tow BUICK RAINIER 2006 User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your gear
shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-25. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-52.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, press
the button on the shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Move the shift lever into the gear you
wish. SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-26.
2-22

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-44.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if
the transmission shifts too often.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
2-23

Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and you must park on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-52.
Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-52.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is in
PARK (P).
2-25

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even
if the climate control fan is at the highest
setting. One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-40.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-25.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-52.
2-28

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Your vehicle may have this feature. While sitting in a
comfortable driving position, adjust the rearview
mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle. Grip
the mirror in the center to move it up or down and
side to side. The day/night control, located at the bottom
of the mirror, adjusts the mirror to reduce headlamp
glare from behind during evening or dark conditions.
Turn the control clockwise for night use; return it to the
center for daytime use.
Manual Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®
Your vehicle may have a rearview mirror with the
OnStar®system.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the
bottom of the mirror. See your GM dealer for more
information on the OnStar
®system and how to
subscribe to OnStar®. Also, seeOnStar®System on
page 2-41for more information about the services
OnStar
®provides.
Mirror Operation
While sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust
the rearview mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip it in the center to move it up or down
and side to side. The day/night control, located at the
bottom of the mirror, adjusts the mirror to reduce
headlamp glare from behind during evening or dark
conditions. Move the control to the right for night
conditions. Return it to the center for daytime use.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass, and
Temperature Display
The vehicle may have a manual rearview mirror with
OnStar®and an eight-point compass and temperature
display located in the upper right.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the
bottom of the mirror. See your GM dealer for more
information about the OnStar
®system. Also, see
OnStar®System on page 2-41for more information
about the services OnStar®provides.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
2-29

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
After approximately ve seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading (N for North, for
example), there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or
until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
Passenger Airbag Indicator
The vehicle may be equipped with a passenger airbag
indicator, on the mirror glass, just above the buttons.
If the vehicle has this feature, the mirror will display the
word ON, or an airbag symbol in Canada, when the
passenger airbag is enabled. For more information,
seePassenger Sensing System on page 1-56.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Compass
Your vehicle may have an automatic-dimming rearview
mirror with a compass.
Mirror Operation
When turned on, this mirror automatically dims to the
proper level to minimize glare from any headlamps
behind you after dark.
O(On/Off):This is the on/off button for the
automatic dimming feature and compass. Press the
far left button, located below the mirror face, for up to
three seconds to turn the feature on and off. A light
on the mirror will be lit while the feature is turned on.
2-35

3. Press the COMP button on the bottom of the mirror
until the new zone number appears in the display.
After you stop pressing the button, the display
will show a compass direction within a few seconds.
Passenger Airbag Indicator
The mirror may be equipped with a passenger airbag
indicator on the mirror glass, just above the buttons.
If the vehicle has this feature the mirror will display the
word ON, or an airbag symbol in Canada, when the
passenger airbag is enabled. For more information see
Passenger Sensing System on page 1-56.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Outside Power Mirror
The outside power mirror
control is located on the
driver’s door.
1. Turn the knob toward the mirror you desire
to adjust.
2. Move the control in the direction you want the
mirror to go.
3. Adjust the mirror in all four directions so that you
can see the side of your vehicle and the area
behind your vehicle.
4. After adjusting each mirror, turn the control to the
center position so the mirror cannot be moved.
2-39

If you reach the mirror’s end of the travel position in any
direction, the mirror will enter a ratcheting mode. This
action is harmless. It is a warning that the mirror can go
no further. To stop this action, back the mirror up by
moving the control in the opposite direction.
Fold the mirror in manually before entering a car wash.
To do this, pull the mirror in toward the vehicle. Push
the mirror back out when nished.
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror
If the vehicle has this feature, the passenger’s outside
mirror will adjust to a preset tilt position while the vehicle
is in REVERSE (R) gear. Curb view assist may be
useful when you are parallel parking. The mirror
will return to normal position when the vehicle is shifted
out of REVERSE (R) gear. Automatic mirror movement
in either direction will follow a short delay.
You may be able to turn this feature on or off through
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-52.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right or left lane,
you could hit a vehicle. Check your inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger’s outside mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver’s seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
If the vehicle has this feature, when the rear window
defogger is turned on, the driver’s and passenger’s
outside rearview mirrors also heat to help clear them of
ice, snow, and condensation. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-19for more
information.
2-40

To slide the crossrails to where you want them, pull
up on the lever on each side of the crossrail. This will
release the crossrail and allow you to slide it. When
the crossrail is where you want it, press down on
the levers to lock it into place.
Notice:Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 220 lbs (100 kg) or hangs over
the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage
your vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the
slats as far forward as possible and against the
side rails, making sure to fasten it securely.
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, seeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-45.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier
is locked and cargo is still securely fastened.
When the luggage carrier is not in use, place the
crossrails at the following positions for wind noise
reduction. Place one crossrail at the rear most point of
the vehicle and the other crossrail above the opening
of the rear door.Rear Floor Storage Lid
{CAUTION:
If any removable convenience item is not
secured properly, it can move around in a
collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle
could be injured. Be sure to secure any such
item properly.
Your vehicle has a rear cargo area with a removable
storage lid.
To remove the rear oor storage lid, do the following:
1. Press the latch release and lift up the latch handle.
2. Raise the lid slightly to unhook it.
3. Pull the lid toward you to release it from the forward
mounting tabs.
To reinstall the rear oor storage lid, reverse the
previous steps. Make sure the lid is secure by applying
slight pressure to the latch until you hear it click.
2-48

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others.
They also let police know you have a problem. Your
front and rear turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
on top of the steering
column.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in
the ignition.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn
signal lamps ash on and off. Press the button again
to turn the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up
at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
You should adjust the
steering wheel before
you drive. The tilt lever
is located to the left of the
steering column, under
the turn signal lever.
You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull
the lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level, then release the lever to lock
the wheel in place.
3-6