fuel BUICK LACROSSE 2010 User Guide

4-26 Instruments and Controls
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays
which can be accessed by using the
DIC buttons located on the turn
signal lever located on the left side
of the steering wheel. The DIC
displays trip, fuel, vehicle system
information, and warning messages
if a system problem is detected.
The bottom of the DIC display
shows what position the shift lever
is in, the odometer, and the direction
the vehicle is driving.
In cold weather the DIC display may
change slowly. This is normal and
will move more quickly as the
vehicle's interior temperature rises.DIC Buttons
MENU:
Press to get to the
Trip/Fuel Menu and the Vehicle
Information Menu.
w x(Thumbwheel): Use to scroll
through the items in each menu.
A small marker will move across the
bottom of the page as you scroll
through the items. This shows
where each page is in the menu.
SET (Set/Clear): Press to set or
clear the menu item when it is
displayed.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items
Press MENU on the turn signal
lever until Trip/Fuel Information
Menu is displayed. Use
w xto
scroll through the following menu
items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1
.Trip 2
.Fuel Range
.Average Fuel Economy
.Average Vehicle Speed
.Timer
.Turn-by-Turn
Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast
the vehicle is moving in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.

Instruments and Controls 4-27
Trip 1 and Trip 2
This display shows the current
distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the last reset for the trip odometer.
The trip odometer can be reset to
zero by pressing SET while the trip
odometer display is showing.
Fuel Range
This display shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven
without refueling. The fuel range
estimate is based on an average of
the vehicle's fuel economy over
recent driving history and the
amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank. Fuel range cannot be reset.
Average Fuel Economy
This display shows the approximate
average liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is
calculated based on the number of
L/100 km (mpg) recorded since the
last time this menu item was reset.The fuel economy can be reset by
pressing SET while the Average
Fuel Economy display is showing.
Average Vehicle Speed
This display shows the average
speed of the vehicle in miles per
hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h). This average is
calculated based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset of this value. The average
speed can be reset by pressing SET
while the Average Vehicle Speed
display is showing.
Timer
This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press SET while
Timer is displayed. The display will
show the amount of time that has
passed since the timer was last
reset, not including time the ignition
is off. Time will continue to be
counted as long as the ignition is
on, even if another display is being
shown on the DIC. The timer will
record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes
and 59 seconds (99:59:59) afterwhich the display will return to zero.
To stop the timer, press SET briefly
while Timer is displayed. To reset
the timer to zero, press and
hold SET.
Turn-by-Turn
This display is used for the OnStar
or Navigation System Turn-by-Turn
guidance. See
OnStar
®Systemon
page 4‑43or the Navigation
manual, if the vehicle has
navigation, for more information.
Vehicle Information Menu
Items
Press MENU on the turn signal
lever until Vehicle Information Menu
is displayed. Use
w xto scroll
through the following menu items:
.Unit
.Tire Pressure
.Remaining Oil Life

Instruments and Controls 4-29
station, including XM information or
CD track. It will also display
turn-by-turn navigation information if
the vehicle has a navigation radio.
The images are projected through
the HUD lens located on the driver's
side of the instrument panel.
Notice:If you try to use the HUD
image as a parking aid, you may
misjudge the distance and
damage your vehicle. Do not use
the HUD image as a parking aid.
The tap shift gear will also appear
on the HUD if the vehicle has tap
shift and it is active.
The HUD information can be
displayed in one of three languages,
English, French, or Spanish. The
speedometer reading and other
numerical values can be displayed
in either English or metric units.
The language selection is changed
through the radio and the units of
measurement is changed through
the trip computer in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
AM-FM Radioon page 6‑12andDriver Information Center (DIC)on page 4‑25.
HUD Display on the Vehicle
Windshield
The HUD information appears as an
image focused out toward the front
of the vehicle.
When the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN, the HUD will display an
introductory message for a short
time, until the HUD is ready. The following indicator lights come
on the instrument panel when
activated and also appear on
the HUD:
.Turn Signal Indicators
.High-Beam Indicator Symbol
The HUD temporarily displays some
vehicle warnings, such as CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE and FUEL
LEVEL LOW when these messages
are on the DIC trip computer.
The HUD also displays the following
messages on vehicles with these
systems, when they are active:
.TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE
.STABILITRAK ACTIVE
When the HUD is on, the
speedometer reading is continually
displayed. The current radio station
or CD track number will display for a
short period of time after the radio
or CD track status changes. This
happens whenever radio information
is changed. The speedometer size

4-36 Instruments and Controls
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer/
retailer for service as soon as
possible.
Fuel System Messages
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the
fuel cap.
Key and Lock Messages
No Remote Detected
This message displays when the
transmitter battery is weak on
vehicles with Keyless Access. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Battery”under“Remote Keyless
Transmitter Operation (Keyless
Access)” for more information.
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Lamp Messages
AFL (Adaptive Forward
Lighting) Lamps Need Service
This message displays when the
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL)
system is disabled and needs
service. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeAdaptive Forward Lighting
(AFL)
on page 5‑3for more
information.
Ride Control System
Messages
Service Rear Axle
This message displays when there
is a problem with the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) System. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Service Traction Control
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Service Stabilitrak
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak®
system. If this message appears, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off
the engine for at least 15 seconds;
then start the engine again. If this
message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. See your dealer/
retailer for service. The vehicle is
safe to drive, however, you do not
have the benefit of StabiliTrak, so
reduce your speed and drive
accordingly.

Driving and Operating 8-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 8-9
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 8-11
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 8-17
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 8-27
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-29
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-31
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-32
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-34
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-34
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-35
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . 8-36
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-37
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 8-40
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-43
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-46
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-49
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 8-50
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 8-50
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-51
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 8-51
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-51
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-52
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-53

8-2 Driving and Operating
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-54
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-54
Trailer Towing (2.4L L4
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-58
Trailer Towing (3.0L and 3.6L V6 Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-58
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 8-59
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-60
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

Driving and Operating 8-11
WARNING (Continued)
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 8‑26.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so
you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking the
exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm, but
be careful. To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 55 km/h (35 mph) as
shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 9‑67.

8-16 Driving and Operating
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification
label is attached to the driver
side center pillar. The label tells
the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel,
and cargo. Never exceed the
GVWR for the vehicle, or theGross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
And, if there is a heavy load, it
should be spread out. See
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit”
earlier in this
section.
{WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
If you do, parts on the vehicle
can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also,
overloading can shorten the
life of the vehicle. If you put things inside the
vehicle
—like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else —they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{WARNING
Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as you can. Try
to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)

8-22 Driving and Operating
If the battery in the keyless
access transmitter needs
replacing, the DIC displays
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY. The vehicle can
still be driven. See Starting the
Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery inRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Key
Access)
on page 1‑3or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless
Access)
on page 1‑5for more
information.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. If the START
button is pressed, and then
released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will
continue cranking for a few
seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not
start and the button is pressed
for many seconds, cranking will
be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by pressing the START button a
second time.
Notice: Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after
5-10 seconds, especially in very
cold weather (below −18°C or
0°F), it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START,
or press the START button, for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of
the key or button, and the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater,
if available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below
−18°C (0°F)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the
vehicle. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).

8-28 Driving and Operating
lever button pressed before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition key
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of Park
on
page 8‑25.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle is Stuck on page 8‑11.
N (Neutral): In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle. D (Drive):
This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If more power is
needed for passing, and the
vehicle is:
.Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Notice: If the vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive the vehicle
that way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can
drive in L (Low) when you are
driving less than 56 km/h (35 mph)
and D (Drive) for higher speeds
until then.