check oil BUICK LACROSSE 2009 Owner's Guide

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.See footnote (l).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-67and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

(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

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25.
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 the 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 5-61. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-76.
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 5-67.
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 starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-29.
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 P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

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 N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the
regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). 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.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
6-11

Electrical System (cont.)
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-101
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-18
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-19
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-40
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-38
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-34
Overheating................................................5-31
Reduced Power Light...................................3-44
Starting......................................................2-23
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Warning Light.............................................3-37
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-15F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-97
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-76
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire, Storing.....................................5-84, 5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-7
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-47
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
5

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
7

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MP3 .............................................................3-95
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-39
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-43
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Heated Mirrors............................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-18
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-34
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-97
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-32
Park Aid........................................................2-37
Park Brake....................................................2-29
Parking
Assist........................................................2-37
Over Things That Burn.................................2-33
9