keyless BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Owner's Guide

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
42 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be damaged. See your
dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a
new key made.Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
in the vehicle.
The security light on the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the vehicle does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.
If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter,
or place the transmitter in the
transmitter pocket. See
“Starting the
Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 028.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
114 Instruments and Controls
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
ON/RUN with the engine not
running for Key Access or in Service
Only Mode for Keyless Access. See
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
0175 orIgnition Positions (Key
Access) 0176.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0228. If the light is flashing :
A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. A loose or missing fuel cap may
cause the light to come on. See
Filling the Tank 0217. A few

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Instruments and Controls 115
driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the
light off.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See
Fuel 0215.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0225. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is in ON/RUN
with the engine not running for
Key Access or in Service Only
Mode for Keyless Access.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
120 Instruments and Controls
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See
Immobilizer Operation
(Key Access) 041 orImmobilizer
Operation (Keyless Access) 042.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0149.
Adaptive Forward
Lighting (AFL) Light
This light should come on briefly as
the vehicle is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 133
unsafe temperatures for operation.
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 System0238, Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0123,
Engine Oil 0236, and Maintenance
Schedule 0314.
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 0236.
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.
Key and Lock Messages
NO REMOTE DETECTED
This message displays when the
RKE transmitter battery is weak on
vehicles with Keyless Access. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery”
underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 028.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
134 Instruments and Controls
NO REMOTE KEY WAS
DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE
This message displays when trying
to start the vehicle if an RKE
transmitter is not detected. The
transmitter battery may be weak.
See“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 028.
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the
battery in the RKE transmitter needs
to be replaced. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 028.
Lamp Messages
AFL (Adaptive Forward
Lighting) LAMPS NEED
SERVICE
This message displays when the
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL)
system is disabled and needs
service. See your dealer. See
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL)
0150 for more information.
Object Detection System
Messages
AUTOMATIC COLLISION
PREP OFF
This message displays when the
Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System has been turned off. See
Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System 0210.
AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREP
REDUCED
This message displays when the
Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System has been set to the Alert
setting. This setting disables most FAB functions. Some last-second
automatic braking capability is still
provided with the Alert setting, but
braking is less likely to occur. See
Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System
0210.
AUTOMATIC COLLISION
PREPARATION UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when the
Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System has been unavailable for
some time. The FAB System does
not need service. This message can
display under the following
conditions:
.
The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean. Keep
these areas clean and free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care 0304.
. Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the object detection
performance.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Instruments and Controls 141
Comfort and Convenience
Select and the following may be
displayed:
.Auto Memory Recall
. Easy Exit Options
. Chime Volume
. Reverse Tilt Mirror
Auto Memory Recall
This feature automatically recalls
the current driver ’s previously stored
1 or 2 button positions when the
ignition is turned on. See Memory
Seats 055.
Select Off or On.
Easy Exit Options
This feature moves the seat
rearward allowing the driver more
room to enter/exit the vehicle. See
Memory Seats 055.
Select Off or On.
Chime Volume
This allows the selection of the
chime volume level.
Press + or −to adjust the volume. Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, both the driver and
passenger outside mirrors will tilt
downward when the vehicle is
shifted to R (Reverse) to improve
visibility of the ground near the rear
wheels. They will return to their
previous driving position when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
or the engine is turned off.
Select Off, On, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On -
Passenger.
Lighting
Select and the following may be
displayed:
.
Vehicle Locator Lights
. Exit Lighting
. Daytime Tail Lights
Vehicle Locator Lights
This feature will flash the exterior
lamps when
Kon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
pressed to locate the vehicle.
Select Off or On. Exit Lighting
This allows the selection of how
long the exterior lamps stay on
when leaving the vehicle when it is
dark outside.
Select Off, 30 Seconds,
60 Seconds, or 120 Seconds.
Daytime Tail Lights
This feature allows the taillamps to
be on during the day.
Select Off or On.
Power Door Locks
Select and the following may be
displayed:
.
Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
. Auto Door Unlock
. Delayed Door Lock
Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will keep the driver door
from locking when the door is open.
If Off is selected, the Delayed Door
Lock menu will be available.
Select Off or On.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
142 Instruments and Controls
Auto Door Unlock
This allows selection of which of the
doors will automatically unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
Select Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.
Delayed Door Lock
When on, this feature will delay the
locking of the doors. To override the
delay, press the power door lock
switch on the door.
Select Off or On.
Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Select and the following may be
displayed:
.Remote Unlock Light Feedback
. Remote Lock Feedback
. Remote Door Unlock
. Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
. Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
. Passive Door Unlock
. Passive Door Lock
. Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder Remote Unlock Light Feedback
When on, the exterior lamps will
flash when unlocking the vehicle
with the RKE transmitter.
Select Off or Flash Lights.
Remote Lock Feedback
This allows selection of what type of
feedback is given when locking the
vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
Select Off, Lights and Horn, Lights
Only, or Horn Only.
Remote Door Unlock
This allows selection of which doors
will unlock when pressing
Kon the
RKE transmitter.
Select All Doors or Driver Door.
Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the ventilated seats
on when using remote start on
warm days.
Select Off or On. Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the heated seats on
when using remote start on
cold days.
Select Off or On.
Passive Door Unlock
This allows the selection of what
doors will unlock when using the
button on the driver door to unlock
the vehicle.
Select All Doors or Driver Door.
Passive Door Lock
This feature can be turned on or off,
or can be used to select feedback
when using the button on the driver
door to lock the vehicle. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
028.
Select On, On with Horn Chirp,
or Off.
Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder
This feature sounds an alert when
the RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Lighting 153
Reading Lamps
There are front and rear reading
lamps.
The front reading lamps are in the
overhead console.
The rear reading lamps are in the
headliner.
#or$(Reading Lamps) :Press
to turn each lamp on or off.
Sun Visor Lamps
This lamp turns on when the cover
is opened.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and most of
the interior lamps turn on briefly at
night or in areas with limited lighting
when the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter
Kbutton is
pressed. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 028. After
about 30 seconds the exterior lamps
turn off, then the dome lamps and
remaining interior lamps dim to off.
Entry lighting can be disabled
manually by changing the ignition
out of the OFF position, or by
pressing the RKE transmitter
Q
button.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0139.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
154 Lighting
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps come on at
night, or in areas with limited
lighting, when the key is removed
from the ignition. The dome lamps
also come on when the key is
removed from the ignition. The
exterior lamps and dome lamps
remain on after the door is closed
for a set amount of time, then
automatically turn off.
For vehicles with Keyless Access,
the exterior lamps automatically turn
on when a door is opened after the
ignition is changed to the OFF
position. The dome lamps also
come on after the ignition is
changed to the OFF position. See
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
0175 orIgnition Positions (Key
Access) 0176.
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamps control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0139.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the
power needed for very high
electrical loads. A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, rear
window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might
be displayed and it is recommended
that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible. See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages
0130.