tow BUICK LACROSSE 2011 Workshop Manual

Black plate (91,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-91
Dinghy Towing from the Rear
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed from the rear with all four
wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow the vehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions. 2. Drive the front wheels onto the
dolly.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight-ahead
position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

Black plate (92,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
10-92 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing from the Front
(All-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with all-wheel drive cannot
be dolly towed.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
The vehicle cannot be dolly towed
from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under“Washing
the Vehicle” later in this section.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint finish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer.

Black plate (94,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
10-94 Vehicle Care
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
keep it clean by washing it often.
Do not wash the vehicle in
direct sunlight and use a car
washing soap.
Notice:Do not use cleaning
agents that are petroleum
based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal,
or plastic on the vehicle.
Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your
dealer. Follow all manufacturer
directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product. Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage
the emblems or nameplates on
the vehicle. Check the cleaning product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by the
warranty.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
High pressure car washes could
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage
or removal of paint and decals.
Notice:
Conveyor systems on
some automatic car washes could
damage the vehicle. There may
not be enough clearance for the
undercarriage. Check with the car
wash manager before using the
automatic car wash.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean
cloth. During very cold, damp
weather frequent application may
be required. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑7.

Black plate (95,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-95
Wheels and Trim—Aluminum
or Chrome
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice: Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Notice: Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, because
the surface could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Use only
approved cleaners on aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels.
Notice:
Never drive a vehicle that
has aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes, as this
could cause damage. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice: Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic
car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using
a lint‐free cloth or paper towel
soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash
the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road
grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle
wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper
blades if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal

Black plate (98,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
10-98 Vehicle Care
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment to remove dust
and loose dirt. A canister vacuum
with rotating brushes in the nozzle
may only be used on floor carpet
and carpeted floor mats. For soils,
always try to remove them first with
plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of
the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb
into the paper towel until no
more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. Test a
small hidden area for colorfastness
before using a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If the locally cleaned area gives
any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
A paper towel can be used to blot
excess moisture from the fabric or
carpet after the cleaning process.
Leather
Leather, and lighter colored leather
in particular, will need more frequent
cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred
from other items so that these do
not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth
dampened with water can
be used. If a more thorough
cleaning is necessary, a soft
cloth dampened with a mild soap
solution can be used. Your dealer
has a GM approved leather cleaner
available that provides superior
cleaning performance when used
regularly on finished automotive
leathers. Allow the leather to dry
naturally.

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment
air filter replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent replacement
may be needed if you drive
in areas with heavy traffic,
areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be
needed if you notice reduced
air flow, windows fogging up,
or odors. Your dealer can help
you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑15.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service)
for vehicles mainly driven
in heavy city traffic in hot
weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi,
police, or delivery service.
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑15.
.All‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check
vent hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.

Black plate (9,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-9
Coverage
Services are provided up to
5 years/160 000 km (100,000 mi),
whichever comes first.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Buick and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue
the Roadside Assistance program
at any time without notification.
Buick and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right
to limit services or payment to an
owner or driver if they decide the
claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many
times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
.Lock‐Out Service:Service
to unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock
may be available if you have
OnStar
®. For security reasons,
the driver must present
identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to
the nearest Buick dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is
not covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
.Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.

Black plate (14,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
13-14 Customer Information
Insuring The Vehicle
Protect your investment in the
GM vehicle with comprehensive
and collision insurance coverage.
There are significant differences
in the quality of coverage afforded
by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide
reduced protection to the GM
vehicle by limiting compensation
for damage repairs by using
aftermarket collision parts.
Some insurance companies
will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance,
we recommend that you ensure
that the vehicle will be repaired with
GM original equipment collision
parts. If such insurance coverage
is not available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help.
Do not leave the scene of a crash
until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger, or you
are instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8
or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
.Driver license number.
.Owner name, address, and
telephone number.
.Vehicle license plate number.
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year.
.Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
.Insurance company and policy
number.
.General description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates? on page 3‑35.

Black plate (15,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-15
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle
requires damage repairs, GM
recommends that you take an
active role in its repair. If you
have a pre-determined repair
facility of choice, take the vehicle
there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision
parts be original equipment parts,
either new Genuine GM parts
or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will
not be covered by the GM vehicle
warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist
on Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may
be obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept
a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision
policy repair limits, as you have
no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts
choices as long as the cost stays
within reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the
diagnosis and repair information
on the engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.

Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
i-4 INDEX
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . 13-13
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-18
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Devices, Auxiliary . . . . . . . 7-31, 7-34
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . 9-38
Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Rear Seat Pass-Through . . . . . 3-13
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25 Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
DVD Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
E
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . 5-20
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Electronic Stability Control . . . . . 9-37
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22