towing BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2003 Owner's Guide

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxlefluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
•In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
•In hilly or mountainous terrain.
•When doing frequent trailer towing.
•Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change thefluid andfilter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too littlefluid can damage
your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine or
exhaust system parts, starting afire. Too littlefluid
could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxlefluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather.
To get the right reading, thefluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°Fto200°F
(82°Cto93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C).Ifit’s colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
•Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
•With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
5-17
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Engine Overheating
You willfind an engine coolant temperature gage on
your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-40. You also have
an engine coolant temperature warning message on
your instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Message on page 3-45.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternatesfiring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles
(km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. See“Engine Oil”in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
CAUTION: (Continued)
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
❑Change automatic transaxlefluid andfilter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
the lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote †.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxleuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxleuid, change both
theuid andlter.150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-19for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

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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Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-41
Making Turns.................................................4-39
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Operation...........................................3-30
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
Memory Seat.................................................2-52
Message
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning....................3-49
Center.......................................................3-44
Change Engine Oil......................................3-47
Charging System Indicator............................3-46
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-45
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-53
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-51
Low Engine Oil Level...................................3-47
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-50
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-46
Low Tire .....................................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning
...........................3-50
Park Lamp Warning
.....................................3-53
PASS-Key
®III Security
.................................3-49
Program Mode
............................................3-52
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning
..............................3-48
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning
...........................................3-52
Service Traction System Warning
...................3-44
Service Vehicle Soon
...................................3-51Message (cont.)
Traction Active............................................3-45
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands)................................. 7-4
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Mirror...................................2-31
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-93
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-11
Pressure Message.......................................3-46
Older Children, Restraints................................1-45
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-33
OnStar®Services............................................2-33
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Programmable Modes.............2-47, 2-48, 2-49, 2-50
Programming Mode
Entering.....................................................2-46
Exiting.......................................................2-51
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-34
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-23
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-21
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-71, 3-82
Radio Messages.....................................3-69, 3-76
Radios..........................................................3-64
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
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-71
Radio with CD............................................3-65
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-105
Setting the Time..........................................3-65
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-106
Understanding Reception............................3-108
RDS Messages..............................3-69, 3-75, 3-86
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message....................3-48
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-17Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-40
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-105
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-93
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-7
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-34
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-34
Rear Seat Radio Controls...............................3-105
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-41
Rear Window Defogger...................3-26, 3-29, 3-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-31
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Alarm.................................................. 2-6
Remote Control..............................................3-99
Remote Door Unlock.......................................3-61
Remote Driver Unlock Control...........................2-50
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery Low
Warning Message........................................3-52
Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation...............2-50
Removing the Captain’s Chairs.........................1-13
Removing the Extended Rear
Convenience Center
.....................................2-43
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire
.............................................5-67
Removing the Rear Convenience Center on
Vehicles with the Third Row Stowable Seat
.....2-44
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
...................5-60
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-56
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-36
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-45
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-39
Service Traction System Warning Message.....3-44
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-37
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-41
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-17
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-41
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual.............................................. 7-9
Transportation Options...................................... 7-7
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-39U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-21
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-12
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-89
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-108
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-54
United States................................................... 7-4
Unlock Feedback............................................3-61
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-56
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-78
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-36
Using RDS
....................................................3-67
Using Song List Mode
.....................................3-92
V
Vehicle
Control
........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings
........................................... iv
Design
......................................................... 4-3
Loading
......................................................4-32
Service Soon Message
.................................3-51
Symbols
......................................................... iv
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2003 - Rendezvous OM