display BUICK LACROSSE 2011 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-39
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-45
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-36
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-28
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-36
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-42
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-62

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑8.
B. Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 5‑29 (If Equipped).
C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
Driver Information Center
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑25.
D. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑10.
Driver Information Center
Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑25.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
F. Infotainment Display Screen.
G. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
H. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑5
(If Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5. I.
Front Storage on page 4‑1.
J. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑17.
K. Cruise Control on page 9‑39.
L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
M. Horn on page 5‑3.
N. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
O. Ignition Positions (Key Access)
on page 9‑17 orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access) on
page 9‑19.
P. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑10.
Q. Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1
(If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 8‑4
(If Equipped). R.
Power Door Locks on
page 2‑11.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑37.
S. Parking Brake on page 9‑33.
T. Shift Lever Position Indicator. See Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑28.
U. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into
Park on page 9‑25.
V. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑36.
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 9‑37.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑42.
Rear Window Sunshade
(If Equipped). See Rear
Window Sunshade on
page 2‑20.
W. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (13,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-13
The current status of the AUTO
system is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) uplevel
display. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑25.
;: Turns on the parking lamps,
together with the sidemarker lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps, and
instrument panel lights.
2: Turns on the headlamps,
together with the parking lamps,
sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license
plate lamps, and instrument panel
lights.
For more information, see:
.Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
.Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑3.
.Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper lever
is on the side of the steering
column. With the ignition in
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN,
move the windshield wiper lever
to select the wiper speed.
2: Fast wipes.
1: Slow wipes.
&:Turn the band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.
9: Turns the windshield
wipers off.
3: Briefly move the wiper lever
down for a single wipe or hold down
for several wipes.
Windshield Washer
Pull the windshield wiper lever to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.

Black plate (16,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
1-16 In Brief
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
VOL/O:Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
RADIO/BAND: Press to choose
between FM, AM, or XM™,
if equipped.
TUNE: Turn to select radio
stations.
g: Press to seek the previous
station or track.
l: Press to seek the next station
or track.
Buttons 1‐6: Press to save and
select favorite stations
INFO: Press to show available
information about the current station
or track.
For more information about
these and other radio features,
see Operation on page 7‑7.
Storing a Favorite Station
Stations from all bands can be
stored in the favorite lists in any
order. Up to six stations can be
stored in each favorite page and
the number of available favorite
pages can be set.
To store the station to a position
in the list, press the corresponding
numeric button 1-6 until the station
can be heard again.
For more information, see “Storing
and Retrieving Favorites” inAM-FM
Radio on page 7‑12.
Setting the Clock
Adjusting the Time
1. Press the CONFIG button and select Time Settings,
or press
H.
2. Select Set Time. 3. Turn the Menu knob to adjust
the highlighted number.
4. Press the SELECT button to select the next number.
5. To save the time and return to the Time Settings menu, press
the BACK button at any time or
press the SELECT button after
adjusting the minutes.
Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
1. Press the CONFIG button and select Time Settings,
or press
H.
2. Highlight 12/24 Hour Format.
3. Press the SELECT button to select the 12 hour or 24 hour
display format.
For detailed instructions on setting
the clock, see Clock (Without Date
Display) on page 5‑5 orClock (With
Date Display) on page 5‑6.

Black plate (19,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-19
\:Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
RES/+ : Move the thumbwheel
up to make the vehicle resume
to a previously set speed or to
accelerate.
SET/− :Move the thumbwheel
down to set the speed and activate
cruise control or make the vehicle
decelerate.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑39.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
Navigation System Manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system. The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points
of interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See the Navigation System Manual
for more information.
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located in the
center of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems. The controls for
the DIC are located on the turn
signal lever.
A.
SET/CLR: Press to set or
clear the menu item when
it is displayed.
B.
w x: Use the thumbwheel
to scroll through the items in
each menu.
C. MENU: Press to get to the
Trip/Fuel Menu and the Vehicle
Information Menu. This button
is also used to return to or exit
the last screen displayed on
the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25.

Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.To turn off traction control,
press and release
glocated
on the console to the right of
the shifter.
iilluminates and
the appropriate DIC message
is displayed. See Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light on page 5‑22.
.Press and release the button
again to turn on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑36.
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system assists
with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
The system turns on automatically
every time the vehicle is started.
.To turn off both traction control
and ESC, press and hold
g,
located on the console to
the right of the shifter, until
g
illuminates and the appropriate
DIC message is displayed.
See Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System
(TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on
page 5‑22.
.Press and release the button to
turn on both systems.
For more information, see Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) on
page 9‑37.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure
of one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early

Black plate (23,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-23
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑56.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. The kit can be used
to temporarily seal small punctures
in the tread area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit on page 10‑72 for complete
operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and
spare tire, see If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑70.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Press the DIC menu button on the turn signal lever to enter
the Vehicle Information Menu.
Use the thumbwheel to scroll
through the menu items until you
reach REMAINING OIL LIFE.
3. Press the SET/CLR button to reset the oil life at 100%.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.

Black plate (6,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
Keyless Trunk Opening
Lift up on the touch pad located
above the license plate to open the
trunk if the RKE transmitter is within
range.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters
programmed to the vehicle
will work. If a transmitter is lost
or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased and programmed
through your dealer. The vehicle
can be reprogrammed so that lost
or stolen transmitters no longer
work. Any remaining transmitters
will need to be reprogrammed.
Each vehicle can have up to
five transmitters matched to it.Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter (Keyless Access
Vehicles Only)
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle
when there is one recognized
transmitter. To program, the
vehicle must be off and all of
the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the recognized
transmitter(s) in the cupholder.
2. Insert the vehicle key of the new transmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays READY
FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5. 3. Place the new transmitter
into the transmitter pocket.
The transmitter pocket is
located inside the center
console storage area under
the cupholder. The cupholder
will need to be pulled out to
access the transmitter pocket.
4. Press the ignition. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3
through 5.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
the ignition for 10 seconds to
exit programming mode.

Black plate (7,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7
Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter
(Keyless Access Vehicles Only)
If there are no currently recognized
transmitters available, follow this
procedure to program up to five
transmitters. This feature is not
available in Canada. This procedure
will take approximately 30 minutes
to complete. The vehicle must be
off and all of the transmitters you
wish to program must be with you.
1. Insert the vehicle key of thetransmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. 2. Wait for 10 minutes until the
DIC displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press the ignition.
The DIC displays will again
show REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the
next steps.
The DIC display should
now show READY FOR
REMOTE # 1. 4. Place the new transmitter
into the transmitter pocket.
The transmitter pocket is
located inside the center
console storage area under
the cupholder. The cupholder
will need to be pulled out to
access the transmitter pocket.
5. Press the ignition. When the transmitter is learned the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4
through 6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
the ignition for 10 seconds to
exit programming mode.

Black plate (8,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when you try to
start the vehicle. The REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message may also be displayed
at this time.
To start the vehicle:
1. Remove the cupholder from thecenter console storage area.
2. Place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing up. 3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or
N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and the ignition control.
See Starting the Engine on
page 9‑20 for additional
information about the vehicle's
keyless ignition with push start.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
See “Replace Battery in Remote
Key” under Key and Lock Messages
on page 5‑36.
The battery is not rechargeable.
To replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying it with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it
toward the keyblade. 4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Push the battery
down until it is held in place.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
If available, this feature allows the
engine to be started from outside
the vehicle.
The
/button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view.
Check local regulations for any
requirements.