maintenance BUICK LACROSSE 2014 User Guide

Black plate (28,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
5-28 Instruments and Controls
the trip odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer can be reset by
pressing and holding
Vwhile this
display is active, or by pressing
T
and resetting through the
right menu.
The Average Fuel Economy display
shows the approximate average
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number is calculated based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded
since the last time this menu item
was reset. The Average Fuel
Economy can be reset by pressing
and holding
Vwhile this display is
active, or by pressing
Tand
resetting through the right menu.
The Average Speed display shows
the average speed of the vehicle in
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles
per hour (mph). This average is
calculated based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset of this value. The average
speed can be reset by pressing and holding
Vwhile this display is
active, or by pressing
Tand
resetting through the right menu.
Fuel Range and Instantaneous
Fuel Economy: Displays the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling.
LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel
range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Displays the current fuel economy in
either liters per 100 kilometers (L/
100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg).
This number reflects only the fuel
economy that the vehicle has right
now and changes frequently as
driving conditions change.
Oil Life: Displays an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
See
Engine Oil Messages on
page 5-37. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See
Engine Oil on page 10-11. In
addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not reset the Oil Life
display accidentally at any time
other than when the oil has just
been changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system,
press and hold
Vfor several
seconds while the Oil Life display is
active. See Engine Oil Life System
on page 10-13.

Black plate (37,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
Instruments and Controls 5-37
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10-13,Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-27, Engine
Oil on page 10-11, and Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2.
ENGINE OIL HOT, IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil temperature is too hot.
Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down.
ENGINE OIL LOW —ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil on page 10-11.
OIL PRESSURE LOW —STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the
fuel cap.

Black plate (1,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
Climate Controls 8-1
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls 2. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats (If Equipped)

Black plate (6,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
8-6 Climate Controls
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
To open the vent, move the
thumbwheel to
t. To close the vent,
move the thumbwheel to
l.
For vehicles with eAssist, there is a
battery cooling air vent located on
the shelf behind the rear passenger
seats below the rear window. Keep
this air inlet clear from items that
may block air flow. Proper airflow is
required to keep the eAssist battery
and control system cool. Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
.Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Maintenance
Air Intake
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air intake at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of
air into the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2 for replacement intervals.
For more information, see your
dealer.

Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
9-4 Driving and Operating
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has electric power
steering it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Vehicle Messages
on page 5-34.Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
If the vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving
slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power
steering, but steering will be stiffer
than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require
maintenance. See
Power Steering
Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD) on
page 10-23 orPower Steering Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine with AWD) on
page 10-23.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.

Black plate (58,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
9-58 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
can limit visibility such as fog,
rain, or snow, or if the headlamps
or windshield are not cleaned or
in proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair.
LDW warnings may occur due to tar
marks, shadows, cracks in the road,
or other road imperfections. This is
normal system operation; the
vehicle does not need service.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S., to help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, we
recommend using TOP TIER
Detergent Gasolines. See
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasolines.
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap,
E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the
vehicle. See E85 or FlexFuel on
page 9-60.
Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less
than 87, an audible knocking noise
may be heard. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a higher octane rating,
the engine needs service.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. Driving or
starting could be affected if the
incorrect fuel is used. Drive the
vehicle with the engine running until
the fuel is a half tank or less, then
refuel with the current seasonal fuel.

Black plate (65,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
Driving and Operating 9-65
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil 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 may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
on page 10-21.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

Black plate (4,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
10-4 Vehicle Care
All Vehicles
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Airbag System
Check on page 3-31. Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records on
page 11-15.
{Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the interior hood release
handle located to the left of the
steering column below the
instrument panel.

Black plate (15,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
Vehicle Care 10-15
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer
service department. Contact your
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2, and be sure to use the
fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-6.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11-2. If you are driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required.
2.4L L4 Engine
1. Screws
2. Air Duct Clamp
3. Electrical Connector
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See Hood on
page 10-4.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (2).
3. Disconnect the electrical connector (3).

Black plate (19,1)Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6043609) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 10/17/13
Vehicle Care 10-19
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant mixture. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-12
and Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10-21.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to
−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
{Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
(Continued)