service BUICK LACROSSE 2011 Owner's Manual

Black plate (2,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM
Vehicle Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-7
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-10 Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-18
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
BUICK, the BUICK Emblem, and
LACROSSE are trademarks and/or
service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.This manual describes features
that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle either because
they are options that you did
not purchase or due to changes
subsequent to the printing of this
owner manual. Please refer to the
purchase documentation relating
to your specific vehicle to confirm
each of the features found on your
vehicle. For vehicles first sold
in Canada, substitute the name
“General Motors of Canada Limited”
for Buick Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.Manufactured under license
under U.S. Patent #'s: 5,451,
942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380;
5,978,762; 6,487,535 & other
U.S. and worldwide patents
issued & pending. DTS and the
Symbol are registered trademarks
and DTS Digital Surround and the
DTS logos are trademarks of DTS,
Inc. Product includes software.
All Rights Reserved.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20859621 B Second Printing©2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Dangerindicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning orCaution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.
{WARNING
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people. Notice:
This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered
by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it
is a safety symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
*: This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Black plate (11,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-11
Vehicles with the memory feature
can store a preferred mirror position.
See“Memory Seats” underPower
Seat Adjustment on page 3‑5 for
more information.
See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.
Manual Foldaway Mirrors
Vehicles with manual folded
mirrors are folded inward to
prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return it to the original position.
Automatic Dimming Feature
The driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare
of the headlamps behind you.
SeePower Mirrors on page 2‑16.
See Folding Mirrors on page 2‑17.
Interior
Adjust this mirror for a clear view of
the area behind the vehicle. Hold
the mirror in the center to move it
up, down, or side-to-side. To reduce
headlamp glare from behind, push
the tab forward for daytime and pull
it for nighttime use.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have three
control buttons at the bottom of the
mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how
to subscribe to OnStar. See the
OnStar
®owner's guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.
See Manual Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑18.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever (A) down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever (A) up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Black plate (17,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-17
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with an XM™Satellite
Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite
Radio subscription can receive XM
programming.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM Satellite Radio has
a wide variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the XM
service.
For more information refer to:
.www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
For more information, see Satellite
Radio on page 7‑15.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle has a 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
auxiliary input and a USB port
located in the center console.
External devices such as iPods
®,
laptop computers, MP3 players,
CD changers, and USB storage
devices may be connected,
depending on the audio system.
For more information, see Auxiliary
Devices (Radio with CD) on
page 7‑31 orAuxiliary Devices
(Radio with CD/DVD and MEM) on
page 7‑34.
Bluetooth®
The Bluetooth®system allows
users with a Bluetooth-enabled
cell phone to make and receive
hands-free calls using the vehicle
audio system, microphone, and
controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
See Bluetooth (Overview) on
page 7‑46 orBluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑48 orBluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7‑53.

Black plate (24,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
1-24 In Brief
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.:1-800-252-1112
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0818
As the owner of a new Buick, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8
or Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10 for more
information. Roadside Service and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Qbutton
and the current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar Advisor who
will assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.buickownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
OnStar®
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to
see if you need help.

Black plate (25,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-25
How OnStar Service Works
Q:Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to
answer questions.
]: Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X: Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles.
For more information, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide;
visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080; or push
the
Qbutton to speak with an
OnStar Advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide in
the glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
OnStar service can’t work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with
a wireless service provider for
service in that area, and the
wireless service provider has
coverage, network capacity,
reception, and technology
compatible with OnStar service.
Service involving location
information about the vehicle
can’t work unless GPS signals
are available, unobstructed,
and compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.

Black plate (26,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
1-26 In Brief
OnStar service may not work
if the OnStar equipment isn’t
properly installed or you haven’t
maintained it and the vehicle
is in good working order and in
compliance with all government
regulations. If you try to add,
connect, or modify any equipment
or software in the vehicle, OnStar
service may not work. Other
problems OnStar can’t control
may prevent service to you, such
as hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather, electrical system design
and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to important parts of the
vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone
network congestion or jamming.
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 for more information.
On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio
if the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly.
Push the
Qbutton and request a
vehicle diagnostic check. If the light
appears clear (no light appears),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been
deactivated. Push the
Qbutton to
confirm that the OnStar equipment
is active.

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key.
Press the button and the key
blade to retract the key.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.Notice:
If the keys get locked
in the vehicle, it may have to
be damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
see Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8
or Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10.
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310. If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See
“Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Black plate (15,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15
The key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit
in the vehicle and automatically
disarms the system. Only the
correct key starts the vehicle.
The vehicle may not start if the
key is damaged.
The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on,
try another ignition key.
If the engine still does not start
with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start,
the first key may be damaged.
See your dealer who can service
the theft-deterrent system and
have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button
is pushed in and a valid transmitter
is found in the vehicle.
The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.