heating BUICK RAINIER 2007 Owner's Manual

Remove the cover from the outlet to use the
outlet. Be sure to put the cover back on when not
using the accessory power outlet.
Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet and
could result in blown vehicle or adaptor fuses.
If you experience a problem, see your dealer
for additional information on the accessory
power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle may damage it or keep other
components from working as they should. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not use equipment exceeding maximum
amperage rating of 20 amperes. Check with
your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to
follow the proper installation instructions included
with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug because the
power outlets are designed for accessory
power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have this feature. The ashtray is
removable and ts into the front cupholder.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other
ammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes
or other smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage your vehicle.
Never put ammable items in the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull the covered bin out of
the cupholder.
To use the lighter, press it in all the way, and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away
from the heating element when it is hot. Damage
from overheating may occur to the lighter or
heating element, or a fuse could be blown.
Do not hold a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating. Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
169

Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system you can control the heating,
cooling and ventilation for your vehicle. When your
vehicle is rst started and the climate control
system is on, or if the climate control system has
been turned on, the display will show the
driver’s temperature setting for ve seconds.
Then it will show the outside temperature.
Outside Air Temperature Display
A new outside temperature reading will be
displayed if the vehicle has been off for more than
three hours. If the vehicle has been off for less
than three hours, the old temperature reading may
be displayed because underhood heat is
affecting the true outside temperature.
Since underhood heat can also affect the outside
temperature while the engine is running, it
may take several minutes of driving before the
display updates to the actual outside temperature.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire
climate control system. Outside air will still
enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the oor.
Press the AUTO button, the mode button, the
fan arrows, or either temperature knob to turn the
system on.
C(Mode):Press this button to manually select
the air delivery mode to the oor, instrument panel,
or windshield outlets. The system will stay in the
selected mode until the mode button is pressed
again or the AUTO button is pressed.
170

Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on
the sides of your instrument panel to direct
the airow.
Operation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice,
snow, or any other obstruction, such as
leaves. The heater and defroster will work far
better, reducing the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather,
select maximum blower speed for a few
moments before driving. This helps clear the
intake ducts of snow and moisture, and
reduces the chance of fogging the inside of
your window.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of objects. This helps air to circulate
throughout your vehicle.
Adding outside equipment to the front of your
vehicle, such as hood-air deectors, may
affect the performance of the heating and air
conditioning system. Check with your
dealer before adding equipment to the outside
of your vehicle.
175

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
the engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 382.
Tire Pressure Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
the ignition to RUN.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires are signicantly underinated.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE DIC message will
accompany the light, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 202
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do
so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 411for more information.
This light will ash for approximately 70 seconds
and then turn on solid if a problem is detected with
the Tire Pressure Monitor system.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 420
for more information.
United StatesCanada
189

ENGINE COOLANT HOT/ENGINE
OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 382for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
cooling system temperature gets hot. See
Engine Overheating on page 382for the proper
course of action. This message clears when
the coolant temperature drops to a safe operating
temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
fuel level is low in the vehicle’s fuel tank. Refuel as
soon as possible. Press any of the DIC buttons, or
the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Light on page 197,Filling the Tank on page 361,
andFuel on page 358for more information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message may display if the outside
temperature reaches a level where ice could form
on the roadway. If the temperature rises to a safe
level, the message clears. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds, or you can press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
KEY FOB # BATTERY LOW
This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the
battery in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 94. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’s side rear door is not fully closed. Stop and
turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions,
and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
204

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 504.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle — such as behind
a motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy
towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing your
vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with
any of its wheels on the ground. If your vehicle
must be towed, see “Towing Your Vehicle” earlier
in this section.
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with
all four wheels on the ground, or even with
only two of its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an
all-wheel-drive vehicle if any of its wheels
will be on the ground.
Electronically Controlled Air
Suspension System
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically
controlled air suspension system that automatically
keeps your vehicle level as you load and unload.
The system includes a compressor, two height
sensors, and two air springs supporting the
rear axle.
The system also has an internal clock to prevent
overheating. If the system overheats, all leveling
function stops until the system cools down.
During this time, the indicator light on the air
inator system will be ashing.
337

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 122.
To maximize your safety when towing
a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected
for leaks, and make necessary repairs
before starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or
another opening, drive with your front,
main heating or cooling system on
and with the fan on any speed. This
will bring fresh, outside air into your
vehicle. Do not use the climate control
setting for maximum air because it
only recirculates the air inside your
vehicle. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 170.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
347

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will
ash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the
bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may
think drivers behind you are seeing your signal
when they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift
the transmission to THIRD (3) or a lower gear,
under heavy loads or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will
boil at a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
your vehicle may show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked (preferably on level ground) with the
automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating
on page 382.
349

Service........................................................ 356
Accessories and Modications................... 356
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 357
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 357
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 358
Fuel............................................................. 358
Gasoline Octane........................................ 358
Gasoline Specications.............................. 358
California Fuel........................................... 359
Additives................................................... 359
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 360
Filling the Tank......................................... 361
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 363
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 364
Hood Release........................................... 364
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 366
Engine Oil................................................. 369
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 372
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 374
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 375
Engine Coolant.......................................... 379Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 382
Engine Overheating................................... 382
Cooling System......................................... 384
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 390
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 390
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 391
Brakes...................................................... 392
Battery...................................................... 396
Jump Starting............................................ 397
All-Wheel Drive........................................... 402
Rear Axle.................................................... 402
Front Axle................................................... 403
Bulb Replacement....................................... 404
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 404
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps....................................... 405
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps............. 405
License Plate Lamp................................... 407
Replacement Bulbs................................... 407
Windshield Replacement............................ 408
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 408
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
353

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 382.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
379