BUICK LACROSSE 2013 Owner's Guide

Black plate (15,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-15
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
VOL/O:Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
RADIO/BAND or SOURCE: Press
to choose between FM, AM,
or SiriusXM
®, if equipped.
Multifunction Knob: 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.
See Overview on page 7‑3 for more
information about these and other
radio features.
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 to 6 until a beep is
heard.
See “Storing a Station as a
Favorite” inAM-FM Radio on
page 7‑9.
Setting the Clock
See Clock (Radio with CD and
Touchscreen) on page 5‑5 for more
information.
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with a SiriusXM®satellite
radio tuner and a valid SiriusXM
satellite radio subscription can
receive SiriusXM programming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM 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
SiriusXM service.
Refer to:
.www.siriusxm.com or call
1-866-635-2349 (U.S.).
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-209-0079 (Canada).
See Satellite Radio on page 7‑10.

Black plate (16,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-16 In Brief
Portable Audio Devices
Some vehicles have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port in the center console bin.
External devices such as iPods
®,
laptop computers, MP3 players, CD
changers, and USB drives may be
connected, depending on the audio
system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑18.
Bluetooth®
The Bluetooth®system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile
phone to make and receive
hands-free calls using the vehicle
audio system and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled mobile
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 7‑20 orBluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑22 orBluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7‑25.
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.
b/g: Press to interact with the
available Bluetooth, OnStar,
or navigation system.
$/i: Press to silence the
vehicle speakers only. Press again
to turn the sound on. For vehicles
with OnStar or Bluetooth systems,
press to reject an incoming call,
or to end a current call.
_SRC^: Turn_or^to select a
radio band or audio source.
Turn
_or^to select the next or
previous favorite radio station, CD,
or MP3 track.
Press SRC to change between
radio and CD or DVD.
+
x−: Press + to increase or −to
decrease the volume.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

Black plate (17,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-17
Cruise Control
5:Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off.
*: 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
toward SET/- to set a speed and
activate cruise control, or to make
the vehicle decelerate.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑37.
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
There is also information on settings
and downloadable applications (if
equipped).
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the center of
the instrument cluster. It shows the
status of many vehicle systems. The
controls for the DIC are on the turn
signal lever.
1.SET/CLR: Press to set, or press
and hold to clear, the menu item
displayed.
2.
w/x: Use the thumbwheel to
scroll through the items in
each menu.
3. MENU: Press to display the DIC
menus. This button is also used
to return to or exit the last
screen displayed on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑25.

Black plate (18,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-18 In Brief
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the audio
system controls. These features
include:
.Climate and Air Quality
.Comfort and Convenience
.Collision/Detection Systems
.Language
.Lighting
.Power Door Locks
.Remote Lock/Unlock
.Return to Factory Settings
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑39.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, this system uses
sensors on the rear bumper to
assist with parking and avoiding
objects while in R (Reverse).
It operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible
beeps to provide distance and
system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑40.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two accessory power
outlets. One is located under the
armrest inside the center console
storage and the other is on the rear
of the center floor console.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
Universal Remote System
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
Universal Remote system. Because
of the steps involved, it may be
helpful to have another person
available to assist with programming
the Universal Remote system.
SeeUniversal Remote System on
page 5‑45.

Black plate (19,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-19
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches are located on the
overhead console.
The ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑24.
Vent: Press the rear of the
switch (2) to the first detent to vent
the sunroof. Press the front of the
switch (1) to the second detent to
close the sunroof. Express-open/Express-close:
To
express-open the sunroof, fully
press and release the rear of the
switch (2). To express-close, fully
press and release the front of the
switch (1). To stop the sunroof
partway, press either switch a
second time.
The sunshade opens automatically
with the sunroof.
To express-open the sunshade, fully
press and release the rear of the
switch (3). To stop the sunshade
partway, press the switch a second
time. To express-close, fully press
and release the front of the
switch (4). To stop the sunshade
partway, press the switch a
second time.
See Sunroof on page 2‑19.
eAssist Features
eAssist®Overview
If the vehicle has eAssist, there are
several additional features which
contribute to increased efficiency.
Vehicles with eAssist have an
automatic engine start/stop feature.
This feature saves fuel by shutting
the engine off when the vehicle is
stopped. When the engine shuts off
automatically, all the accessories
will continue to operate normally. In
very hot or cold conditions, the
engine will only shut off
automatically part of the time. See
Starting the Engine on page 9‑19.
There are two air conditioning
settings available. The comfort
setting maximizes cabin comfort.
The eco setting maximizes
efficiency allowing more frequent,
and longer engine stops than the
comfort setting. See Dual Automatic
Climate Control System on
page 8‑1.

Black plate (20,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-20 In Brief
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade. SeeHill Start Assist (HSA)
on page 9‑34.
Vehicles with eAssist have a slightly
different instrument cluster, which
includes an efficiency gauge, and
an AUTO STOP indicator on the
tachometer. See Instrument Cluster
on page 5‑9. There is also a Power
Flow Gauge in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25.
The eAssist system uses a high
voltage battery, which is cooled with
air drawn from the vehicle interior.
The cold air intake for the battery is
located behind the rear seat, on the
filler panel. Do not cover the intake.
See Battery on page 10‑27.
High Voltage Safety
Information
Vehicles with eAssist have a
standard 12-volt battery and a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. In emergency situations, first
responders can cut the two clearly
labeled cut points in the engine
compartment to disable the high
voltage battery and air bag systems
- do not cut the high voltage cable.
Driver Efficiency Gauge
This gauge assists the driver in
operating the vehicle more
efficiently and will vary based on
driver input.
See
Driver Efficiency Gauge on
page 5‑12 for more information.

Black plate (21,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-21
Automatic Engine Start/
Stop Feature
Vehicles with eAssist have an
automatic engine start/stop feature.
After the engine is started and has
reached operating temperature, the
auto stop feature may cause the
engine to turn off when the brake
pedal is applied and the vehicle
comes to a complete stop. When
the brake pedal is released, or the
accelerator pedal is applied, the
engine will restart. The engine will
continue to run until the next
auto stop.
To restart the engine during the auto
stop, release the brake pedal or
press the accelerator pedal. The
engine starts immediately. The
vehicle continues to run until the
next stop.
AUTO STOP on the tachometer
signifies that the engine is in auto
stop mode. SeeTachometer on
page 5‑11 for more information.
A chime will sound when the driver
door is opened while in auto stop mode. Remember to shift to P (Park)
and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
before exiting the vehicle.
See
Starting the Engine on
page 9‑19.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored in the
vehicle's high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
fuel efficiency.
The system works whenever the
accelerator pedal is released, and
increases the energy captured as
more brake pedal is applied.
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery. Refer to the replacement
number on the original battery label
when a new standard 12-volt battery
is needed. Vehicles with eAssist also have a
high voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. See
Battery on page 10‑27.
Service
Never try to do your own service on
eAssist components. You can be
injured and the vehicle can be
damaged if you try to do your own
service work. Service and repair of
these high voltage components
should only be performed by a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools. See
Doing Your Own Service Work on
page 10‑4.

Black plate (22,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
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 the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button
located on the console to the
right of the shift lever.
i
illuminates and the appropriate
DIC message is displayed. See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑37.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑34.
StabiliTrak®System
The StabliTrak 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 TCS and
StabiliTrak, press and hold the
TCS/StabiliTrak button, located
on the console to the right of the
shift lever, until
iandg
illuminate and the appropriate
DIC message is displayed. See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑37.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button to turn on both
systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑35.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts 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 9‑10.
The warning light will remain on until
the tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the

Black plate (23,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-23
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. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑50.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment 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 (With Pressure
Relief Button) on page 10‑64 orTire
Sealant and Compressor Kit (With
Pressure Deflation Button) on
page 10‑71.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see If
a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑62.
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.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel cap
can use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85 (85%
Ethanol) on page 9‑49. For all other
vehicles, use only the unleaded
gasoline described under
Recommended Fuel on page 9‑47.
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.

Black plate (24,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-24 In Brief
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.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. Only):
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 13‑7 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑9.
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.