Market Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, refined, and well-equipped American luxury sedan.
Key Competitors:
Acura TL, Lexus ES, BMW 5 Series (entry-level trims), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (entry-level trims).
Design:
Elegant styling with Buick's signature waterfall grille and sweeping body lines.
Interior:
Spacious and upscale cabin with quality materials and comfortable seating.
Powertrain Options:
Available with efficient V6 engines, offering a blend of performance and refinement.
Ride Quality:
Focus on a smooth and quiet ride, characteristic of the Buick brand.
Convenience:
Instant online access, eliminating the need for physical manuals and providing easy searching.
Cost Effectiveness:
Significant cost savings compared to dealership service or printed manuals, empowering DIY repairs.
Information Accuracy:
Licensed OE (Original Equipment) materials ensure accurate and up-to-date repair procedures.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, repair of all engine components.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection, sensors, actuators, PCM diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul of manual transmission components.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnostics, fluid service, repair of automatic transmission components.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, axles, driveshafts, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, wheel bearings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment specifications.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, heater core.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, structural components, doors, hinges, latches.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, battery, charging system.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seat belts.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.
Installation:
Guidance for installing new or replacement parts.
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions.
Calibration:
Procedures for calibrating sensors and systems after component replacement.
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostics Coverage:
Extensive coverage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, and wiring schematics for all major systems.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
NHTSA Overall Rating 2011:
5-Star (Overall safety rating)
IIHS Top Safety Pick 2011:
Yes
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (4-wheel ABS)
Daytime Running Lights:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front and rear side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Front and rear head-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard
Infotainment System:
Buick IntelliLink infotainment system (available on higher trims).
Display Size:
Available 7-inch color touchscreen display.
Audio System:
Available Bose premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Rearview Camera:
Available rearview camera.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Not typically available for the 2011 model year.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Ports:
Available USB port for media playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil and AC Delco filter).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed (based on inspection).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 22,500 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L:
Every 90,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 45,000 miles; replace at 90,000-100,000 miles if operating under severe conditions or as per manual recommendation.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 150,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1™ approved)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
5.5 quarts (with filter change)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool® compatible antifreeze.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
GM P/N 89021185 (Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Dexron VI) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Consumption 3.6L:
Some 3.6L direct-injection engines (LLT/LFX) can exhibit excessive oil consumption, often related to PCV system or piston ring issues.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement in the 6-speed automatic transmission.
Powertrain Control Module Issues:
Potential for PCM software glitches or failures leading to various engine or transmission performance issues.
Front Suspension Noise:
Some owners report noises from the front suspension, potentially due to worn struts, bushings, or ball joints.
HVAC System Performance:
Infrequent reports of HVAC system issues, such as poor cooling or blower motor problems.
Brand Origin:
Buick, established in 1899 by David Dunbar Buick, is one of America's oldest automobile brands.
Brand Philosophy:
Traditionally known for comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles.
Predecessor Models:
Replaced the Buick Park Avenue and Lucerne in Buick's sedan lineup.
Second Generation Launch:
The 2011 LaCrosse represents the second generation of the LaCrosse nameplate, introduced for the 2010 model year.
Platform Change:
Transitioned to the global GM Epsilon II platform, sharing underpinnings with vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XTS.
Production Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Production Years Second Gen:
2010-2016
