BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Service Manual

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle on
the trunk lid. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk
from the inside.
After use, return to the stored
position.Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
The indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system.
Off :Alarm system is disarmed. On Solid :
Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the hood, or the trunk
is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
. Use the Keyless Access
system, if equipped.
. With a door open, press
Q
on the interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will
bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 41
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking the RKE transmitter,
the horn will chirp and the lights will
flash to indicate pre-alarm. If the
vehicle is not started, or the door is
not unlocked by pressing
Kon the
RKE transmitter during the
10-second pre-alarm, the alarm will
be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the trunk, or the
hood is opened without first
disarming the system. When the
alarm is activated, the turn signals
flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system, or turn
off the alarm if it has been activated,
do one of the following:
. Press
Kon the RKE transmitter. .
Unlock the vehicle using the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
. Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
. Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
. Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter or use the
Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the alarm system
or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lights
flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
See Security Messages 0137.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency
Statement 0341.
Immobilizer Operation
(Key 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 key is
removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only the correct key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.

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
Keys, Doors, and Windows 43
If the vehicle does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the transmitter
pocket, the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer who can service
the theft-deterrent system and have
a new transmitter programmed to
the vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or
device that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors: 1. Turn the control knob to the L (Left) or R (Right) selecting the
driver or passenger mirror.
2. Push the control knob to the left, right, up, or down to adjust
the mirror.
Vehicles with the memory feature
can store a preferred mirror position.
See Memory Seats 055.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
44 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding 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.
Automatic Dimming Feature
The vehicle may have a driver
outside mirror that automatically
adjusts for the glare of the
headlamps behind.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal
indicator lamp built into the mirror
housing. The turn signal lamp
flashes when the turn signals or
hazard flashers are used.
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
1(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to heat the mirrors. See
“Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0157.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with memory seats, the
passenger and/or driver mirror tilts
to a preselected position when the
vehicle is in R (Reverse). This
allows the curb to be seen when
parallel parking.
The mirror(s) return to the original
position when:
.
The vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or remains in
R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
. The ignition is turned off.
. The vehicle is driven in
R (Reverse) above a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see
Vehicle Personalization 0139.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
If equipped with OnStar, the vehicle
may have three control buttons at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See OnStar Overview 0345.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it for nighttime
use to avoid glare from the
headlamps from behind.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 45
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming
reduces the glare of the headlamps
from behind. This feature comes on
when the vehicle is started.
Windows
{Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless
adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Never
leave keys in a vehicle with
children. When there are children
in the rear seat, use the window
lockout button to prevent
operation of the windows. See
Keys026.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
46 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.
The switches work when the ignition
is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY, or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP)0183.
Express Window Operation
Windows with an express-up or
down feature allow the front
windows to be lowered or raised
without holding the switch. Rear
windows only have express-down.
Pull a window switch up or push it down all the way, release it, and the
window goes down or up
automatically. Stop the window by
pushing or pulling the switch.
Rear Window Lockout
This feature prevents the rear
passenger windows from operating,
except from the driver position.
Press
oon the driver door to
activate the rear window lockout
switch.
The indicator light comes on when
activated. Press
oagain to deactivate the
lockout switch.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected, or is
not working, you will need to
reprogram each front power window
for the express-up feature to work.
Before reprogramming, replace or
recharge the vehicle's battery.
To program each front window:
1. With the ignition in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), close all doors.
2. Press and hold the power window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull the power window switch up until the window is fully
closed.
4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds
after the window is completely
closed.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 47
The window is now reprogrammed.
Repeat the process for the other
windows.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window or, if equipped, extend
along the rod.
Rear Window Sunshade
If equipped, the rear window
sunshade button is on the overhead
console. To open the sunshade,
press and release. The sunshade
will fully extend. To close the
sunshade, press and release the
switch again. The sunshade will fully
close.
The sunshade only operates when
the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
When shifting the vehicle into
R (Reverse), the sunshade will
automatically retract if it is
extended.
Roof
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switch is on the overhead console.
The ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0183.
Vent : Press the rear of the
switch (2) to the first detent to vent
the sunroof. Press the front of the
switch (1) to the second detent to
close the sunroof.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
48 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Express-Open/Express-Close :To
express-open the sunroof, fully
press and release the rear of the
switch (2). To express-close, fully
press and release the front of the
switch (1). To stop the sunroof
partway, press either switch a
second time.
The sunshade opens automatically
with the sunroof.
To express-open the sunshade, fully
press and release the rear of the
switch (3). To stop the sunshade
partway, press the switch a second
time. To express-close, fully press
and release the front of the
switch (4). To stop the sunshade
partway, press the switch a
second time.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof/sunshade is equipped
with an automatic reversal system
that is only active when the sunroof/
sunshade is being operated in
express mode. If an object is in the
path of the sunroof/sunshade while
it is express closing, the reversal
system will detect the object and
stop. In the event of closing difficulties like frost or other
conditions, it is possible to override
the reversal system. To override the
reversal system, close in manual
mode. To stop the movement,
release the switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause issues with sunroof
operation and noise. It could also
plug the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.
If water is seen dripping into the
water drainage system, this is
normal.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Seats and Restraints 49
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . 53
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Heated and Ventilated FrontSeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 64
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . 67
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . 71
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 76
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . 76
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Infants and Young Children . . . . 79
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . 81
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . 83
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) . . . . 84 Replacing LATCH System Parts
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Securing Child Restraints (Front
Passenger Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93