Can the 2012 LaCrosse play music via Bluetooth?
4 Answers
This model does not come with Bluetooth functionality. You need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter separately. Choose an AUX plug (headphone plug) and insert it into the AUX jack (headphone jack). If the Bluetooth adapter has a switch, make sure it is turned on. The steps are as follows: 1. Turn on the car's Bluetooth. 2. Enable the Bluetooth function on your phone and set it to "Visible to All" or "Discoverable" or "Open Detection." 3. Search for Bluetooth devices on your phone. Once found, select it to pair and connect. If prompted for a password, enter the pairing code: 0000 (Bluetooth pairing codes may also be 1234 or 8888). Once paired, the connection will be successful. 4. You can make and receive calls via the car's Bluetooth. Play music on your phone, and you can enjoy it through the car's Bluetooth device.
Speaking of the Bluetooth function in the 2012 LaCrosse, I've tinkered with many older car modifications. Its Bluetooth was primarily designed for hands-free calling and basically didn't support music playback. Around 2012, Bluetooth technology hadn't yet widely adopted the audio streaming standard, so when you connected your phone, it might only handle calls—playing music would disconnect. I've tried it many times myself: after pairing the phone and opening a music app, no sound came from the car. The solutions are simple: either use the AUX port with a 3.5mm audio cable to connect your phone to the car's system, or plug a USB drive directly into the USB port to play music. These methods are reliable and safe, avoiding the distraction of fiddling with Bluetooth while driving. If you're keen on upgrading, some modification shops can install a Bluetooth module, but it costs a bit and isn't the most cost-effective option.
I drive a 2012 LaCrosse, and the Bluetooth works great but only for phone calls. As for playing music, I actually tested it myself—after pairing, the phone's music just wouldn't play. Later, I discovered the AUX input port in the glove box. Once connected with a cable, the music played smoothly, and the sound quality wasn't bad either. The USB port can directly read songs from a flash drive, which is much more convenient than Bluetooth. Back then, car Bluetooth was like that—only supporting calls, and you had to rely on older methods for music. Now, after driving for so long, I've gotten used to playing classic old songs via USB—it feels more reliable. If you're unsure about the Bluetooth settings, check the owner's manual for any tips.
The issue with Bluetooth music playback in the 2012 LaCrosse is quite common, and I've seen many car owners complain about it. It was designed with a focus on calls, and Bluetooth technology in 2012 wasn't as advanced as it is now, with limited support for music streaming. When I drove a similar older car, I often used an AUX cable to connect my phone for music playback—simple and straightforward. An FM transmitter can also be a temporary solution. Don't let this small issue affect your mood; try using a USB flash drive for music playback, as the sound quality is more stable. If Bluetooth won't connect, it might be due to protocol incompatibility, and even a system upgrade may not help.
