BUICK ENCLAVE 2009 Owner's Manual

Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, was fully inated
when the vehicle was new, however,
it can lose air after a time. Check
the ination pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare
on the vehicle, stop as soon
as possible and make sure the
spare tire is correctly inated. The
compact spare is made to perform
well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to
3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can
nish your trip and have the
full-size tire repaired or replaced at
your convenience. Of course, it
is best to replace the spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
The spare tire will last longer and
be in good shape in case it is
needed again.Notice:When the compact spare
is installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare
tire or wheel with other wheels
or tires. They will not t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
will be automatically disabled
when you use the compact spare.
To restore the AWD and prevent
excessive wear on the clutch in your
AWD, replace the compact spare
tire with a full-size tire as soon
as possible.
Notice:Tire chains will not t the
compact spare. Using them can
damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use
tire chains on the compact spare.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible, dust
and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet,
fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
the upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as
possible. The vehicle’s interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may
require more frequent cleaning.
Use care because newspapers and
garments that transfer color to home
furnishings may also transfer color
to the vehicle’s interior.
Service and Appearance Care 5-83

When cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
only use cleaners specically
designed for the surfaces being
cleaned. Permanent damage may
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Use glass cleaner only on
glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the
cleaning cloth.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces
on the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the
vehicle, use only a soft cloth and
glass cleaner.Many cleaners contain solvents that
may become concentrated in the
vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to
all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate
ventilation by opening the vehicle’s
doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from
the vehicle’s upholstery and
clean the vehicle’s glass can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer.Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object
to remove a soil from any interior
surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause
damage to the vehicle’s interior
surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive
rubbing with a cleaning cloth. Use
of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve
the effectiveness of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that
streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid
cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good
guide. Use only mild, neutral-pH
soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates
the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc. that can damage the
vehicle’s interior.
5-84 Service and Appearance Care

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment frequently to
remove dust and loose dirt.
A canister vacuum with a beater bar
in the nozzle may only be used
on oor carpet and carpeted oor
mats. For any soil, always try
to remove it rst with plain water or
club soda. Before cleaning,
gently remove as much of the soil
as possible using one of the
following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper towel.
Allow the soil to absorb into
the paper towel until no more can
be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess
moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled
area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with
plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When
a commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness
rst. If the locally cleaned area
gives any impression that a
ring formation may result, clean the
entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water
can be used to remove dust. If
a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to
dry. Never use steam to clean
leather. Never use spot lifters or
spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect leather may
permanently change the appearance
and feel of the leather and are not
recommended. Do not use
silicone or wax-based products, or
those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance
by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner. Never use
shoe polish on leather.
Service and Appearance Care 5-85

Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic
surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended.
Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the
vehicle’s interior because they can
alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying reections inthe windshield and even make it
difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean
cloth. During very cold, damp
weather frequent application may be
required. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing
soap. Do not use cleaning agents
that are petroleum based or
that contain acid or abrasives, as
they can damage the paint, metal or
plastic on the vehicle. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer. Follow
all manufacturers’ directions
regarding correct product usage,
necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
5-86 Service and Appearance Care

Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-86.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish, the
clearcoat gives more depth and
gloss to the colored basecoat.
Always use waxes and polishes that
are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish on the
vehicle.Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s nish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a period of years. To
help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged
or covered whenever possible.
Service and Appearance Care 5-87

Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned
regularly to keep their luster.
Washing with water is all that is
usually needed. However, chrome
polish may be used on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging protective trim,
never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean
aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed
to high polish, is recommended for all
bright metal parts.Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
and backglass with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer uid
or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when you
clean the blades. Bugs, road grime,
sap and a buildup of vehicle
wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the
wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the vehicle’s chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
5-88 Service and Appearance Care

Notice:Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could
damage the surface. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.Notice:Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome
wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on
chrome-plated wheels, but avoid
any painted surface of the wheel,
and buff off immediately after
application.
Notice:Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the warranty. Never
drive a vehicle equipped with
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush
with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining
the vehicle warranty.
Service and Appearance Care 5-89

Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the nish should
be repaired right away. Bare metal
will corrode quickly and may
develop into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can
be repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of nish damage
can be corrected in your dealer’s/
retailer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, oor pan, and
exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, ush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.Dirt packed in close areas of the
frame should be loosened before
being ushed. Your dealer/retailer or
an underbody car washing system
can do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can
fall upon and attack painted surfaces
on the vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months or
12,000 miles (20 000 km) of
purchase, whichever occurs rst.
Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your
vehicle. It appears on a plate in the
front corner of the instrument
panel, on the driver side. It can be
seen through the windshield
from outside the vehicle. The VIN
also appears on the Vehicle
Certication and Service Parts
labels and the certicates of title and
registration.
5-90 Service and Appearance Care

Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is
the engine code. This code
helps identify the vehicle’s engine,
specications, and replacement
parts. See “Engine Specications”
underCapacities and Specifications
on page 5-98for your vehicle’s
engine code.
Service Parts
Identication Label
This label is on the inside of the
glove box. It is very helpful if
you ever need to order parts. The
label has the following information:
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special
equipment
Do not remove this label from the
vehicle.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{CAUTION
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage systems
in your vehicle can only be
serviced by technicians with
special training.
High voltage devices are identied
by labels. Do not remove, open,
take apart, or modify these
devices. High voltage cable or
wiring has orange covering. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer/
retailer rst. Some electrical
equipment can damage the
vehicle and the damage would
not be covered by the vehicle’s
warranty. Some add-on electrical
equipment can keep other
components from working as
they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle’s battery, even if the vehicle
is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-56.
Service and Appearance Care 5-91

Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is
protected by a circuit breaker and a
fuse. If the motor overheats due
to heavy snow or ice, the wiper will
stop until the motor cools. If the
overload is caused by some
electrical problem, have it xed.
Power Windows and
Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse block
protect the power windows and
other power accessories. When the
current load is too heavy, the
circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the
problem is xed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are
protected from short circuits by
a combination of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of
res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can be
temporarily borrowed from another
fuse location, if a fuse goes out.
Replace the fuse as soon as
you can.
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block
The instrument panel fuse block is
located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side of the
vehicle. Pull down on the cover
to access the fuse block.
5-92 Service and Appearance Care