engine BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2003 Owner's Manual

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-25if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water toush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-9.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in theoor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
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Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
All-Wheel Drive Inspection
Inspect the transfer case (power transfer unit) and
carrier assembly-differential (rear drive module) every
12 months or at engine oil change intervals, check rear
differential and transfer case and add lubricant when
necessary. Auid loss could indicate a problem; check
and have it repaired, if needed. Check vent hoses at
transfer case and differential for kinks and proper
installation.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. For vehicles with rear drum
brakes, also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
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Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-11.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-19.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brakeuid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent or
equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulit-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Carrier
Assembly—
Differential
(Rear Drive
Module)
and Transfer
Case (Power
Transfer Unit)VERSATRAK™Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378514, in Canada
88901045).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
Hinges, Rear
Folding SeatMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

A
About Driving Your Vehicle.....................................ii
Accessory Inflator...........................................5-57
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-23
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-32
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-85
Adjusting the Captain’s Chairs
(Second Row).............................................1-12
Adjusting the Speakers....................3-67, 3-74, 3-84
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-67
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-73
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-76
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-73
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-74
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-72
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-70
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-15
All Overseas Locations...................................... 7-4
All-Wheel Drive......................................5-41, 5-77
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message..........3-49
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-11
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..................5-82
AM .............................................................3-108
Antenna, Integrated Windshield.......................3-110Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-110
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-8
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-80
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-83
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-78
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Finish Damage............................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
.................................................2-16
Ashtrays
........................................................3-24
Audio Speakers
..............................................3-95
Audio System(s)
.............................................3-64
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
....................3-107
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
...............3-108
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
................3-109
Care of Your CDs and DVDs
.......................3-109
Integrated Windshield Antenna
.....................3-110
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-71
Radio with CD
............................................3-65
Radio with Six-Disc CD
................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
...............................3-105
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-108
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-109
Your CDs and DVDs ..................................3-109
Cargo Cover..................................................2-42
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)....................................5-42
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-80
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-80
Cell Phone Storage Area.................................2-38
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-38
Chains, Tires..................................................5-56
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Charging System Indicator Message..................3-46
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Tire Pressure System...................................5-49
Checking Coolant............................................5-20
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems
......................1-76
Chemical Paint Spotting
...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
...............................1-51
Infants and Young Children
...........................1-47
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
..........................1-59Child Restraints (cont.)
Older Children.............................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-63
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-65
Top Strap...................................................1-54
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-56
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-54
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-24
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Video Screen............................................3-110
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Your DVD Player.......................................3-109
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-24
Dual ..........................................................3-27
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-32
Compact Disc Errors
...............................3-71, 3-81
Compact Disc Messages
..................................3-93
Compact Spare Tire
........................................5-77
Compass Variance
..........................................3-54
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Content Theft-Deferrent
....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Center, Rear
...............................2-42
Convenience Net
............................................2-42
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage
............................3-40
Engine Temperature Warning Message
...........3-45
Heater, Engine
............................................2-21
Cooling System
..............................................5-24
Cruise Control
................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light
........................................3-43
Cupholder(s)
..................................................2-37
Current and Past Model Order Forms
................7-10
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation
.................................. 7-6
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices
........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government
.............................................. 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program
......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information
......... 7-9D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-3
Defogging and Defrosting.................3-26, 3-28, 3-31
Delayed Lighting.............................................3-16
Delayed Locking...............................2-9, 2-49, 3-60
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-16
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Four-Way Manual Seat.................................. 1-2
Position, Safety Belt
.....................................1-24
Driver Behavior
................................................ 4-2
Driver Information Center (DIC)
.........................3-53
DIC Controls and Displays
............................3-55
DIC Vehicle Personalization
..........................3-57
Driving
At Night
.....................................................4-16
City
...........................................................4-20
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Driving (cont.)
Defensive..................................................... 4-3
Drunken....................................................... 4-4
Environment................................................. 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-40
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-29
Dual Climate Control System............................3-27
DVD
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player..........................3-109
Distortion..................................................3-107
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-93
DVD Messages..............................................3-98
DVD Player....................................................3-96
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-86
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-15
Battery.......................................................5-36
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Compartment Overview................................5-10
Coolant......................................................5-19
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Message..........3-45
Cooling System Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-11
Overheating................................................5-22
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-9
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-14
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-9
Engine Specifications......................................5-93
Entering Programming Mode
....................2-46, 3-57
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen
..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player
..........................3-109
DVD Distortion
..........................................3-107
Entry Lighting
.................................................3-15
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2003 - Rendezvous OM