Buick 2011 LaCrosse Owner's Manual

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-36

Universal Remote System . . . . 5-42

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-34

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-17

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27

Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-28

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-35

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-42

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-62

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual M

Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2

Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-32

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-7

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-10

Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-15

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem, and LACROSSE are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

This manual describes features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle either because they are options that you did not purchase or due to changes subsequent to the printing of this owner manual. Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found on your vehicle.

For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.

Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent #'s: 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 5,978,762; 6,487,535 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & pending. DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks and the DTS logos and Symbol are trademarks of DTS, Inc. © 1996-2007 DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 20859621 A First Printing

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

“Made for iPod” means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:

Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123 Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française www.helminc.com

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which will result in serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result in injury or death.

{

WARNING

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

Notice: This means there is something that could result in property or vehicle damage. This would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty.

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction v

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 : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.

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

$ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure

} : Power

/ : Remote Vehicle Start

> : Safety Belt Reminders

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor F : Traction Control M : Windshield Washer Fluid

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Heated and Ventilated

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9

Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Sensing System for Passenger

Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16

Bluetooth

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 1-18

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Universal Remote System . . . 1-19

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Performance and Maintenance

Traction Control

System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Electronic Stability

Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-20

Tire Sealant and

Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-21

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

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Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

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In Brief 1-3

A. Air Vents on page 8‑8.

B. Head-Up Display (HUD)

page 5‑26

(If Equipped).

C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals

on page 6‑4

Driver Information Center Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑23.

D. Instrument Cluster

page 5‑9

Driver Information Center Display. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑23.

E. Windshield Wiper/Washer

page 5‑3

F. Info‐Display.

G. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑12.

H. Exterior Lamp Controls

page 6‑1

Fog Lamps

on page 6‑5

(If Equipped).

Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 6‑5.

I. Front Storage on page 4‑2.

J. Data Link Connector (DLC).

See Malfunction Indicator Lamp

on page 5‑14

K. Cruise Control

on page 9‑39

L. Steering Wheel Adjustment

page 5‑2

M. Horn on page 5‑3.

N. Steering Wheel Controls

page 5‑2

O. Ignition Positions (Key Access)

on page 9‑18

or Ignition

Positions (Keyless Access)

page 9‑19

P. Heated and Ventilated Front

Seats on page 3‑10.

Q. Automatic Climate Control

System

on page 8‑1

(If Equipped).

Dual Automatic Climate Control System

on page 8‑4

(If Equipped).

R. Power Door Locks

page 2‑11

Hazard Warning Flashers

page 6‑4

Passenger Sensing System

page 3‑35

S. Parking Brake on page 9‑33.

T. Shift Lever Position Indicator.

See Automatic Transmission

page 9‑28

U. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into

Park on page 9‑25.

V. Traction Control System (TCS)

on page 9‑35

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

on page 9‑37

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

page 9‑42

Rear Window Sunshade

page 2‑20

W. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

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1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief overview about some of the important features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer to each of the features which can be found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will work up to 65 feet (20 m) away from the vehicle. On vehicles with remote start the distance will be greater.

Press K to unlock the driver door or

all doors.

Press

Q to lock all doors.

Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.

Press and hold

V to open the

trunk.

Press and release

7 to locate the

vehicle.

Press and hold

7 for more than

two seconds to sound the panic alarm.

Press

7 again to cancel the panic

alarm.

Press the button to extend the key. The key can be used for all locks. This key is also used for the ignition, if the vehicle does not have push-button start

See Keys

on page 2‑2

and

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑4.

Remote Vehicle Start

With this feature the engine can be started from outside of the vehicle.

Starting the Vehicle

1. Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold

/ until

the turn signal lamps flash.

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In Brief 1-5

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on.

The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended only once.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start:

Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and hold

until the parking lamps turn off.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Turn the vehicle on and then off.

See Remote Vehicle Start

page 2‑8

Door Locks

To lock or unlock a door manually:

From the inside, pull once on the door handle to unlock it, and a second time to open it.

From the outside turn the key toward the front or rear of the

vehicle, or press the

Q or K

button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. See

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑4.

See Door Locks on page 2‑10.

Power Door Locks

On vehicles with power door locks, the controls are located on the center of the instrument panel.

K : Press to unlock the doors. Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Power Door Locks

page 2‑11

Trunk Release

The trunk may be opened by pressing

V on the Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the trunk release button located on the rear of the trunk above the license plate. See Trunk

page 2‑12

for more information.

Windows

On vehicles with power windows, the switches are on the driver door armrest. Each passenger door has a switch that controls only that window.

Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.

For more information, see Power Windows on page 2‑18.

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1-6 In Brief

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats

To adjust the seat:

1. Pull the handle under the seat to unlock it.

2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in place.

To raise or recline the seatback, use the lever on the outboard side of the seat. See Reclining Seatbacks

page 3‑7

Power Seats

To adjust the seat:

Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the horizontal control forward or rearward.

Raise or lower the front part of the seat cushion by moving the front of the horizontal control up or down.

Raise or lower the rear part of the seat cushion by moving the rear of the horizontal control up or down.

Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the control up or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment

page 3‑4

Reclining the Seatback

To raise or recline the seatback, tilt the top of the vertical control forward or rearward. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑7.

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In Brief 1-7

Lumbar Adjustment

To adjust the lumbar support:

Press and hold the front or rear of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.

Press and hold the top or bottom of the control to raise or lower lumbar support.

See Lumbar Adjustment

page 3‑7

Memory Features

On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on the outboard side of the driver seat are used to save and recall memory settings for the driver seat and outside mirrors.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat and seatback recliner and both outside mirrors to the desired driving positions.

2. Press and release MEM (Memory).

3. Press “1” until a beep sounds.

4. Repeat for a second driver using “2.”

To recall the memory positions, press and hold “1” or “2.” The driver seat and outside mirrors move to the stored positions. Releasing “1” or “2” before the stored position is reached stops the recall.

See “Memory Seats” under Power

Seat Adjustment

on page 3‑4

for

more information.

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1-8 In Brief

Easy Exit Driver Seat

The easy exit driver seat feature can move the seat rearward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.

To activate the easy exit driver seat, turn the ignition in off and open the driver door. If the driver door is already open, turning the ignition off will activate the easy exit driver seat.

Easy exit driver seat can be turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See “Driver Seat Easy Exit” under Vehicle

Personalization

on page 5‑36

for

more information.

Heated Seats

On vehicles with this feature, the buttons are near the climate controls. To operate the heated seats the ignition must be on.

Press

L to heat the seat cushion

and seatback.

For more information see Heated Front Seats on page 3‑9.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

On vehicles with this feature, the controls are on the climate control panel. To operate the heated and ventilated seats the engine must be running.

Press

L to heat the seat and

seatback or

{ to cool the seat.

For more information, see Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

page 3‑10

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In Brief 1-9

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating position, change the seatback recline angle as little as necessary while keeping the seat and the head restraint height in the proper position.

For more information see Head

Restraints

on page 3‑2

and Seat

Adjustment on page 3‑4.

Safety Belt

Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly.

Safety Belts on page 3‑13.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 3‑16.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑21.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

page 3‑50

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags, seat‐mounted side impact airbags, and roof‐rail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system.

The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started. See Passenger Sensing

System

on page 3‑35

for more

information.

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1-10 In Brief

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior

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” under Power

Seat Adjustment

on page 3‑4

for

more information.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.

Manual Foldaway Mirrors

Vehicles with manual folded mirrors are 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 driver outside mirror automatically adjusts for the glare of the headlamps behind you.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.

See Folding Mirrors on page 2‑16.

Interior

Adjust this mirror for a clear view of the area behind the vehicle. Hold the mirror in the center to move it up, down, or side-to-side. To reduce headlamp glare during night-time use, move the lever at the bottom of the mirror to the right.

Vehicles with OnStar

have three additional control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See the OnStar

owner's guide for more information about the services OnStar provides.

See Manual Rearview Mirror

page 2‑17

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In Brief 1-11

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull the lever (A) down.

2. Move the steering wheel up or down.

3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.

4. Pull the lever (A) up to lock the steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The interior lamps control located in the overhead console controls both the front and rear interior lamps.

To operate, press the following buttons:

* : Turns the lamps off. 1 : Turns the lamps on when any

door is opened.

+ : Keeps the lamps on all

the time.

Reading Lamps

There are front and rear reading lamps.

The front reading lamps are located in the overhead console.

# $ : Press to turn each lamp on

or off.

The rear reading lamps are located in the headliner.

For more information on interior lighting, see:

Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 6‑5.

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1-12 In Brief

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamp control is located on the instrument panel on the outboard side of the steering wheel.

Turn the control to the following positions:

O : Turns off the exterior lamps.

The knob returns to the AUTO position after it is released. Turn to off again to reactivate the AUTO mode.

AUTO : Automatically turns the exterior lamps on and off, depending on outside lighting.

The current status of the AUTO system is displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC) uplevel display. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑23.

; : Turns on the parking lamps, together with the sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps and instrument panel lights.

2 : Turns on the headlamps,

together with the parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, and instrument panel lights.

For more information, see:

Exterior Lamp Controls

page 6‑1

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 6‑3

Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper lever is on the side of the steering column. With the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, move the windshield wiper lever to select the wiper speed.

2: Fast wipes.

1: Slow wipes.

& : Turn the band up for more

frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.

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In Brief 1-13

9 : Turns the windshield

wipers off.

3 : Briefly move the wiper lever

down for a single wipe or hold down for several wipes.

Windshield Washer

Pull the windshield wiper lever to spray windshield washer fluid and activate the wipers.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer

page 5‑3

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with these systems.

Automatic Climate Control System

A. Power

B. Temperature Control

C. Fan Control

D. Air Delivery Mode Control

E. Recirculation

F. AUTO

G. Defrost

H. Air Conditioning

I. Rear Window Defogger

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1-14 In Brief

Dual Automatic Climate Control System

A. Power

B. Driver Temperature Control

C. Defrost

D. Fan Control

E. Air Delivery Mode Control

F. Recirculation / Automatic

Recirculation

G. Passenger Temperature Control

H. AUTO

I. Rear Window Defogger

J. Heated Steering Wheel

K. Air Conditioning

L. ZONE

See Automatic Climate Control

System

on page 8‑1

(If Equipped)

or Dual Automatic Climate

Control System

on page 8‑4

(If Equipped).

Transmission

Automatic Transmission

Driver Shift Control (DSC)

Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows shifting an automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. DSC can be enabled through the shift lever. See Manual Mode

page 9‑30

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Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

VOL / O : Press to turn the system

on and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.

RADIO / BAND: Press to choose between FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.

TUNE: Turn to select radio stations.

g : Press to seek the previous

station or track.

l : Press to seek the next station

or track.

Buttons 1 ‐ 6: Press to save and select favorite stations

INFO : Press to show available information about the current station or track.

For more information about these and other radio features, see Operation on page 7‑7.

Storing a Favorite Station

Stations from all bands can be stored in the favorite lists in any order. Up to six stations can be stored in each favorite page and the number of available favorite pages can be set.

To store the station to a position in the list, press the corresponding numeric button 1-6 until the station can be heard again.

For more information, see “Storing and Retrieving Favorites” in AM-FM Radio on page 7‑12.

Setting the Clock

Adjusting the Time

1. Press the CONFIG button and select Time Settings, or press

the

H button.

2. Select Set Time.

3. Turn the Menu knob to adjust the highlighted number.

4. Press the SELECT button to select the next number.

5. To save the time and return to the Time Settings menu, press the BACK button at any time or press the SELECT button after adjusting the minutes.

Setting the 12/24 Hour Format

1. Press the CONFIG button and select Time Settings, or press

the

H button.

2. Highlight 12/24 Hour Format.

3. Press the SELECT button to select the 12 hour or 24 hour display format.

For detailed instructions on setting the clock, see Clock (Without Date

Display)

on page 5‑5

or Clock

(With Date Display) on page 5‑5.

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1-16 In Brief

Satellite Radio

Vehicles with an XM™ Satellite Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite Radio subscription can receive XM programming.

XM Satellite Radio Service

XM is a satellite radio service based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM Satellite Radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast to coast, and in digital-quality sound. A fee is required to receive the XM service.

For more information refer to:

www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).

www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 (Canada).

For more information, see Satellite Radio on page 7‑14.

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB port located in the center console. External devices such as iPods

, laptop computers, MP3 players, CD changers, and USB storage devices. may be connected, depending on the audio system.

For more information, see Auxiliary

Devices (Radio with CD)

page 7‑29

or Auxiliary Devices

(Radio with CD/DVD and MEM)

page 7‑32

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth®system allows users with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicle’s audio system, microphone, and controls.

The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions.

See Bluetooth (Overview)

page 7‑44

or Bluetooth

(Infotainment Controls)

page 7‑45

or Bluetooth (Voice

Recognition) on page 7‑50.

Steering Wheel Controls

Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.

b g : Press to interact with the

available Bluetooth, OnStar, or Navigation system.

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$ c : Press to silence the

vehicle speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. For vehicles with OnStar or Bluetooth systems, press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call.

_ SRC ^ : Press to select an audio

source.

Toggle up or down to select the next or previous favorite radio station, CD, or MP3 track.

x −: Press + to increase the

volume, press − to decrease the volume.

For more information, see Steering Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel.

5 : Press to turn the cruise control

system on and off. An indicator light will turn on or off in the instrument panel cluster.

\ : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set speed from memory.

RES/+ : Move the thumbwheel up to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed or to accelerate.

SET/− : Move the thumbwheel down to set the speed and activate cruise control or make the vehicle decelerate.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑39.

Navigation System

The vehicle's navigation system (if equipped) provides detailed maps of most major freeways and roads throughout the United States and Canada. After a destination has been set, the system provides turn-by-turn instructions for reaching the destination. In addition, the system can help locate a variety of points of interest (POI), such as banks, airports, restaurants, and more.

See the Navigation System manual for more information.

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1-18 In Brief

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located in the center of the instrument panel cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle systems. The controls for the DIC are located on the turn signal lever.

MENU: Press this button to get to the Trip/Fuel Menu and the Vehicle Information Menu.

w x : Use the thumbwheel to

scroll through the items in each menu.

SET/CLR: Use this button to set or clear the menu item when it is displayed.

For more information, see Driver

Information Center (DIC)

page 5‑23

Vehicle Personalization

Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the audio system controls. These features include:

Climate and Air Quality

Comfort and Convenience

Collision/Detection Systems

Language

Lighting

Power Door Locks

Remote Lock/Unlock/Start

See Vehicle Personalization

page 5‑36

Power Outlets

The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

There are two accessory power outlets, one is located inside the center console storage and other is on the rear of the center floor console.

Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑6.

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Universal Remote System

The Universal Home Remote System allows for garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices to be programmed to work with these buttons in the vehicle.

See Universal Remote System

page 5‑42

Sunroof

The ignition must be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to operate the sunroof and power sunshade. See Ignition Positions (Key Access)

on page 9‑18

or Ignition Positions

(Keyless Access)

on page 9‑19

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑21

The sunroof switches are on the overhead console.

The passenger side switch operates the sunshade.

Express-open/Express-close:

Press and release the rear or front of the switch to express-open or express-close the sunshade.

The driver side switch operates the sunroof.

Vent: Press the rear of the switch to vent the sunroof. Press the front of the switch to close the sunroof vent.

Express-open/Express-close:

Press and release the rear or front of the switch to express-open or express-close the sunroof.

See Sunroof on page 2‑20.

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Performance and Maintenance

Traction Control System (TCS)

The traction control system limits wheel spin. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.

To turn off traction control, press and release

g located on the

console to the right of the shifter.

i illuminates and the

appropriate DIC message is displayed. See Electronic

Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/ Warning Light on page 5‑20.

Press and release the button again to turn on traction control.

For more information, see Traction

Control System (TCS)

page 9‑35

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.

To turn off both traction control and ESC, press and hold

located on the console to the right of the shifter, until

illuminates and the appropriate DIC message is displayed. See Electronic Stability

Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 5‑20.

Press and release the button to turn on both systems.

For more information, see Electronic

Stability Control (ESC)

page 9‑37

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle's tires. If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load

Limits

on page 9‑12

. The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.

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During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning light may appear when the vehicle is first started and then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System

on page 10‑54

Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit

This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.

See Tire Sealant and Compressor

Kit

on page 10‑70

for complete

operating information.

If the vehicle came with a jack and spare tire, see If a Tire Goes Flat

page 10‑68

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it is time to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system should be reset to 100% only following an oil change.

Resetting the Oil Life System

1. Turn the key to ON/RUN with the engine off.

2. Press the DIC menu button on the turn signal lever to scroll through the menu items on the DIC screen.

3. Press the set button to clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and/or restore the REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% message.

4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.

See Engine Oil Life System

page 10‑12

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Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.

Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.

Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.

Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.

When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control.

Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.

Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.

Combine several trips into a single trip.

Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near the size.

Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-252-1112

TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438

Canada: 1-800-268-6800

As the owner of a new Buick, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This program provides technically trained advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to give minor repair information or make towing arrangements.

For more information see Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑7.

Roadside Assistance and OnStar

If you have a current OnStar subscription, press the

Q button

and the current GPS location will be sent to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your problem, contact Roadside Assistance, and relay your exact location to get the help you need.

Online Owner Center

The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service that includes online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges, and more.

www.buickownercenter.com (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

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OnStar

For vehicles with an active OnStar subscription, OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security, navigation, diagnostics, and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built‐in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar advisor who is immediately connected to the vehicle to see if you need help.

How OnStar Service Works

Q : Push this blue button to

connect to a specially trained OnStar advisor to verify your account information and to answer questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from specially trained OnStar emergency advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give voice commands for Hands‐Free Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation.

Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling are available on most vehicles.

Not all OnStar services are available on all vehicles. For more information, see the OnStar Owner's Guide; visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1‐888‐466‐7827) or

TTY 1‐877‐248‐2080; or press

to speak with an OnStar advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For a full description of OnStar services and system limitations, see the OnStar Owner's Guide in the glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the OnStar terms and conditions included in the OnStar Subscriber Information.

OnStar service requires wireless communication networks and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. Not all OnStar services are available everywhere or on all vehicles at all times.

+ 417 hidden pages

Buick 2011 LaCrosse Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual