automatic transmission BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Owner's Guide

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 239
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE
on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0123.
When remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on
the display. See Engine Oil
Messages 0133.
2. Press
Von the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%. Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible. 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, see
Service
Publications Ordering
Information 0340.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 314, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0323.
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 0231.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
252 Vehicle Care
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface. 2. Apply the parking brake. Be
ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
If equipped with a key type ignition,
while parked and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park).
. The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 269
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire
Pressure 0271.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production. GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0171.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0171.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0171.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 285
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0291. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0285. When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust 0185.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
316 Service and Maintenance
.Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0251.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check 0252.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0252.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism
Check 0252. .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
. Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0285.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof047.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Service and Maintenance 319
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Except with eAssist: Visually inspect accessory
drive belts. (5)@
Vehicles with eAssist: Visually inspect accessory
drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2)
Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Service and Maintenance 323
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine
Oil 0236.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0243.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (If Equipped) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
328 Technical Data
Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
2.4L L4 Engine RAutomatic 0.75–0.90 mm (0.030–
0.035 in)
3.6L V6 Engine 3Automatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
352 OnStar
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated
into the electrical architecture of the
vehicle. Do not add any electrical
equipment. SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment 0225. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the
operation of the OnStar system and
cause it to not operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the
vehicle without further notice or
consent. These updates or changes
may enhance or maintain safety,
security, or the operation of the
vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may
affect or erase data or settings that
are stored in the vehicle, such as
OnStar Hands-Free Calling name
tags, saved navigation destinations,
or pre-set radio stations. Neither
OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or
settings. These updates or changes
may also collect personal
information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or separately disclosed at
the time of installation. These
updates or changes may also cause
a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to
collect information about vehicle
system status, identify whether
updates or changes are available,
or deliver updates or changes. An
active OnStar agreement constitutes
consent to these software updates
or changes and agreement that
either OnStar or GM may remotely
deliver them to the vehicle.
Privacy
The complete OnStar Privacy
Statement may be found at
www.onstar.com (U.S.),
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We
recommend that you review it. If you
have any questions, call
1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
or press
Qto speak with an
Advisor. Users of wireless
communications are cautioned that
the privacy of any information sent
via wireless cellular communications
cannot be assured. Third parties may unlawfully intercept or access
transmissions and private
communications without consent.
OnStar - Software
Acknowledgements
Certain OnStar components include
libcurl and unzip software and other
third party software. Below are the
notices and licenses associated with
libcurl and unzip and for other third
party software please see http://
www.lg.com/global/support/
opensource/index and https://
www.onstar.com/us/en/support/
getdocuments.html
libcurl:
COPYRIGHT AND PERMISSION
NOTICE
Copyright (c) 1996 - 2010, Daniel
Stenberg, .
All rights reserved.
Permission to use, copy, modify,
and distribute this software for any
purpose with or without fee is
hereby granted, provided that the

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
356 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 205
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
B
BatteryLoad Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .250, 297, 298
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 253
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .115
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Brakes (cont'd)
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 174
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamps, Front TurnSignal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 256
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . 227, 250, 297, 298
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . 99
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 113
Check Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 252
Malfunction IndicatorEngine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 79
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91, 93
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258