cruise control BUICK LACROSSE 2009 User Guide

For vehicles with the 5.3L V8 engine, StabiliTrak can be
turned off by pressing and holding the traction control
button, located above the radio, for approximately
ve seconds. A STABILITY CONTROL OFF message
will be displayed on the DIC when StabiliTrak is
turned off. StabiliTrak will remain off until the traction
control button is pressed once to turn it back on, or until
the engine is restarted.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin. It may also upshift
the transmission to limit wheel spin. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
The TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will be displayed
when the system is limiting wheel spin.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions.
But the system can upshift the transmission only as high
as the shift lever position that was chosen, so use the
lower gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
4-7

If cruise control is being used when ETS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for
more information.
ETS operates in all transmission shift lever positions. But
the system can upshift the transmission only as high as
the chosen shift lever position, so use the lower gears
only when necessary. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-26for more information.
This warning light, along
with the TRACTION
CONTROL OFF message,
will display briey on the
DIC when ETS is not on.
If there is a problem with the system, the SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM message will also come on in the
DIC. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, ETS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off if needed. ETS should be
turned off if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-19.
To turn ETS on or off,
press the Traction Control
button located above
the radio.
When ETS is turned off, the ETS warning light will come
on along with the TRACTION CONTROL OFF message
on the DIC. It will turn off when ETS is turned back on. If
ETS is limiting wheel spin when the traction control button
is pressed, the ETS warning light comes on and ETS will
turn off right away.
4-9

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or owing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through owing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through owing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-54.
Turn off cruise control.
4-14

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.If the vehicle has theTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-7orEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 4-8, it improves the ability to accelerate on slippery
roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to the
road conditions. When driving through deep snow, turn
off the traction system to help maintain vehicle motion
at lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
4-17

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse
block is located on the
passenger side of the
instrument panel. Pull off
the cover labeled FUSES
to expose the fuse block.
Fuses Usage
CHMSL/BKUPCenter High-Mounted Stoplamp,
Back-up Lamp
CLSTR Cluster
CNSTR Canister Vent
CRUISE Cruise Control
5-100

(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 5-25
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 driving 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 vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks
and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
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 the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
6-8

Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-97
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
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-50
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-113
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-96
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-92
Interior.......................................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95Climate Control System...................................3-21
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-29
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clock, Setting.................................................3-82
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-89
Compass.......................................................3-54
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................
2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-48
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-25
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-38
Low Warning Light.......................................3-39
Cooling System..............................................5-24
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-43
Cupholders....................................................2-47
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-7
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-15
3

I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-61
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-31
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-55
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-40
Lamps
Courtesy....................................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-15
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-18
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-18Lap Belt........................................................1-28
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-22
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-41
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-52
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-33
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-36
Brake System Warning.................................3-35
Change Engine Oil......................................3-43
Charging System.........................................3-35
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-47
Cruise Control.............................................3-43
Door Ajar...................................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-38
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-37
Headlamps Suggested.................................3-44
Highbeam On.............................................3-44
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-39
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-47
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-45
Oil Pressure...............................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-34
Reduced Engine Power................................3-44
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-32
Security.....................................................3-43
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-45
TCS Warning Light......................................3-37
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