Buick LaCrosse (2009 year). Manual

Item

Description

Total

Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 3

1,000 lbs
(453 kg)

Subtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg)

1,000 lbs
(453 kg)

Available Cargo
Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)

Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information label for specific information about
your vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight

and seating positions. The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, and cargo should never
exceed your vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity
weight.

Certification Label

A vehicle specific Certification label is found on
the rear edge of the driver’s door.

The label shows the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.

Example 3

4-24

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Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either
the front or rear axle.

If the vehicle is going to carry a heavy load,
spread it out. See “Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.

{

CAUTION:

Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on
the vehicle can break, and it can change the
way your vehicle handles. These could cause
you to lose control and crash. Also,
overloading can shorten the life of the
vehicle.

Notice

Overloading your vehicle may cause

damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.

If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else are put inside the vehicle, they will
go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.

{

CAUTION:

Things you put inside the vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.

•

Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In
a trunk, put them as far forward as you
can. Try to spread the weight evenly.

•

Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some
of them are above the tops of the seats.

•

Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.

•

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

•

Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.

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Towing

Towing Your Vehicle

To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your
dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 7-7.

To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.

Recreational Vehicle Towing

Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.

Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:

•

What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.

•

What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.

•

Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.

•

Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-15.

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Dinghy Towing

Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.

The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed,
a dolly should be used. See “Dolly Towing” that follows
for more information.

Dolly Towing

The vehicle can be towed with its front wheels on a
dolly. To tow the vehicle using a dolly:

1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the

dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).

4. Firmly set the parking brake.

5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead

position with a clamping device designed for towing.

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6. Remove the key from the ignition.

7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle

being towed is firmly attached to the dolly.

Towing a Trailer

{

CAUTION:

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, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. 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/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Notice: 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/retailer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.

The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify the trailering
capacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weight
of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Trailering
is different than just driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used
properly.

The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these
are important for the safety of the driver and the
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
pulling a trailer.

Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, axles, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. The trailer also adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

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Pulling A Trailer

Here are some important points:

•

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.

•

Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
transmission or other parts could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.

•

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.

•

Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph
(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.

•

Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

•

the weight of the trailer,

•

the weight of the trailer tongue

•

and the total weight on the vehicle’s tires.

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how the rig is used. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are
all important. It can depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices on page 7-6 for
more information.

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Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total gross weight
of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the
vehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,
passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing a
trailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVW
because the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20 for more information
about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

Using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer
weight (B).

After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving
some items around in the trailer.

Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certification/Tire label. See Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-20. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.

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Hitches

It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here
are some rules to follow:

•

The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.

•

Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are,
then be sure to seal the holes later when the hitch
is removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt,
water, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust on page 2-33 in the Index for more
information.

Safety Chains

Always attach chains between the vehicle and the
trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the
trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Because the vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to
tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.

Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you will be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly.

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Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.

During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This
can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.

Passing

More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.

Making Turns

Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.

When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.

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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.

Driving on Grades

Notice: Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transmission
to cool.

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, see Engine
Overheating on page 5-31.

Parking on Hills

{

CAUTION:

Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.

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

brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking

brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).

5. Release the brake pedal.

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Leaving After Parking on a Hill

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:

•

start the engine,

•

shift into a gear, and

•

release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

4. 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 Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, 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.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on
page 5-31.

Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing

If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.

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Service

For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.

Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:

Accessories and Modifications

When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added
to the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, are not covered under the
terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.

GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/retailer
and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.

Also, see Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-67.

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California Proposition 65 Warning

Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including
some inside the vehicle), many fluids, and some
component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.

California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements

Certain types of automotive applications, such as
airbag initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in remote keyless transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials. Special handling
may be necessary. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Doing Your Own Service Work

{

CAUTION:

You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.

•

Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.

•

Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.

5-4

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If doing some of your own service work, use the proper
service manual. It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual can. To order
the proper service manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-16.

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, see Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-66.

Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
See Maintenance Record on page 6-15.

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle

Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airflow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.

Fuel

Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identifies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. See Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-98.

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Buick LaCrosse (2009 year). Manual - part 17