mirror BUICK LACROSSE 2010 User Guide

Driving and Operating 8-7
tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems—brakes,
steering, and acceleration —do not
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of
the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those
conditions. But skids are always
possible. The three types of skids correspond
to the vehicle's three control
systems. In the braking skid, the
wheels are not rolling. In the
steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes
tires to slip and lose cornering force.
And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
your foot off the accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start
steering quickly enough, the vehicle
may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to
slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is longer
and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You might
not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues
—such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface —and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.

8-8 Driving and Operating
Driving 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 flowing water.
{WARNING
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
flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing 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 fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTireson
page 9‑46.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.

8-10 Driving and Operating
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS)on page 8‑31improves vehicle
stability during hard stops on
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.Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use the Roadside
Assistance Program (US, Can)
on
page 12‑6. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{WARNING
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(two inches) on the side of
the vehicle that is away from
the wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the
Index.(Continued)

Driving and Operating 8-41
{WARNING
The Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system does not
replace driver vision. It cannot
detect:
.objects that are below the
bumper, underneath the
vehicle, or if they are too
close or far from the vehicle
.children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or pets.
If you do not use proper care
before and while backing; vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Even with URPA, always
check behind the vehicle before
backing up. While backing, be
sure to look for objects and check
the vehicle's mirrors. The display is located in the
headliner.
URPA uses three color-coded lights
to provide distance and system
information.
How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically and
the display briefly illuminates to
indicate the system is working when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). If the vehicle is traveling faster then
8 km/h (5 mph) in reverse, the red
light on the rear display flashes.
Objects must be at least 20 cm
(8 in.) off the ground, below liftgate
level, and within 2.5 m (8 ft.) from
the rear bumper to be detected. The
distance may be less during warmer
or humid weather.
A single beep sounds the first time
an object is detected between 0.6 m
(23 in.) and 2.5 m (8 ft.) away.
Beeping occurs continuously when
the vehicle is 0.6 m (23 in.) or closer
to an object.

Driving and Operating 8-43
.A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
.The vehicle's bumper is
damaged. Take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer to repair the
system.
.Other conditions may affect
system performance, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after
driving forward at least 25 km/h
(15 mph), take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have a Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system. Read
this entire section before using the
system.
{WARNING
SBZA is only a lane changing aid
and does not replace driver
vision. SBZA does not detect:
.Vehicles outside the side
blind zones which may be
rapidly approaching.
.Pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. (Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Failure to use proper care when
changing lanes may result in
damage to the vehicle, injury,
or death. Always check the
outside and rearview mirrors,
glance over your shoulder, and
use the turn signal before
changing lanes.
When the system detects a vehicle
in the side blind zone, amber SBZA
displays will light up in the side
mirrors. This indicates that it may be
unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, always
check the SBZA display, check the
outside and rearview mirrors, look
over your shoulder for vehicles and
hazards, and use the turn signal.

8-44 Driving and Operating
SBZA Detection Zones
The SBZA sensor covers a zone
of approximately one lane over
from both sides of the vehicle,
3.5 m (11 ft.). This zone starts at
each side mirror and goes back
approximately 5.0 m (16 ft.). The
height of the zone is approximately
between 0.5 m (1.5 ft.) and
2.0 m (6 ft.) off the ground.
The SBZA detection zones do not
change if the vehicle is towing a
trailer. So be extra careful when
changing lanes while towing a
trailer.How the System Works
Left Side Mirror
DisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror displays will briefly
come on to indicate that the system
is operating. While driving forward,
the left or right side mirror SBZA
display will light up if a vehicle is
detected in that blind zone. If you
activate a turn signal and a vehicle
has been detected on the same
side, the SBZA display will flash to
give you extra warning not to
change lanes. SBZA displays do not come on
while the vehicle is approaching or
passing other vehicles. At speeds
greater than 32 km/h (20 mph),
SBZA displays may come on when
a vehicle you have passed remains
in or drops back into the
detection zone.
SBZA can be disabled through
Vehicle Personalization. See
Vehicle Personalization
on
page 4‑38for more information.
If the SBZA is disabled by the
driver, the SBZA mirror displays will
not light up during normal driving.

Driving and Operating 8-55
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.There are many laws, including
speed limit restrictions that apply
to trailering. Check for legal
requirements with state or
provincial police.
.Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 1 600 km (1,000 miles)
the new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
.During the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This reduces wear
on the vehicle.
.The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
.Do not use the Fuel Saver Mode
when towing.
.Obey speed limit restrictions. Do
not drive faster than the
maximum posted speed for
trailers, or no more than 90 km/h
(55 mph), to reduce wear on the
vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires experience.
Get familiar with handling and
braking with the added trailer
weight. The vehicle is now longer
and not as responsive as the
vehicle is by itself.
Check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains,
electrical connectors, lamps, tires
and mirror adjustments. If the trailer
has electric brakes, start the vehicle
and trailer moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes are working.
During the trip, check regularly to be
sure that the load is secure, and the
lamps and trailer brakes are working
properly.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.

9-40 Vehicle Care
J-CaseFuses Usage
28 Rear Window
Defogger
41 Brake
Vacuum Pump
42 Cooling Fan K2
45 Cooling Fan K1
Mini Fuses Usage 1 Transmission
Control Module
2 Engine Control
Module Battery
5 Engine Control
Module Ignition
8 Ignition Coils ‐Even
9 Ignition Coils ‐Odd
10 Engine Control
Module Mini Fuses Usage
11 Post Catalytic
Converter Oxygen
Sensor Heater
13 Trans Ignition / Fuel
System Control
Module
16 MAF
17 Airbag Module
18 SBZ Ignition
23 Variable Effort
Steering
29 Power Lumbar, Left
32 Body Control
Module
33 Heated Seat
34 Antilock Brake
System Valves
35 Amplifier
36 AFL Ignition
37 Right High Beam Mini Fuses Usage
38 Left High Beam
46 Cooling Fan Relay
47 Pre Catalytic
Converter Oxygen
Sensor Heater
48 Fog Lamps
49 Right High Intensity
Discharge
Headlamp
50 Left High Intensity
Discharge
Headlamp
51 Horn
52 Cluster Ignition
53 Inside Rearview
Mirror, Rear Vision
Camera,
Vacuum Pump
54 Heating, Ventilation
and Air Conditioning

Vehicle Care 9-41
Mini Fuses Usage55 Outside Rear View
Mirror, Universal
Garage Door
Opener, Window
Switch
56 Windshield Washer
60 Heated Mirror
62 Canister Vent
64 AFL Battery
65 Theft Deterrent Horn
67 Fuel System Control
Module
69 Regulated Voltage
Control Sensor Mini Relays Usage
7 Engine Control
Module
9 Cooling Fan
13 Cooling Fan
15 Run / Crank
17 Rear Window
Defogger
Micro
Relays Usage
2 Starter
4 Wiper Speed
5 Wiper Control
10 Cooling Fan
14 Headlamp
Low BeamInstrument Panel Fuse
Block
The instrument panel fuse block is
located in the instrument panel, on
the driver side of the vehicle. To
access the fuses, open the fuse
panel door by pulling down at
the top.
Press in on the sides of the door to
release it from the instrument panel.

i-4 INDEX
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
DVD Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22
E
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . 4-20
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-60
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Electronic Stability Control . . . . . 8-35
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 9-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Coolant Temperature Gage . . . 4-15
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Cooling System Messages . . . 4-34
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 8-26
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-59
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 12-15
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 5-2
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 5-4
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-15
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 5-5, 9-35
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1