File in Section:

Service Bulletin

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Bulletin No.:

16-NA-230

Date:

July, 2016

INFORMATION
Subject:

Brand:

Buick

2017 Buick LaCrosse New Model Features

Model:

LaCrosse

Model Year:
From:

2017

Region

To:

2017

From:

All

To:

All

Engine:

Transmission:

Gasoline, 6
Cylinder, V6,
3.6L, DI,
DOHC, VVT,
AFM and Stop/
Start —
RPO LGX

Aisin AF50-8
Automatic 8Speed
Transaxle —
RPO MRC

North America

Overview
Bulletin Purpose
This is a special bulletin to introduce the 2017 Buick
LaCrosse. The purpose of this bulletin is to help the
Service Department Personnel become familiar with
some of the vehicle’s new features, available Training
Courses, Special Tools and to describe some of the
action they will need to take to service this vehicle.

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

VIN:

Trim Levels (United States)
The LaCrosse is available in the following trim levels:
– LaCrosse 1SV (FWD)
– Preferred 1SD (FWD)
– Essence 1SL (FWD)
– Premium 1SN (FWD/AWD)
Trim Levels (Canada)
The LaCrosse is available in the following trim levels:
– LaCrosse 1SV (FWD)
– Preferred 1SB (FWD)
– Essence 1SL (FWD)
– Premium 1SP (FWD/AWD)

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July, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-230

Overview

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The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse introduces the new
face of Buick and features a new grille design with a
large opening distinguished by the return of a three
color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia,
accented by wing-shaped elements set against
darkened waterfall grille bars. Longer, lower and wider
than the current model, the 2017 LaCrosse is built on a
stronger yet lighter structure. It is about 300 pounds
(136 kg) lighter than the current LaCrosse due to the
use of press-hardened, high-strength steels, which
contribute to greater efficiency and more responsive
handling.

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Vehicle Highlights
Some vehicle highlights include:
• Both FWD and AWD models are equipped with a
standard V6 3.6L engine and 8-speed automatic
transaxle transmission. To increase fuel efficiency,
it utilizes Active Fuel Management (AFM) which
deactivates two cylinders under certain conditions
and advanced Stop/Start technology that also
helps to conserve fuel by shutting OFF the engine
under certain conditions when the vehicle is
stopped.
• 8-way power driver seat with 2-way lumbar and
8-way power front passenger seat.
• 10-airbags.
• 12V auxiliary power outlets (2) and USB ports (2).
• 18-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels
are available.

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60/40 split-fold rear seat helps to accommodate
longer cargo, while overall trunk space has been
maximized.
Acoustic laminated windshield and front side
windows.
Acoustic wheelhouse liners.
Active Grille Shutters which open and close
automatically to control airflow, reducing
aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency.
Active noise cancellation is standard on all
models.
Buick IntelliLink® displayed in a new, frameless
8-inch (203 mm) diagonal color touchscreen.
Buick QuietTuning® technology.
Capless fuel filler on all models.
Configurable LED Driver Information Center (DIC)
with 8-inch (203 mm) diagonal color display
(Available).
Cruise control.
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Active Return
Assist.
Electronic parking brake.
Head-Up Display (HUD) (Available).

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-230

July, 2016

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of the shifter. The shifter operates like a premium
joystick and the paddle shift can be used for a
more engaging driving experience. Because less
space is used, EPS enables a console
pass-through that provides increased storage.
The Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) has
driver-selectable selectable TOUR and SPORT
modes, available on vehicles with 20-inch wheels
and FWD or AWD.
Four-wheel disc brakes with DURALIFE™ brake
rotors.
MacPherson strut front suspension and the
available HiPer Strut front suspension is used on
FWD models with 20-inch wheels and ESC.
New five-link rear suspension.

Brakes

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High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, LED
signature lighting and LED tail lamps are
standard.
OnStar® 4G LTE with available built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot, transforms LaCrosse into a powerful
internet connection for up to 7-devices (3-month/
3GB data trial whichever comes first).
4G LTE Wi-Fi requires compatible mobile device,
active OnStar® service and data plan after trial.
Power Tilt/Telescoping steering column
(Available).
Rear Parking Assist (RPA).
Rear Vision Camera (RVC).
Rear window electric defogger.
Remote start.
Safety Alert Seat.
Teen Driver Technology. Lets owners program one
or more key fobs with customizable preferences
through the vehicle Settings menu, encouraging
safer driving habits. (Available).
Triple-sealed doors.
Universal home remote.
Windshield wipers that “park” below the hood line
reducing wind noise.
Wireless charging. A convenient storage pocket in
the console allows the phone to be charged
without connecting cables. (Available).

Chassis and Driving Dynamics Features
Chassis and driving dynamics features include:
• AWD system with Active Twin Clutch (Available on
Premium 1SN model in the United States and 1SP
in Canada), optimizes traction for every condition
encountered.
• Electric power steering system with Lead/Pull
compensation.
• The driver selectable Electronic Precision Shift
(EPS) eliminates the mechanical connection to the
transmission, which allows for optimal placement

This vehicle is equipped with a Bosch ABS 9.0 brake
system and low-drag four-wheel disc brakes. The
electronic brake control module (EBCM) and the brake
pressure modulator valve are serviced separately. The
brake pressure modulator valve uses a four circuit
configuration to control hydraulic pressure to each
wheel independently. Vehicles built with option RPO
FX3 will feature stability enhancement.
Depending on the vehicle options, the following
performance enhancement systems are provided:
• Antilock Brake System: When wheel slip is
detected during a brake application, an Antilock
Brake System (ABS) event occurs. During ABS
braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel
circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from
slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific
solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The
ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic
pressure to each wheel. The ABS does not,
however, increase hydraulic pressure above the
amount which is transmitted by the master
cylinder during braking.
• Automatic Vehicle Hold: The Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH) feature works with Hill Start Assist
(HSA). This feature will activate when the vehicle
is stopped on a moderate to steep grade to help
prevent it from rolling in an unintended direction.
After the brake pedal has been released and
before the accelerator pedal has been pressed,
AVH uses braking pressure to hold the vehicle
stationary. If AVH is holding the vehicle, a DIC
message displays. AVH will not activate in a
forward drive gear when facing downhill, or in R
(Reverse) when facing uphill. Select the duration
of the AVH feature on the center stack
touchscreen by choosing the submenu for
Automatic Vehicle Hold. When Short and Auto
Park Brake OFF is selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to two seconds after the brake
pedal is released. When Long and Auto Park
Brake ON is selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to five minutes after the brake
pedal is released. In either case, override the hold
feature by pressing the accelerator pedal and
attempting to drive away.

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July, 2016

Pressure Hold: The EBCM closes the inlet valve
and keeps the outlet valve closed in order to
isolate the system when wheel slip occurs. This
holds the pressure steady on the brake so that the
hydraulic pressure does not increase or decrease.
Pressure Decrease: The EBCM decreases the
pressure to individual wheels during a
deceleration when wheel slip occurs. The inlet
valve is closed and the outlet valve is opened. The
excess fluid is stored in the accumulator until the
return pump can return the fluid to the master
cylinder. The EBCM decreases the pressure to
individual wheels during a deceleration when
wheel slip occurs. The inlet valve is closed and the
outlet valve is opened. The excess fluid is stored
in the accumulator until the return pump can return
the fluid to the master cylinder.
Pressure Increase: The EBCM increases the
pressure to individual wheels during a
deceleration in order to reduce the speed of the
wheel. The inlet valve is opened and the outlet
valve is closed. The increased pressure is
delivered from the master cylinder.
Brake Assist: The Brake Assist function is
designed to support the driver in emergency
braking situations. The EBCM receives inputs
from the brake pressure sensor. When the EBCM
senses an emergency braking situation, it will
actively increase the brake pressure to a specific
maximum.
Electronic Brake Distribution: The electronic
brake distribution function is designed to support
the driver in emergency braking situations. The
electronic brake distribution is a control system
that enhances the hydraulic proportioning function
of the mechanical proportioning valve in the base
brake system. The electronic brake distribution
control system is part of the operation software in
the EBCM. The electronic brake distribution uses
active control with existing ABS in order to
regulate the vehicle's rear brake pressure.
Electronic Stability Control — RPO FX3: The
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) adds an
additional level of vehicle control to the EBCM.
Yaw rate is the rate of rotation about the vehicles
vertical axis. The electronic stability control is
activated when the EBCM determines that the
desired yaw rate does not match the actual yaw
rate as measured by the yaw rate sensor. The
difference between the desired yaw rate and the
actual yaw rate is the yaw rate error, which is a
measurement of over steer or under steer. If the
yaw error becomes too large, the EBCM attempts
to correct the vehicles yaw rate motion by applying
differential braking to the appropriate wheel. The
amount of differential braking applied to the left or
right front wheel is based on both the yaw rate
error and side slip rate error.
Hill Start Assist: When stopped on a hill, the Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature prevents the vehicle
from rolling before driving off, whether facing uphill
or downhill by holding the brake pressure during
the transition between when the driver releases
the brake pedal and starts to accelerate. The

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Bulletin No.: 16-NA-230
EBCM calculates the brake pressure, which is
needed to hold the vehicle on an incline or grade
greater than 5% and locks that pressure for up to
two seconds by commanding the appropriate
solenoid valves ON and OFF when the brake
pedal is released. The stop lamps will stay
illuminated during the HSA operation even though
the brake pedal is released. This is considered
normal operation.
Traction Control: When drive wheel slip is noted,
the EBCM will enter traction control mode. First,
the EBCM requests the engine control module
(ECM) to reduce the amount of torque to the drive
wheels via a serial data message. The ECM
reduces torque to the drive wheels and reports the
amount of delivered torque. The ECM reduces
torque to the drive wheels by retarding spark
timing and turning OFF fuel injectors.

DURALIFE™ Ferritic Nitro-Carburized Rotors
The vehicle is equipped with DURALIFE™ ferritic
nitro-carburized (FNC) brake rotors. Application of the
FNC technology involves an additional manufacturing
process that heats the rotors at 1,040°F (560°C) for up
to 24 hours in a giant oven. Inside the nitrogen-rich
atmosphere, nitrogen atoms bond to the surface of the
steel rotor, hardening and strengthening the rotor. This
process creates a unique surface treatment equivalent
to one-tenth the width of a human hair. FNC creates
sufficient friction and allows for effective braking
performance while providing corrosion protection. This
hardened layer allows the rotor to wear slower and
reduces rotor corrosion. With FNC, GM vehicles are
free of brake pedal or steering wheel shudder caused
by an uneven buildup of rust on the rotor that occurs
over time. FNC rotors also create less brake dust than
non-FNC rotors. Vehicles with large open-architecture
wheels that show off wheel and brake hardware, FNC
helps keep rotors and wheels looking clean and
rust-free longer.

Engine
Engine Component Description and Operation
3.6L V6 Engine — RPO LGX
The all-new 3.6L V-6 engine debuts in the 2016 model
year, ushering in new benchmarks for efficiency,
refinement and durability. The clean-sheet engine
redesign represents the fourth generation of GM’s
acclaimed DOHC V6 engine family and incorporates
new features, including Active Fuel Management and
Stop/Start technology to enhance fuel economy. The
3.6L also advances performance and fuel economy
optimizing technologies introduced on previous
generations, including Direct Injection (DI) and
Continuously Variable Valve Timing (VVT).

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-230

July, 2016

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Shown are typical views of the 3.6L V6 Engine.
Engine Component Description and Operation
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Active Fuel Management System: The AFM
system consists of the camshafts, valves, the
switching roller finger followers (SRFF), also
known as the valve switching rocker arm, the dual
feed hydraulic lash adjusters and the oil control
valve (OCV) which is also known as the valve
rocker arm oil control valve.
Depending on engine RPM, the ECM sends a
signal to the OCV commanding it either ON
or OFF.
With the AFM system ON, the OCV directs oil to
the dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster unlatching
the switching roller finger followers creating zero
lift and not allowing the valves to open on
cylinders two and five. AFM is active at this time.

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With the AFM system OFF, the OCV is not active
and no oil is directed to the dual feed hydraulic
lash adjuster. The switching roller finger followers
operate as normal rocker arms. AFM is inactive at
this time.
Camshaft Drive System: The camshaft drive
system consists of two timing drive chains driven
by the crankshaft which drives the respective
cylinder head's intake and exhaust camshaft
position actuators. Cushioned actuator chain
sprockets have been added contributing to quieter
engine operation. The timing drive chains use
moveable timing drive chain guides and a
hydraulic-actuated tensioner. The tensioner
minimizes timing drive chain noise and provides
accurate valve action by keeping slack out of the
timing drive chains and continuously adjusting for
timing drive chain wear. The tensioner
incorporates a plunger that adjusts out with wear
allowing only a minimal amount of backlash. The
tensioners are sealed to the head or block using a
rubber coated steel gasket. The gasket traps an
adequate oil reserve to ensure quiet start-up.
Camshaft Position Actuator System: The
engine incorporates a camshaft position actuator
for each intake and exhaust camshaft. Camshaft
phasing changes valve timing as engine operating
conditions vary. Dual camshaft phasing allows the
further optimization of performance, fuel economy
and emissions without compromising overall
engine response and driveability. Variable valve
timing also contributes to a reduction in exhaust
emissions. It optimizes exhaust and inlet valve
overlap and eliminates the need for an exhaust
gas recirculation (EGR) system.
The camshaft position actuator is a hydraulic
vane-type actuator that changes the camshaft
lobe timing relative to the camshaft drive sprocket.
Engine oil is directed by a camshaft position
actuator oil control valve to the appropriate
passages in the camshaft position actuator. Oil
acting on the vane in the camshaft position
actuator rotates the camshaft relative to the
sprocket. At idle, both camshafts are at the default
or "home" position. At this position, the exhaust
camshaft is fully advanced and the intake is fully
retarded to minimize valve overlap for smooth idle.
In addition, this engine has intermediate park
technology, which incorporates an
intermediate-lock intake variable valve timing cam
phaser, allowing the cams to be parked at the
most favorable position for cold starting. Under
other engine operating conditions, the camshaft
position actuator is controlled by the engine
control module (ECM) to deliver optimal intake and
exhaust valve timing for performance, driveability
and fuel economy. The camshaft position actuator
incorporates an integral trigger wheel, which is
sensed by the camshaft position sensor mounted
in the front cover, to accurately determine the
position of each camshaft. The exhaust camshaft
position actuator has a different internal
configuration than the intake camshaft position

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July, 2016

actuator since the exhaust camshaft position
actuator phases in the opposite direction relative
to the inlet camshaft position actuator.
The camshaft position actuator oil control
valve (OCV) directs oil from the oil feed in the
head to the appropriate camshaft position actuator
oil passages. There is one OCV for each camshaft
position actuator. The OCV is sealed and mounted
to the front cover. The ported end of the OCV is
inserted into the cylinder head with a sliding fit. A
filter screen protects each OCV oil port from any
contamination in the oil supply.
Cooling System: This engine has a targeted
cooling system which sends coolant
simultaneously to each water jacket in the heads
and block. This new, parallel-flow design
maximizes heat extraction in the area of the upper
deck, intake and exhaust valve bridges in the
heads and integrated exhaust manifold with a
minimal amount of coolant. The result is more