BUICK LACROSSE 2010 Owner's Manual

Driving and Operating 8-29
Manual Mode:This position is
shown on the shifter as a +/−.
It allows the driver to select the
gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Manual Mode
on
page 8‑29for more information.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice: If you drive the vehicle at
high RPMs without upshifting
while using Driver Shift Control
(DSC), you could damage the
vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using DSC. Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows
you to shift an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission. To use the DSC
feature:
With Selective Ride Control
1. Move the shift lever to the left
from D (Drive).
The vehicle will be in Sport
Mode. The gear indicator in the
DIC will still display a D for
Drive, and the Sport Mode On
message will be displayed
momentarily. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
on
page 4‑25. When you are in
Sport Mode, the vehicle will still
shift automatically, but chassis
tuning is modified. See Selective
Ride Control
on page 8‑36. If you move the shift lever
forward or rearward, the
transmission will enter Manual
Mode, and the DIC gear
indicator will change to an M
followed by a number
representing the gear the vehicle
is currently in.
2. In Manual Mode, press the shift lever forward to upshift or
rearward to downshift.
Without Selective Ride Control
1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive).
The transmission will enter
Manual Mode. The DIC gear
indicator will change to an M
followed by a number
representing the gear the vehicle
is currently in.
2. In Manual Mode, press the shift lever forward to upshift or
rearward to downshift.

8-30 Driving and Operating
Uplevel Display Shown, BaseModel Similar
The display on the instrument panel
cluster will show which gear the
vehicle is in. The number indicates
the requested gear range when
moving the shift lever forward or
rearward. The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine RPM is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine RPM is reached.
While in the DSC mode, the
transmission will automatically
downshift when the vehicle comes
to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear allows you to
gain more traction on slippery
surfaces.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
With this feature, engine power is
always sent to all four wheels. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as
needed for road conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on
an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and disables AWD. To restore
AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on system, replace
the compact spare with a full-size
tire as soon as possible. See
Compact Spare Tire
on page 9‑74for more information.

Driving and Operating 8-31
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 4‑21. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. The ABS pump or motor
might be heard operating, and the
brake pedal might be felt to pulsate,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.

8-32 Driving and Operating
Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The switch for the
EPB is in the center console. The
EPB can always be activated, even
if the ignition is OFF. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid repeated
cycles of the EPB system when the
engine is not running.The system has a Park Brake
Status light and a Park Brake
Warning light. See
Electric Parking
Brake Light
on page 4‑20. There
are also three Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages. See Brake
System Messages
on page 4‑33for more information. In case of
insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the park brake status lamp to insure
the park brake is applied.
EPB Apply
The EPB can be applied any time
the vehicle is stopped. The EPB is
applied by momentarily lifting up on
the EPB switch. Once fully applied,
the park brake status light will be
on. While the brake is being applied,
the status lamp will flash until full apply is reached. If the light does
not come on, or remains flashing,
you need to have the vehicle
serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if
the park brake status light is
flashing. See your dealer/retailer.
See
Electric Parking Brake Light
on
page 4‑20for more information.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is in motion, a chime will
sound, and the DIC message
RELEASE PARK BRAKE SWITCH
will be displayed. The vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held in the up position. Releasing
the EPB switch during the
deceleration will release the parking
brake. If the switch is held in the up
position until the vehicle comes to a
stop, the EPB will remain applied.

Driving and Operating 8-33
If the park brake status light flashes
continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or released,
or there is a problem with the EPB.
The DIC message SERVICE PARK
BRAKE will be displayed. If this light
flashes continuously, release the
EPB, and attempt to apply it again.
If this light continues to flash, do not
drive the vehicle. See your dealer/
retailer.
If the park brake warning light is on,
the EPB has detected an error in
another system and is operating
with reduced functionality. To apply
the EPB when this light is on, lift up
on the EPB switch and hold it in the
up position. Full application of the
parking brake by the EPB system
may take a longer period of time
than normal when this light is on.
Continue to hold the switch until the
park brake status light remains on.
If the park brake warning light is on,
see your dealer/retailer.
If the EPB fails to apply, the rear
wheels should be blocked to
prevent vehicle movement.EPB Release
To release the EPB, place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position,
apply and hold the brake pedal, and
push down momentarily on the EPB
switch. If you attempt to release the
EPB without the brake pedal
applied, a chime will sound, and the
DIC message PRESS BRAKE
PEDAL TO RELEASE PARK
BRAKE will be displayed. The EPB
is released when the park brake
status light is off.
If the park brake warning light is on,
the EPB has detected an error in
another system and is operating
with reduced functionality. To
release the EPB when this light is
on, push down on the EPB switch
and hold it in the down position.
EPB release may take a longer
period of time than normal when this
light is on. Continue to hold the
switch until the park brake status
light is off. If the light is on, see your
dealer/retailer.Notice:
Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve park brake lining life.
For maximum EPB force when
towing a trailer or parking on a hill,
pull the EPB switch twice. If you are
towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
on page 8‑54for more
information.

8-34 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road
conditions. On a front-wheel-drive
vehicle, the system operates if it
senses that one or both of the front
wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. On an All-Wheel-Drive
(AWD) vehicle, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens,
the system brakes the spinning
wheel(s) and/or reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working, but this is
normal.The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
flashes to indicate that the traction
control system is active.
This warning light comes on if there
is a problem with the traction control
system.
SeeTraction Off Light
on
page 4‑22. When this warning light
is on, the system does not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To
limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. But, TCS
can be turned off if needed.

Driving and Operating 8-35
Notice:Do not repeatedly brake
or accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle's driveline could
be damaged.
The TCS off light comes on to
indicate that the traction control
system has been turned off.
When TCS is switched off on AWD
vehicles, the system may still make
noise. This is normal and necessary
with the AWD hardware on the
vehicle.
It might be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle gets stuck
in sand, mud or snow and rocking
the vehicle is required. See If the
Vehicle is Stuck
on page 8‑11for
more information. See also WinterDriving
on page 8‑9for
information on using TCS when
driving in snowy or icy conditions.
To turn the system off, pressg
located on the console to the right of
the shifter.
Press and release
gand the traction
control system turns off and the
traction control system warning light
comes on. Press
gagain to turn the
system back on. For information on
turning StabiliTrak off and on, see
StabiliTrak System following in this
section.
Adding non-GM accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 9‑3for more information.
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
The vehicle has a vehicle stability
enhancement system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a difference
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the intended direction.
When the stability control system
activates, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak light
flashes on the instrument panel.

8-36 Driving and Operating
This also occurs when traction
control is activated. A noise might
be heard or vibration might be felt in
the brake pedal. This is normal.
Continue to steer the vehicle in the
intended direction.
If there is a problem detected with
StabiliTrak, the TCS/StabiliTrak light
comes on and the system is not
operational. SeeElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 4‑22. Driving should
be adjusted accordingly.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. To
assist with directional control of the
vehicle, the system should always
be left on.
StabiliTrak can be turned off if
needed by pressing and holding
g
until the StabiliTrak Off light comes
on the instrument panel. For
information on turning TCS off and
on, see Traction Control System
(TCS) in this section.
If cruise control is being used when
StabiliTrak activates, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
Press the cruise control button to
reengage when road conditions
allow. See Cruise Control
on
page 8‑37for more information.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control
system called Selective Ride
Control. The system provides the
following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability
.Improved Handling Response
.Better Control of Body Ride
Motions
To switch from TOUR to SPORT
mode, move the shift lever to
the left while the transmission is
in D (Drive).

Driving and Operating 8-37
TOUR:Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to road
conditions through increased
steering effort and suspension
tuning.
The setting can be changed at any
time. Based on road conditions,
steering wheel angle and the
vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a
smooth road.Cruise Control
With cruise control, the vehicle can
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
On vehicles with the Traction
Control System (TCS) or Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), the system
may begin to limit wheel spin while
you are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 8‑34or Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) on page 8‑35.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.

8-38 Driving and Operating
Setting Cruise Control
{WARNING
If you leave your cruise control on
when you are not using cruise,
you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to
use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons are
located on the steering wheel.
5(On/Off):Press to turn the
cruise control system on and off. An
indicator light will turn on or off in
the instrument panel cluster.
\(Cancel): Press to cancel cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
RES/+ (Resume/Accel): Move the
thumbwheel up to resume a set
speed or to accelerate to a higher
speed.
SET/− (Set/Coast): Move the
thumbwheel down to set a speed or
to decrease the speed.
To set a speed:
1. Press
5to turn cruise control
on. The indicator light in the
instrument panel cluster
comes on.
2. Get to the speed desired.