Buick LaCrosse: Starting and Operating

Buick LaCrosse: Starting and Operating

• New Vehicle Break-In
• Ignition Positions (Key Access)
• Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
• Starting the Engine
• Engine Heater
• Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
• Shifting Into Park
• Shifting out of Park
• Parking over Things That Burn

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice:
The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:
• Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
• During the first 1 000 km (600 mi), avoid using more than moderate acceleration in lower gears and avoid vehicle speeds above 110 km/h (68 mph).
• Between the first 1 000 km (600 mi) and 5 000 km (3,000 mi), heavy acceleration in lower gears can be used. Vehicle speeds above 110 km/h (68 mph) should be limited to five minutes per use.
• Avoid making hard stops for the first 322 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
• Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.

Ignition Positions (Key Access)

Ignition Positions (Key Access)

The ignition switch has four different positions.

Notice:
Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand.

If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer.

The key must be fully extended to start the vehicle.

To shift out of P (Park), turn the ignition to ON/RUN and apply the brake pedal.

A (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) for more information.

This is the only position from which the key can be removed. This locks the ignition and automatic transmission.

Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency:

1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.

2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).

This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.

3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake.

WARNING!
Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.

If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.

The ignition switch can bind in the LOCK/OFF position with the wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this does not work, then the vehicle needs service.

B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position provides power to some of the electrical accessories. It unlocks the ignition. To move the key from ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF, the shift lever must be in P (Park).

C (ON/RUN): The ignition switch stays in this position when the engine is running. This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories, including the ventilation fan and 12-volt power outlet, as well as to display some warning and indicator lights. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. The transmission is also unlocked in this position.

The battery could be drained if the key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off. The vehicle might not restart if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.

D (START): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.

A warning tone sounds when the driver door is opened when the ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.

Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)

Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)

The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition with pushbutton start.

Pressing the button cycles it through three modes, ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/RUN/START, and Stopping the Engine/OFF.

The transmitter must be in the vehicle for the system to operate.

If the pushbutton start is not working, the vehicle may be near a strong radio antenna signal causing interference to the keyless access system. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be applied.

Stopping the Engine/OFF (No LED Lights): When the vehicle is stopped, press the engine START/STOP button once to turn the engine off.

If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) for more information.

If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

See Transmission Messages for more information.

When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will switch to OFF.

Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency:

1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.

2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).

This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.

3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake.

WARNING!
Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.

If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, switch the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.

ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber LED Light): This mode allows you to use some electrical accessories when the engine is off.

With the ignition off, pressing the button one time without the brake pedal applied will place the ignition system in ACC/ACCESSORY.

The ignition will switch from ACC/ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to prevent battery rundown.

ON/RUN/START (Green LED Light): This mode is for driving and starting. With the ignition off, and the brake pedal applied, pressing the button once will place the ignition system in ON/RUN/START.

Once engine cranking begins, release the button. Engine cranking will continue until the engine starts.

See Starting the Engine for more information. The ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.

Service Only Mode

This power mode is available for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. With the vehicle off, and the brake pedal not applied, pressing and holding the button for more than five seconds will place the vehicle in Service Only Mode.

The instruments and audio systems will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will not be able to be driven. The engine will not start in Service Only Mode. Push the button again to turn the vehicle off.

Starting the Engine

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

Notice:
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.

Notice:
The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates.
Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Starting Procedure (Key Access)

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the ignition.

The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.

The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.

Notice:
Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below −18°C or 0°F), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START, or press the START button, for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.

Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.

When the engine starts, let go of the key or button, and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.

Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

Starting Procedure (Keyless Access)

1. If the vehicle has the keyless access system, the transmitter must be in the vehicle. Put your foot on the brake pedal and push the START button. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the button.

The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.

If the transmitter is not in the vehicle or something is interfering with the transmitter, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a message.

See Key and Lock Messages for more information.

If the battery in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs replacing, the DIC will display a message. The vehicle can still be driven. See “Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery” in Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the START button is pressed, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the button is pressed for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.

To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running.

Engine cranking can be stopped by pressing the START button a second time.

Notice:
Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below −18°C or 0°F), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START, or press the START button, for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.

Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.

When the engine starts, let go of the key or button, and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.

Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

eAssist Automatic Engine Start/Stop

WARNING!
Exiting the vehicle, without first shifting into P (Park), may cause the vehicle to move, you or others may be injured. Because the vehicle has the automatic engine start/stop feature, the vehicle's engine might seem to be shut off; however, once the brake pedal is released, the engine will start up again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.

Vehicles with eAssist have an automatic engine start/stop feature.

After the engine is started and has reached operating temperature, the auto stop feature may cause the engine to turn off when the brakes are applied and the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The vehicle may remain in auto stop for up to two minutes. When the brake is released or the accelerator pedal applied, the engine will start. The engine will continue to run until the next auto stop.

AUTO STOP on the tachometer signifies that the engine is in auto stop mode. See Tachometer for more information.

When the vehicle is turned off, the tachometer will move to OFF. If the driver door is opened while in auto stop mode, a chime will sound.

To restart the engine during auto stop, release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine starts immediately. The vehicle continues to run until the next stop.

There are several conditions which may prevent an auto stop or cause an auto start.

The Engine Will Remain Running When:

• The engine, transmission, or high voltage battery is not warmed up yet.

• The outside temperature is less than −20°C (−4°F).

• The air conditioning or defrost system need the compressor to maintain vehicle comfort. See Dual Automatic Climate Control System for more information.

• The shift lever is in P (Park), N (Neutral), R (Reverse), or M(Manual Mode).

• The high voltage battery pack charge is low.

• The hood is not fully closed.

• Brake pedal pressure is high.

• If the MIL is on, auto stop may be prevented.

The Engine Will Restart When:

• The brake pedal is released.

• The accelerator pedal is applied.

• Shifting out of D (Drive) to any other gear.

• If the eco air conditioning button is selected, the duration of the auto stop will depend on the outside temperature. This economy mode improves fuel economy by limiting the effects of the air conditioning. The warmer it is outside, the shorter the time before the engine is restarted to provide cabin cooling.

• The climate control system is turned from off to normal air conditioning or defrost. See Dual Automatic Climate Control System for more information.

• The engine is required to run for either heater or climate control performance. See Dual Automatic Climate Control System for more information.

• 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 located on the driver side of the engine compartment, between the fender and the engine compartment fuse block on vehicles with a six cylinder engine.

2.4L L4 Engine

The electrical cord is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, between the fender and the air cleaner on vehicles with a four cylinder engine.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

WARNING!
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
• Audio System
• Power Windows
• Sunroof (If Equipped)
• Auxiliary Power Outlet

Power to the audio system will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.

Power to the power windows and sunroof will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.

All of these features will work when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.

Shifting Into Park

WARNING!
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.

See Parking Brake for more information.

2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition off.

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running

WARNING!
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running.

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold down the regular brake pedal. See if you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park).

Torque Lock

Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see "Shifting Into P (Park)" listed previously.

If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).

If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

Shifting out of Park

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock

The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. The shift lock control system is designed to:

• Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park).

• Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.

If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting (On-board with eAssist Only) or Jump Starting (with or without eAssist).

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park):

1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.

2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions (Key Access) or Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) for more information.

3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).

4. Press the shift lever button.

5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear.

If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer or a professional towing service.

Parking over Things That Burn

WARNING!
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.