automatic transmission BUICK LACROSSE 2019 Owner's Guide

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
230 Driving and Operating
If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0320.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
234 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 235
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 236
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 244
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 245
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 250
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Battery - North America . . . . . . 255
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 256
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 256
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 257
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 260
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 261
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Vehicle Care 245
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, seePublication
Ordering Information 0344.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0329.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 320, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0329.
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
0238.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 320.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
272 Vehicle Care
(3) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
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
0 275.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
288 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0151.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
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 0296. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0289.
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.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
324 Service and Maintenance
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)@
Vehicles with eAssist: Visually inspect both
accessory drive belts.@ @@ @@ @
Vehicles with eAssist: Replace the generator
drive belt.@ @@
Vehicles without eAssist: Visually inspect the
accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
Service and Maintenance 329
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See Cooling System 0246.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 241.
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.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).
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 equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
334 Technical Data
Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
2.5L L4 Engine ZAutomatic 0.95–1.10mm (0.037–
0.043in)
3.6L V6 Engine SAutomatic 0.80–0.90 mm (0.031–
0.035 in)
Engine Drive Belt Routing
2.5L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
354 OnStar
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://
opensource.lge.com/index
www.onstar.com/us/en/ 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
above copyright notice and this
permission notice appear in all
copies.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED
“AS IS,”
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF
THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. IN NO
EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR
COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM,
DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF
CONTRACT, TORT OR

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032549) -
2019 - crc - 8/20/18
362 Index
ArmrestRear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 210
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . 178, 179
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
B
BatteryExterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .255, 301, 302
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 256
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 124
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 218
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 175
Bulb Replacement
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 259
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . 235, 255, 301, 302,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 103
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 122
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122