BUICK LACROSSE 2009 Owner's Manual

A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine
idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.Battery Run-Down Protection
This helps prevent the vehicle’s battery from draining
in case the interior courtesy lamps, reading lamps, trunk
lamp, underhood lamp, glove box lamps, or sun visor
vanity lamps, if equipped, are accidently left on. If any of
these lamps are left on while the ignition is off, they will
automatically turn off after 10 minutes. The lamps will not
come back on again until one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The interior lamps control is turned off, then to
door or on.
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Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets enable power electrical
equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
The vehicle has 12-volt outlets. One outlet is located on
the center console below the climate controls. There may
be another outlet located inside the center storage
console or in the ip and fold console.
Open the cover to use the outlet. Be sure to close the
cover when the outlet is not in use.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
3-20

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The vehicle may have a removable ashtray and cigarette
lighter. The cigarette lighter may be located under the
climate control system. The removable ashtray can
be placed into the front console cupholder.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items
in the ashtray.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and
let go. When the heating element is ready, it will pop back
out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system the heating, cooling and ventilation can
be controlled.
For vehicles with the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system automatically cools
the vehicle if the temperature is greater than 90°F (32°C)
and heats the vehicle if the temperature is below 37°F
(3°C). If the temperature is between 37°F (3°C) and
90°F (32°C), the last control setting selected when the
engine was running will be used. Normal operation and
the last setting of the climate control system will return
after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
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A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
ControlD. Recirculation
E. Air Conditioning
F. Rear Window
Defogger
OFF:Turn the fan control knob to this position to turn
the climate control system off.
9(Fan):Turn the knob by this symbol, located on
the left side of the climate control panel, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan speed is temporarily reduced when adjusting
modes, but resumes the original speed when the
transition to the new mode is complete.Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the
airow inside the vehicle.
Select from the following air delivery modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
If driving in city traffic, and the vehicle is stopped and
idling, or the weather is hot, turning on the recirculation
mode helps to prevent the air inside the vehicle from
becoming stale. After ve minutes recirculate will allow
some outside air into the vehicle.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward
the windshield. Slightly cooler air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and warmer air is directed
to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some air directed toward the side window outlets and
windshield.
In this mode, the system automatically uses outside air.
The air conditioning compressor will be engaged unless
the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
3-22

-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is divided between the windshield and
the side window outlets, and the oor outlets. In this
mode, the system turns recirculation off and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is near or below freezing. Pressing the recirculation
button will have no effect other than turning on the
indicator light while in defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and
the side window outlets, with some air directed to the oor
outlets. In this mode, the system turns recirculation off
and runs the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing
the recirculation button will have no effect other than
turning on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light turns on
to show that the air conditioning is on. Air conditioning
can be selected in any mode as long as the fan switch is
on. The indicator light changes with each button press
even when conditions prevent operation.On hot days during the vehicle’s initial start-up, open
the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system
to operate more efficiently.
For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select
Hmode.
2. Press
h.
3. Press
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this, after ve minutes recirculate will allow
some outside air into the vehicle.
3-23

h(Recirculate):Press to turn the recirculation mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that recirculation
is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly heat or
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
the outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
Operation in this mode during periods of high humidity
and cool outside temperatures may result in increased
window fogging. If window fogging is experienced, select
the defrost mode. To prevent the air inside the vehicle
from becoming stale, after ve minutes recirculation lets
some outside air into the vehicle.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press turn the rear window defogger on or
off. An indicator light comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on.The rear window defogger only works when the ignition
is in ON/RUN. The rear window defogger stays on for
about 20 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger only runs for about 20 minutes before
turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning
off the engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors, help to clear fog
or frost from the surface of the mirror when the rear
window defog button is pressed.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-24

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation
can be controlled.
A. AUTO
B. OFF
C. Fan Control
D. Display
E. Air Conditioning
F. Recirculation
G. PASSH. Heated Seats
I. Rear Window
Defogger
J. Air Delivery Mode
Controls
K. Defrost
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Press the AUTO button for
automatic control of the inside temperature, the air
delivery mode, and the fan speed. There might be a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when the automatic operation is used in cold weather.
For the automatic system to function, the temperature
must be set between 61°F (15°C) and 89°F (32°C).
1. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting.
2. Press the PASS button or the
yorzon the
passenger side to turn the passenger temperature
set on and off. When turned on, the passenger
temperature will be the same as the driver setting.
Press
yorzon passenger side to adjust the
passenger temperature setting.
When the passenger’s temperature set is off,
the passenger display will be off and the driver’s set
temperature will be for the driver and passenger.
In cold weather, the system will start at reduced
fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system will start
out blowing air at the oor but may change modes
automatically as the vehicle warms up to maintain
the chosen temperature setting. The length of time
needed for warm up will depend on the outside
temperature and the length of time that has elapsed
since the vehicle was last driven.
3-25

3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature,
if necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield.
For more information on the solar sensor, see
“Sensors” later in this section.
4. Press OFF to turn the climate control system off.
Only the rear defog and heated seats will function.
Press AUTO or any other button except the heated
seats or rear defog to turn the climate control system
back on.
This control has four types of operation.
Automatic can set/change the temperature only.
AUTO and temperature only will appear on the
display.
Semi-Automatic Fan can set/change the
temperature and mode. The fan operates
automatically. The temperature and mode
will appear on the display.
Semi-Automatic Mode can set/change the
temperature and fan speed. The mode operates
automatically. The fan speed and temperature
will appear on the display.
Manual can set/change the temperature, mode and
fan. The fan speed, temperature, and mode will
appear on the display.For vehicles with the remote start feature, the climate
control system automatically regulates the inside
temperature of the vehicle when the remote start system
is activated. Normal operation and the last setting of
the climate control system will return after the key
is turned on.
Manual Operation
During daylight hours, the instrument panel brightness
control might need to be adjusted to the highest setting,
in order to see the indicator lights for the various
climate control settings.
OFF:Press to turn the climate control system off.
yz(Temperature):Press to manually adjust the
temperature inside the vehicle. Press
yorzon the
driver or passenger side to increase or decrease the
temperature. The display will show the selected
temperature.
z9/9y(Fan Control):Press the fan control
buttons to increase or decrease the fan speed. Pressing
the arrows cancels the automatic operation and places
the system in manual or semi-automatic mode. Press the
AUTO button to return to automatic operation. If the
airow seems low when the fan is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air lter may need to
be replaced. For more information seePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
3-26

Air Delivery Mode Controls:Use these buttons to
change the direction of the airow inside the vehicle.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor, with some
air directed to the side window outlets and a small
amount to the windshield.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets, with some air directed to
the windshield and the side window outlets.
Y(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
-(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, oor
outlets and side windows. In this mode, the system turns
recirculation off and runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is near or below freezing.
Pressing the recirculation button will have no effect
other than turning on the indicator light while in oor/
defog mode.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the side windows. In this mode,
the system automatically turns off the recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is near or below freezing. Pressing the
recirculation button will have no effect other than turning
on the indicator light while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air conditioning is on.
The indicator light changes with each button press
even when conditions prevent operation.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
Recirculation is not available while in the oor, defrost, or
oor/defog modes. Using recirculation for long periods of
time may cause the air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. Recirculation mode has a ve minute timer after
which the system allows for some fresh outside air into
the vehicle to maintain interior air quality.
3-27

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window. The rear
window defogger will only work when the engine
is running.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on and off. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger turns off about 20 minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger only runs for about 20 minutes before turning
off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning
off the engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors, help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror when the rear window
defog button is pressed.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
((Heated Seats):Press to turn the driver or
passenger heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-3for additional information.
Sensors
The solar sensor on the vehicle monitors the solar heat
and the air inside of the vehicle. This information is used
to maintain the selected temperature by initiating needed
adjustments to the temperature, the fan speed, and the
air delivery system. The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The
recirculation mode will also be activated, as necessary.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of the
instrument panel, near the windshield, or the system will
not work properly.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheels located between the center
outlets to open and close the outlets. Move the lever
in the center of each air outlet to adjust the direction
of the airow.
3-28