lock BUICK LACROSSE 2013 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
2013 Buick LaCrosse Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
eAssist Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-14
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-27
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-34
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-40
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-57
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
iv Introduction
{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. Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g:First Responder
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 1-18
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-18
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Universal Remote System . . . 1-18
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
eAssist Features
eAssist®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
High Voltage Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20 Driver Efficiency Gauge . . . . . . 1-20
Automatic Engine Start/Stop
Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . 1-21
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-23
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-23
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Black plate (3,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-3
1.Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑4 (If
Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5.
Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 5‑29 (If Equipped).
2. Air Vents on page 8‑6.
3. 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.
4. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑9.
Driver Information Center
Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑25.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
6. Infotainment Display Screen.
7. Infotainment. See infotainment system manual. 8. Hood Release. See
Hood on
page 10‑5.
9. Front Storage on page 4‑1.
10. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑16.
11. Cruise Control on page 9‑37.
12. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
13. Horn on page 5‑3.
14. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
15. Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) on page 9‑15 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
on page 9‑17.
16. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑8 (If
Equipped).
17. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.
18. Parking Brake on page 9‑32. 19. Shift Lever Position Indicator.
SeeAutomatic Transmission
on page 9‑27.
20. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into
Park on page 9‑24.
21. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑34.
StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑35 (If Equipped).
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑40.
Rear Window Sunshade on
page 2‑19 (If Equipped).
22. Power Door Locks on
page 2‑10.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑26.

Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-4 In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(195 ft) away from the vehicle.
RKE without Remote Start
Press the button to extend the key.
The key can be used for all locks.
This key is also used for the
ignition, if the vehicle does not have
pushbutton start.
K: Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors.
Q: Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
V: Press and hold to release the
trunk.
7: Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑1 andRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
Remote Vehicle Start
For vehicles with this feature, the
engine can be started from outside
the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/for at
least two seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash.

Black plate (5,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
In Brief 1-5
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑8.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors:
.From inside the vehicle, use the
door lock knob or the power
door lock controls, pull once on
the door handle to unlock it, and
a second time to open it.
.From outside, use the key,
or press
QorKon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
See Door Locks on page 2‑9.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock controls are on
the front door panels.
K:Press to unlock the doors.
Q:Press to lock the doors.
See Power Door Locks on
page 2‑10.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk, pressVon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter, or press the touch pad
above the license plate. See Trunk
on page 2‑11.
Windows
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.
See Power Windows on page 2‑17.

Black plate (6,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-6 In Brief
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
1. Seatback Recline Lever
2. Height Adjustment Switch
3. Seat Position HandleTo adjust the seat position:
1. Pull the handle (3) under the
front of the seat cushion.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the
handle (3).
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch (2) to raise or lower the
seat. Release the switch (2) when
the desired height is reached.
To raise or recline the seatback, use
the lever (1) on the outboard side of
the seat.
See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑5.
Power Seats
To adjust the seat:
.Move the seat forward or
rearward by moving the
horizontal control forward or
rearward.
.Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
horizontal control up or down.
.Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the horizontal control up
or down.

Black plate (10,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 9/7/12
1-10 In Brief
SeeMemory Seats on page 3‑6 and
Power Mirrors on page 2‑15.
Manual Foldaway Mirrors
These mirrors can be 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.
See Folding Mirrors on page 2‑15.
Automatic Dimming Feature
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming driver outside mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare of the headlamps behind you.
SeePower Mirrors on page 2‑15.
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 OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.
See Manual Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑16.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever 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 up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The interior lamps control located in
the overhead console controls both
the front and rear interior lamps.
(: Turns the lamps off.

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 (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.