battery BUICK LACROSSE 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (41,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-41
Video Screen Input Jack
Each video screen is equipped
with a video input jack to allow
video cables to be connected
from an auxiliary device such as
a camcorder or a video game
system. This signal will override
any video provided by the RSE
system; either the DVD or auxiliary
A/V jack source. The RSE system
must be on for this input to operate.
Remote Control
To use the remote control, aim it
at the transmitter window at either
seatback console and press thebutton. Direct sunlight or very bright
light could affect the ability of the
RSE transmitter to receive signals
from the remote control. Check
the batteries if the remote control
does not seem to be working. See
“Battery Replacement”
later in this
section. Objects blocking the line of
sight could also affect the function
of the remote control.
If a CD, DVD, or MP3 disc is in the
Radio DVD slot, the remote control
Obutton can be used to turn on
the video screen display and start
the disc. The infotainment system
can also turn on the video screen
display. See CD/DVD Player on
page 7‑23 or the separate
navigation system manual for
more information.
Notice: Storing the remote
control in a hot area or in direct
sunlight can damage it, and the
repairs will not be covered by the
warranty. Storage in extreme cold
can weaken the batteries. Keep
the remote control stored in a
cool, dry place. Remote Control Buttons
O(Power):
Press to turn the video
screens on and off.
P(Illumination): Press to turn
the remote control backlight on.
The backlight times out after
several seconds if no other
button is pressed.
v(Title): Press to return to
the main menu of the DVD. This
function could vary for each disc.
y(Main Menu): Press to access
the DVD menu. The DVD menu is
different on every DVD. Use the
navigation arrows to move the
cursor. After making a selection
press the enter button. This button
only operates when using a DVD.
n,q,p,o(Menu Navigation
Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to
navigate through a menu.
r(Enter): Press to select the
highlighted choice in any menu.

Black plate (43,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-43
The AUX button also controls the
source display between the left and
right video screens as described in
the table below:Aux
Button
Press Left
Screen Right
Screen
Default
State (No
Press) DVD
Media DVD
Media
First
Press Aux Video
Source Aux Video
Source
Second Press DVD
Media Aux Video
Source
Third
Press Aux Video
Source DVD
Media
Fourth Press Return to
DefaultState Return to
DefaultState2(Camera): Press to change
the camera angle on DVDs that
have this feature when the DVD
is playing.
\(Clear) (If Available): Press
this button within three seconds
after inputting a numeric selection,
to clear all numeric inputs.
}10 (Double Digit Entries)
(If Available): Press this button
to select chapter or track numbers
greater than 9. Press this button
before inputting the number.
1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad):
The numbered keypad provides the
capability of direct chapter or track
number selection. Replacing the Remote Control
If the remote control becomes
lost or damaged, a new universal
remote control can be purchased.
Use a Toshiba
®code set for
replacement universal remote
controls.
Battery Replacement
To change the remote control
batteries:
1. Slide back the rear cover on the remote control.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment.
3. Replace the battery cover.
Remove the batteries from the
remote control if unused for an
extended period of time.

Black plate (11,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-11
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).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑69.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around
the front wheels. Turn off any
traction system. Shift back and
forth between R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries,
it might need to be towed out.
If the vehicle does need to be
towed out, see Towing the Vehicle
on page 10‑89.

Black plate (18,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-18 Driving and Operating
In an emergency, if the vehicle must
be shut off while driving:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑33.{WARNING
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
5. If the vehicle must be shut off while driving, turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from
right to left while turning the key
to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this does
not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This
position provides power to some of
the electrical accessories. It unlocks
the ignition. To move the key from
ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF,
the shift lever must be in P (Park). C (ON/RUN):
The ignition
switch stays in this position
when the engine is running.
This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories,
including the ventilation fan and
12‐volt power outlet, as well as to
display some warning and indicator
lights. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not restart if
the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
D (START): This position starts
the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
A warning tone sounds when the
driver door is opened when the
ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.

Black plate (20,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-20 Driving and Operating
3. Come to a complete stop, shiftto P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑33.
{WARNING
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
5. If the vehicle must be shut off while driving, switch the ignition
to ACC/ACCESSORY. ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber LED
Light):
This mode allows you to
use some electrical accessories
when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from
ACC/ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
run down.
ON/RUN/START (Green LED
Light): This mode is for driving
and starting. With the ignition
off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will
place the ignition system in
ON/RUN/START. Once engine
cranking begins, release the
button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine on
page 9‑20 for more information.
The ignition will then remain in
ON/RUN.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice: Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Notice: The engine is designed
to work with the electronics in
the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Black plate (21,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-21
Starting Procedure (Key Access)
1. With your foot off the acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the ignition.
The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and
protects components. If the
ignition key is turned to the
START position, 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 key is held in
START 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 turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
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.

Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-22 Driving and Operating
Starting Procedure
(Keyless Access)
1. If the vehicle has the keylessaccess system, the transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Put
your foot on the brake pedal
and push the START button.
When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow
the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
If the transmitter is not in
the vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter,
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25 for more information.
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 on page 2‑4 for
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.

Black plate (26,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-26 Driving and Operating
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight
of the vehicle puts too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see "Shifting Into P (Park)"
listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips on page 9‑56.
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
.Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged
or low voltage (less than 9‐volt)
battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑86. If the console shift lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular
brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions
(Key Access) on page 9‑17
or Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) on page 9‑19 for more
information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is
pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.

Black plate (33,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-33
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal 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.
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 parking brake
status light and a parking brake
warning light. See
Electric Parking
Brake Light on page 5‑20. There are
also three Driver Information Center
(DIC) messages. See Brake System
Messages on page 5‑33 for more
information. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot
be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.

Black plate (62,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-62 Driving and Operating
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well,
or at all.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered
by the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should. Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag
system. Before attempting to add
anything electrical to the vehicle,
see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑41 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑42.