3-18
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-46
System Warning Light..................................3-37
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-24
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-58
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-56
License Plate Lamps....................................5-61
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-61
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................................5-59
Buying New Tires...........................................5-78
C
Calibration.....................................................3-56
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-116
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-37, 4-17, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-102
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-97
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-53
Center Seat..................................................... 1-7
Chains, Tire...................................................5-84
Charging System Light....................................3-36
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-42
Check Gas Cap Light......................................3-49
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-106
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-47
2

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-23
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-42
Coolant......................................................5-27
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-37
Oil .............................................................5-18
Oil Life System...........................................5-21
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-32
Overheating................................................5-30
Reduced Power Light...................................3-46
Starting......................................................2-26
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-7
Warning Light.............................................3-39
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-15F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finish Damage.............................................5-105
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-86
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-87
Flat Tire, Storing.....................................5-95, 5-97
Fluid.............................................................5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-43
Windshield Washer......................................5-44
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-49
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-48
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-48
Running Out of...........................................2-37
5

Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-109
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-112
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-109
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-48
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-47
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-52
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-56
Headlamp Wiring...........................................5-109Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-58
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System....................................3-14
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Suggested Light..........................................3-47
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-20
Heater...........................................................3-24
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-46
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-16
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-24
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-70
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6

Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-31
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-50
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-64
Lamps
Courtesy....................................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-18
Lap Belt........................................................1-28
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-22
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-61Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-33
Antilock Brake System Warning.....................3-38
Brake System Warning.................................3-37
Change Engine Oil......................................3-45
Charging System.........................................3-36
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-49
Cruise Control.............................................3-46
Door Ajar...................................................3-47
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-40
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-39
Headlamps Suggested.................................3-47
Highbeam On.............................................3-46
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-47
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-42
Oil Pressure...............................................3-45
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-34
Reduced Engine Power................................3-46
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-32
Security.....................................................3-45
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-48
TCS Warning Light......................................3-38
Tire Pressure..............................................3-41
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-38
Trunk Ajar..................................................3-47
7

MP3 .............................................................3-97
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-24
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-45
Engine.......................................................5-18
Pressure Light.............................................3-45
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-21
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-43
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-48
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-19Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-40
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-40
Power Mirrors.............................................2-40
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-18
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-32
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-105
Park Aid........................................................2-41
Park Brake....................................................2-32
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-33
Shifting Out of............................................2-35
Parking
Assist........................................................2-41
Over Things That Burn.................................2-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-34
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-29
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-62
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-Key
®III ................................................2-22
PASS-Key®III Operation..................................2-22
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
9