fuel BUICK LACROSSE 2011 Owner's Guide

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 (15,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-15
Example 3
A.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
C.Available Cargo
Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the driver
side center pillar (B-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, alloccupants, fuel, and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for
the vehicle, or the Gross 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).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.

Black plate (23,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-23
2. If the engine does not start after5‐10 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).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
V6 Engine
The electrical cord is located
on the driver side of the
engine compartment, between
the fender and the engine
compartment fuse block on
vehicles with a six cylinder
engine.

Black plate (30,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-30 Driving and Operating
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 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) 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.
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 9‑30 for more information.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
at a high rpm 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 5‑25. When you are in
Sport Mode, the vehicle will still shift automatically, but
chassis tuning is modified.
See
Selective Ride Control on
page 9‑38. 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.

Black plate (50,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-50 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel
is an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on
the fuel pump to ensure gasoline
meets enhanced detergency
standards developed by auto
companies. A list of marketers
providing TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
The eighth digit of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows
the code letter or number that
identifies the vehicle's engine.
The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN) on
page 12‑1.
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has a 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code C), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane
rating is less than 87, an audible
knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock, might be heard
when driving. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code D), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.

Black plate (51,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-51
You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but the vehicle's acceleration
could be slightly reduced, and
a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard. If the octane
is less than 87, a heavy knocking
noise might be heard when driving.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you could
damage the engine. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.Gasoline Specifications
(U.S. and Canada Only)
At a minimum, gasoline
should meet ASTM specification
D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeFuel Additives
on page 9‑52 for additional
information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards,
it is designed to operate on fuels
that meet California specifications.
See the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑17. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Black plate (52,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-52 Driving and Operating
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the
previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask
an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives
that help prevent engine and fuel
system deposits from forming,
allowing the emission control
system to work properly. In most
cases, nothing should have to be
added to the fuel. However, some
gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meetU.S. Environmental Protection
Agency regulations. To help keep
fuel injectors and intake valves
clean and avoid problems due to
dirty injectors or valves, look for
gasoline that is advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on
the fuel pump to ensure gasoline
meets enhanced detergency
standards developed by the auto
companies. A list of marketers
providing TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
For customers who do not use
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS, added
to the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help clean deposits
from fuel injectors and intake
valves. GM Fuel System Treatment
PLUS is the only gasoline additive
recommended by General Motors.
It is available at your dealer.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol,
and reformulated gasolines
might be available in your area.
We recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed
for those fuels.
Notice:
This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.

Black plate (53,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-53
Some gasolines that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
spark plug life and affect emission
control system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to
your dealer for service.Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel fire can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel pump
island. Turn off the engine when
refueling. Do not smoke near
fuel or when refueling the vehicle.
Do not use cellular phones. Keep
sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel. Do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is
against the law in some places.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away
from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
The tethered fuel cap is behind
the fuel door on the vehicle's
passenger side. Turn the fuel
cap counterclockwise to remove.

Black plate (54,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
9-54 Driving and Operating
While refueling, hang the tethered
fuel cap from the hook on the fuel
door. Reinstall the cap by turning it
clockwise until it clicks
{WARNING
Fuel can spray out on you
if you open the fuel cap too
quickly. If you spill fuel and then
something ignites it, you could
be badly burned. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full,
and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait
for any hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
Do not top off or overfill the tank and
wait a few seconds before removing
the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible.
See Exterior Care on page 10‑92.
{WARNING
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If a new fuel cap is
needed, be sure to get the right
type of cap from your dealer.
The wrong type of fuel cap might
not fit properly, might cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to
light, and could damage the
fuel tank and emissions system.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑17.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{WARNING
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You can be badly burned
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
.Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
.Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
(Continued)

Black plate (55,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-55
WARNING (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact
with the inside of the fill
opening before operating the
nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
.Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
.Do not use a cellular phone
while pumping fuel.
Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that
has been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer.
See the following trailer towing
information in this section:
.For information on driving
while towing a trailer, see
“Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips.”
.For maximum vehicle and trailer
weights, see“Trailer Towing.”
.For information on equipment
to tow a trailer, see “Towing
Equipment.”
For information on towing a disabled
vehicle, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑89. For information on
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑89.