steering BUICK LACROSSE 2012 Workshop Manual

Black plate (59,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-59
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals when Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑19.

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-13
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-19
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21 Power Steering Fluid (2.4L
L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Power Steering Fluid (3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-27
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-28
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33 Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-36
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-48
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-5
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the interior hood releasehandle located to the left of the
steering column below the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle andpush the secondary hood
release handle toward the driver
side of the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on properly.
2. Lower the hood 30 cm (12 in) above the vehicle and release it
so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is closed
and repeat the process if
necessary.

Black plate (9,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑13.
B. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine) on page 10‑21
or Power Steering Fluid (3.6L
V6 Engine) on page 10‑21.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑9.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑9.
E. Engine Cover.
F. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑13. G. Brake Master Cylinder
Reservoir. See Brakes on
page 10‑23.
H. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑16.
I. Battery Cover. See Battery on
page 10‑25.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑38.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑22.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Black plate (21,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-21
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance.
2.4L L4 Engine
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on the
instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
Driving extended distances and/or
towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.3.6L V6 Engine
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on the
instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also
indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine)
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for information on the
location of the power steering fluid
reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak is suspected in the system or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.

Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-22 Vehicle Care
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Check the level after the vehicle has
been driven for at least 20 minutes
so the fluid is warm.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFFand let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and pull it straight up.
4. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine is hot, the level
should be at the hot MAX level.
When the engine is cold, the fluid
level should be between MIN and
MAX on the dipstick.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12. Always
use the proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location.

Black plate (40,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-40 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage1 Transmission
Control
Module
—Battery
2 Engine Control
Module Battery
3 Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch
5 Engine Control
Module Run/Crank
8 Ignition
Coils
—Even (Six
Cylinder Engine),
Ignition Coils —All
(Four Cylinder
Engine
9 Ignition Coils
—Odd
(Six Cylinder
Engine)
10 Engine Control
Module
—Switched
Battery (from Engine
Control Module
Relay) Mini Fuses Usage
11 Six Cylinder Engine:
Post Catalytic
Converter Oxygen
Sensor Heater,
Mass Air Flow
Sensor, Flex Fuel
Sensor
13 Run/Crank for
Transmission
Control Module and
Fuel System Control
Module
14 Cabin Heater
Coolant Pump
(eAssist)
15 Motor Generator
Unit Coolant Pump
(eAssist)
16 Run/Crank for
eAssist Power
Inverter Module
17 Airbag
Module
—Run/
Crank Mini Fuses Usage
18 Vented Seats
(eAssist)
23 Variable Effort
Steering
(if equipped) or
eAssist Power
Inverter Module
29 Power Lumbar, Left
30 Power Lumbar,
Right or Power Pack
Cooling Fan
(eAssist)
31 Passive Entry/
Passive Start
Module
—Battery 1
(eAssist)
32 Body Control
Module 6
33 Heated
Seat
—Front
34 Antilock Brake
System Valves
35 Amplifier

Black plate (43,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-43
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. Fuses Usage
1 Steering Wheel
Controls Backlight
2 Body Control
Module 7
3 Body Control
Module 5
4 Radio
5 OnStar
6 Power Outlet 1
7 Power Outlet 2
8 Body Control
Module 1
9 Body Control
Module 4
10 Body Control
Module 8
(J‐Case Fuse) Fuses Usage
11 Front Heater
Ventilation Air
Conditioning/Blower
(J‐Case Fuse)
12 Passenger Seat
(Circuit Breaker)
13 Driver Seat (Circuit
Breaker)
14 Diagnostic Link
Connector
15 Airbag
16 Trunk
17 Heater Ventilation
Air Conditioning
Controller
18 Pre‐Fuse for Fuses
4 and 5

Black plate (45,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-45
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Mini Fuses Usage
5 Not Used
6 Heated Steering
Wheel
—Run/Crank
(without eAssist) Mini Fuses Usage
7 Not Used
8 Not Used
12 Not Used
15 Not Used
16 Not Used Mini Fuses Usage
17 Not Used
18 Passive Entry/
Passive Start
Module
—Battery 1
(without eAssist)
19 Not Used
20 Run/Crank for Rear
Sunshade (without
eAssist), Ventilated
Seats (without
eAssist)
21 Not Used
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24 Not Used
25 Not Used
26 Not Used
27 Not Used
28 Not Used
29 Not Used

Black plate (46,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2012
10-46 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage30 Not Used
31 Electronic
Suspension Control
(without eAssist)
32 Rear Seat
Infotainment (without
eAssist)
33 All‐Wheel Drive
(without eAssist)
J‐Case Fuses Usage
1 Not Used
2 Not Used
3 Not Used
4 Not Used J‐Case
Fuses Usage
9 Not Used
10 Not Used 11 Not Used
13 Not Used
14 Not Used
34 Not Used
35 Passive Entry/
Passive Start
Module
—Battery 2
(without eAssist)
36 Not Used
37 Not Used Relays
Usage
K1 Not Used
K2 Run/Crank Relay for
Seat Ventilation
(without eAssist),
Sunshade (without
eAssist)
K3 Run Relay for
Heated Steering
Wheel (without
eAssist)
K4 Not Used