Buick LaCrosse (2009 year). Manual

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child
Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as

blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions

provided by the child restraint manufacturer and
refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position on page 1-50.

5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting

the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the
vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to
make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing
the child restraint into the seat cushion.

Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints
on page 1-6.

6. Restart the vehicle.

If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the
child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle,
and check with your dealer/retailer.

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If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.

If this happens, use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and enable the right front
passenger frontal airbag:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such

as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on

the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in

this position for two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.

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Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which
helps the passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional information
about the importance of proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for
your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-67 for more
information about modifications that can affect how the
system operates.

{

CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-16.

{

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.

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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.

In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric,
could also interfere with the operation of the

passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61.

If you have any questions, call Customer
Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?

If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Safety Belts

Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.

Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn
or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See
Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-32 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts on page 5-93.

Airbags

The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 3-33 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are
any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbag modules, see What
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-59. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

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Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

{

CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made as soon as
possible.

If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?

After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system
parts.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33.

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Keys

{

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key can be used for the ignition and all locks.

The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer
or qualified locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.

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The vehicle has the PASS-Key

III vehicle theft system.

The key has a transponder in the key head that matches
a decoder in the vehicle’s instrument panel. The key will
have PK3 stamped on it. If a replacement key or an
additional key is needed, it must be purchased from your
dealer/retailer or certified locksmith.

Any new PASS-Key

III key must be programmed

before it will start the vehicle. See PASS-Key

III

Electronic Immobilizer Operation on page 2-19 for more
information on programming a new key.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7 for
more information.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on a
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

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If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range, try this:

•

Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy
weather.

•

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

•

Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.

•

If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualified technician for
service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3.

With Remote Start

Shown, Without Remote

Start Similar

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(Remote Vehicle Start): For vehicles with this

feature, press to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2-7 for additional information.

(Lock): Press to lock all the doors. If enabled

through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking
lamps may flash once to indicate locking has occurred.
If

is pressed again within five seconds the horn

may chirp. See “FOB LOCK FEEDBACK” under DIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74 for additional
information.

For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system,
pressing

may arm it. See Content Theft-Deterrent on

page 2-17.

(Unlock): Press once to unlock the driver door.

is pressed again within five seconds, all remaining

doors unlock. The interior lamps come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If
enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps may come
on. See “EXT (Exterior) LIGHT DELAY” under DIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74.

For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system,
pressing

may disarm it. See Content Theft-Deterrent

on page 2-17.

(Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold for

about one second to unlock the trunk. The transmission
must be in P (Park).

(Panic Alarm): Press to activate the alarm. The

headlamps flash and the horn sounds repeatedly for
two minutes. The alarm turns off when the ignition
is moved to ON/RUN or

is pressed again. The

ignition must be in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY for
the alarm to work.

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Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will
work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased and programmed through your
dealer/retailer. When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can have up to four
transmitters programmed to it.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATTERY
LOW” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for additional information.

Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery:

1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object

inserted into the notch on the side.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.

Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Snap the transmitter back together.

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Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger. When the remote
start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, it will automatically regulate
the inside temperature. Normal operation of these
systems will return after the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.

There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3 for additional
information.

(Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE

transmitter if you have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:

1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,

then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button for about four seconds or
until the vehicle’s turn signal lamps flash. The doors
will lock.

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on
and remain on while the engine is running.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time, or one start with a time extension. The
first start must expire or be canceled to get two separate
10 minute starts.

If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes
from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting.
The remote start running time can be extended one time
and only after the first remote start.

After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

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The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following.

•

Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.

•

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

•

Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.

The parking lamps turn off to indicate the engine is off.

After the engine has been started two times, or one
time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must be
turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again. See Ignition
Positions on page 2-21 for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:

•

The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.

•

The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.

•

A door on the vehicle is open.

•

The vehicle’s hood is open.

•

The hazard warning flashers are on.

•

The check engine light is on. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-40

•

The engine coolant temperature is too high.

•

The oil pressure is low.

•

Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time
extension, have already been provided for that
ignition cycle.

If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE
START DISABLED.

Vehicles that have the remote start feature are shipped
from the factory with the remote vehicle start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under DIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74 for additional
information. If your vehicle does not have the DIC
feature, and remote vehicle start was installed at the
dealer/retailer, you will need to have the dealer/retailer
enable or disable the system.

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Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

•

Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance of
being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if
the doors are not locked. So, wear safety
belts properly and lock the doors whenever
you drive.

•

Young children who get into unlocked vehicles
may be unable to get out. A child can be
overcome by extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever
you leave it.

•

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.

From the outside, turn the key in the driver’s door
lock cylinder briefly counterclockwise to unlock the
driver’s door. Turn and hold it to unlock all the doors.
You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter.
From the inside use the manual or power door locks.

Power Door Locks

To lock or unlock all doors
from inside the vehicle,
use the power door
lock switch located on
either front door armrest.

Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors. Press
the top of the switch to unlock all doors.

Driver’s side shown

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Buick LaCrosse (2009 year). Manual - part 5