3-15 BUICK LACROSSE 2008 Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.......................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-17
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-17
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-17
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-18Electric Power Management...........................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-32
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-33
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-36
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Antilock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-38
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-38
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light...........................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Interior Lamps Control. SeeInterior Lamps on
page 3-16.
C. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-13. Fog Lamp Control. SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-15.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
G. DIC Buttons (If Equipped) and Hazard Warning
Flasher Button. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-50andHazard Warning Flashers on
page 3-6.
H. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.
I. Audio System Controls. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-84.J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
L. Tilt Lever (If Equipped) and Telescoping Column
Lever (If Equipped). SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-102.
O. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-33.
P. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
Q. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-20orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-24.
R. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-52.
3-5

2(Headlamps):Turn the control to this position to
turn on the headlamps together with the following lamps
listed below.
A warning chime will sound if the driver’s door is
opened when the ignition switch is turned to LOCK/OFF
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the headlamps or parking
lamps are on.
Parking Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
-(Foglamps) (If Equipped):Push the fog lamps
button to turn them on and off. SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-15for additional information.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL
can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but
they can be especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. DRL lamps are required to
function at all times on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered.
The DRL system will make the low-beam headlamps
come on at reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is off.
The parking brake is released.
While the DRL are on, only the vehicle’s low-beam
headlamps will be on at reduced brightness. The turn
signal, taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not be
on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
3-14

When it is dark enough outside, the DRL will turn off
and the vehicle’s headlamps and parking lamps will turn
on. The other lamps that come on with the headlamps
will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside, the headlamps will go
off and the DRL will come on.
To idle the vehicle with the DRL off, turn the exterior
lamp control off and then do one of the following:
Turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position.
Turn the exterior lamp control to the headlamp
position.
Turn the exterior lamp control from AUTO to off and
back to AUTO.
This feature is not available for vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
To turn off the automatic headlamp feature when it is
dark outside, move the exterior lamp control to the
parking lamp position. The parking lamps remain on and
the headlamps turn off. The fog lamps also go on if
they were on previously.
As with any vehicle, the regular headlamp system
should be turned on when needed.
Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has fog
lamps, the button is
located in the center of the
exterior lamps control
on the left side of
the steering column.
Press the fog lamps button to turn the lamps on or off.
While the high-beam headlamps are on, the fog
lamps are off.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
If the parking lamps or headlamps have been left on
after the ignition has been turned to off, the exterior
lamps will turn off after about 10 minutes. This protects
the battery from being drained.
Use the exterior lamp control to turn the lamps back on,
if they are still needed.
3-15

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

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