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2012 - 2016 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2012 - 2016 Buick Regal eAssist GM Service Technical College provides First Responder Guides (FRG) and Quick Reference (QR) Sheets free of charge to First Responders. FRGs and QRs can be displayed in a classroom as long as they are represented as GM information and are not modified in any way.
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The intent of this guide is to provide information to help you respond to emergency situations involving the Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist vehicles in the safest manner possible. This guide contains a general description of how the Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist vehicle systems operate and includes illustrations of the unique components.
Vehicle Specifications The Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist vehicles are front-wheel drive, five passenger hybrid electric vehicles. The eAssist system utilizes a high voltage battery, located in the trunk, as a supplemental power source. The system assists the engine utilizing a high torque belt driven starter / generator.
Vehicle Identification The Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist do NOT use exterior badging to identify them as eAssist vehicles. To differentiate between standard and eAssist Buick LaCrosse and Regal vehicles, look in the following places to determine if high voltage exists: Under the hood features: •...
Low Voltage System There are two separate electrical systems within the eAssist vehicles: High Voltage low voltage (12V) and high voltage Battery (130V). The low voltage system is similar to a conventional vehicle. The low voltage system provides the energy needed to enable the high voltage system, therefore, when approaching an emergency situation, the low voltage system...
System Components The Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist system is composed of the following components: • High voltage starter / generator • 3-phase electric power cables • High voltage lithium-ion battery High Voltage High Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Starter / Generator 3–Phase Electric Power...
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High Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery The Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist system features a 130 volt lithium-ion battery, which provides electrical energy to the starter / generator. The high voltage battery assembly is located in the trunk behind the rear passenger seats. The assembly includes several internal components that operate together to provide and control the high voltage for the eAssist system.
System Operation The eAssist system is designed to shut the engine off or auto stop when the vehicle is NOT in motion, restart the engine after an auto stop, and supplement engine torque. The eAssist system provides an electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving.
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High Voltage Labels (Continued) The high voltage warning labels are orange and indicate a potential shock hazard if high voltage is not properly disabled. The labels are located underneath the vehicle on all high voltage components with the exception of the high voltage battery which utilizes red danger labels.
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Cable Cut Labels GM has implemented the labels shown here to help First Responders safely disable the air bags and high voltage system in an emergency situation. The yellow first responder cut tape labels are wrapped around the low voltage (12V) cables to indicate where emergency responders are to cut to disable air bags and the high voltage system.
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To Disable the eAssist System To avoid personal injury in an emergency situation the eAssist system must be disabled. Use key or To disable high voltage: push button to Turn ignition to “OFF” position turn off ignition Cut the black 12 volt battery cable at yellow tape Cut the auxiliary power module cable located rearward of the 12...
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High Voltage Cables - DO NOT CUT ZONES The high voltage cables in the Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist vehicles are routed to minimize interaction with any extraction procedures. However, performing the high voltage disabling procedure prior to extrication work eliminates electrical current flow through the 12 volt system and disables the high voltage electrical system.
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Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist Airbags The LaCrosse and Regal are equipped with six standard airbags to protect the occupant in front, side and rollover crashes. There are two optional thorax airbags located within the rear seat back of the LaCrosse.
Airbag Deployment The contactor within the high voltage battery is commanded open whenever one or more airbags deploy. This interrupts the 130 volt electrical system and discontinues current flow through the high voltage cables. This vehicle is equipped with dual-stage airbags and the appearance of deployed airbags does NOT ensure all stages of the airbags have deployed.
High Strength Steel The LaCrosse and Regal are designed to protect the occupant(s) during a collision. The body structure contains high strength steel; this is highlighted in blue. The occupants are protected from front, rear and side impacts by a structural cage created by the underlying vehicle structural design.
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Vehicle DO NOT CUT ZONES Do NOT cut the: • Roof rails near the center pillar, contains side curtain airbag inflators. • Front seat back on the outboard edge, contains side airbags. • Center pillar near the rocker, contains the seat belt retractor pretensioner and side impact sensor.
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First Responder Considerations Fire The battery on fire will not explode. If battery cells reach high enough temperature, they vent and release electrolyte. Battery electrolyte is flammable. Use copious amounts of water to cool the battery and extinguish the fire. ABC dry chemical extinguisher will not extinguish a battery fire. Water The high voltage battery is isolated from the vehicle chassis.
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Conclusion General Motors is committed to making your job as safe as possible. We are confident the information contained in this guide will prove useful as you prepare to assist those involved in an emergency event. For information regarding modification of GM’s First Responder Information for other uses, contact GM’s Licensing Manager at: GM Licensing Program Hdqtrs, 5775 Enterprise Ct.