towing BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Owner's Guide

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 247
engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also
indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine and 3.6L
V6 Engine with FWD)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine
with AWD)
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 231 for information on the location
of the power steering fluid reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak is suspected in the system or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Check the level when the engine
is cool.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
2. Unscrew the cap and pull it straight up.
3. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.The fluid level should be between
MIN and MAX on the dipstick.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0323. Always use the
proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 301
10. Try to start the vehicle that hadthe dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a wheel
lift tow truck. A flatbed car carrier
could damage the vehicle. The
wheel lift tow truck must raise the
rear of the vehicle and wheel dollies
must be used to lift the front wheels
off the ground.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
. What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
302 Vehicle Care
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be used. See
the following information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
To dolly tow the vehicle from the
front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Vehicle Care 303
3. Shift the transmission toP (Park).
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels
are locked into the
straight-ahead position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer
instructions.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to OFF.Dolly Towing from the Front
(All-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with All-Wheel Drive
cannot be dolly towed.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
The vehicle cannot be dolly towed
from the rear.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
314 Service and Maintenance
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0171.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0215.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart. The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0229.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0236.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0271.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0277.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0247.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 335
Coverage
Services are provided for the
duration of the vehicle’s powertrain
warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Buick reserve the right to make any
changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.
General Motors North America and
Buick reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are
made too often, or the same type of
claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station. .
Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have
OnStar
®. For security reasons,
the driver must present
identification before this service
is given.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Buick dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given
when the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud, or snow.
. Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
. Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 805 km (500 mi).
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.
Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
. Legal fines.
. Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a
regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 339
parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance
Program0334.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
. Driver license number.
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number.
. Vehicle license plate number. .
Vehicle make, model, and
model year.
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
. Insurance company and policy
number.
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 070.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Index 357
CleaningExterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 337
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 285
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Temperature Gauge . . . 111
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Cooling System (cont'd)
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 197
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 333 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 340
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 337
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 343
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349 Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . . 194
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 329
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 189, 251
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 204
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 207
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 25
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 168
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 170
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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358 Index
Driving (cont'd)Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 116
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 258
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 231
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Engine (cont'd)
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Cooling System Messages . . . 132
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 186
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 343
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 148
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 149
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 151
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 239
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Front Automatic Braking (FAB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Index 359
Front SeatsAdjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 56
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 120
Requirements, California . . . . . 216
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 258
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 Gauges (cont'd)
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 313
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 151
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
HeadlampsAdaptive ForwardLighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Headlamps (cont'd)
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 149
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 121
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 272
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 168
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 192
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 175, 176
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41