engine coolant BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Owner's Manual

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g: Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®(if equipped)
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g: First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 35
The climate control system will use
the previous setting during a remote
start. The rear defog may come on
during remote start based on cold
ambient conditions. The rear defog
indicator light does not come on
during remote start. See“Remote
Start Climate Control Operation” in
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0157. Vehicles with heated
or heated and ventilated front seats
can have this feature turn on
automatically during a remote start.
See “Remote Start Auto Heat Seats”
and “Remote Start Auto Cool Seats”
under Vehicle
Personalization 0139.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be
extended by another 10 minutes,
if during the first 10 minutes
Steps 1–2 are repeated while the
engine is still running. An extension
can be requested, 30 seconds after
starting. This provides a total of
20 minutes.
The remote start can only be
extended once. When the remote start is extended,
the second 10-minute period is
added on to the first 10 minutes for
a total of 20 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a remote start with an extension,
are allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
changed to ON/RUN/START and
then back to OFF before the remote
start procedure can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do any of
the following:
.
Press and hold
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote start will not operate if:
. The key is in the ignition (Key
Access) or the ignition is in any
position other than OFF (Keyless
Access). .
The transmitter is in the vehicle
(Keyless Access).
. The hood is not closed.
. The hazard warning flashers
are on.
. There is an emission control
system malfunction.
. The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
. The oil pressure is low.
. Two remote vehicle starts have
already been used.
. The vehicle is not in P (Park).Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
. Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The chance
of being thrown out of the
(Continued)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
100 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 101
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 101
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 101
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 102
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 111
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 112
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 113 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 114
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 117
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 118
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . 119
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 120
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 121
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 121
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 121
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Information Displays
Power Flows (eAssist Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Energy Information (eAssist Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Brake System Messages . . . . . 130
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 131
Cruise Control Messages . . . . . 131
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 132
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 133
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 133
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 133
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Airbag System Messages . . . . 137
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Service Vehicle Messages . . . . 137

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Instruments and Controls 111
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gauge pointer moves toward
the shaded area, the engine is
too hot.
In eAssist vehicles, the engine
coolant warning light comes on
when the engine is too hot. See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light 0118 in this section.
This reading indicates the same
thing as the warning light. It means
that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See
Engine
Overheating 0245 for more
information.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
118 Instruments and Controls
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling
the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and
the StabiliTrak systems, and the
warning light turns off.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light 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 is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled. A DIC
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
If the light is on and flashing, the
TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system
is actively working.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Instruments and Controls 119
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating0245.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating 0245.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See Tire Messages 0137.
Stop as soon as possible, and
inflate the tires to the pressure value
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0271. When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0274.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
132 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL
This message displays when the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
needs service. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.
SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE
EXITING
This message may display if
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is
engaged holding the vehicle at a
stop, and the driver attempts to exit
the vehicle. Put the vehicle in
P (Park) before exiting.
Door Ajar Messages
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the
driver door is open. Close the door
completely.
HOOD OPEN
This message will display when the
hood is open. Close the hood
completely.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the
driver side rear door is open. Close
the door completely.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the
front passenger door is open. Close
the door completely.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the
passenger side rear door is open.
Close the door completely.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when the
trunk is open. Close the trunk
completely.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH
ENGINE TEMP
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hotengine, the air conditioning
compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back
on. You can continue to drive the
vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD
COOLANT
This message will display if the
coolant is low. See
Engine
Coolant 0243.
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
STOP ENGINE
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Driving and Operating 181
.Shifting out of D (Drive) to any
other gear.
. The air conditioning or defrost
system need the compressor to
maintain interior comfort. See
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0157. The warmer it is
outside, the shorter the time
before the engine is restarted to
provide interior cooling. To
maximize fuel economy, use the
eco air conditioning mode.
. The climate control system is
turned from off to normal air
conditioning or defrost. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System 0157.
. The engine is required to run for
either heater or climate control
performance. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System 0157.
. The high voltage battery pack
charge is low and requires
recharging.
. Auto stop time is greater than
two minutes.
. The hood is opened.Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater,
if available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the
vehicle. An internal thermostat in
the plug end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
3.6L V6 Engine
The electrical cord is on the
driver side of the engine
compartment, between the
fender and the engine
compartment fuse block on
vehicles with a 6-cylinder
engine.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
Driving and Operating 221
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
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

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
226 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 227
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 228
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 238
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 239
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 245
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4
Engine and 3.6L V6 Engine
with FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Power Steering Fluid (3.6L V6 Engine with AWD) . . . . . . . 247
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Battery - North America . . . . . . 250
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 251
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 253
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 253
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal
and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 255
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 256
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Electrical System Overload . . . 257
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 258
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272