trailer BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2004 Owner's Guide

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid, engine oil, belts,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you nd
them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a good idea to
review these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle may have a trailer wiring harness located
at the rear of your vehicle. To use the trailer wiring
harness, you need a converter kit. Contact your dealer
for more information.
4-50

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter 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 the uid and lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
How to Check Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
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 little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid 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, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
5-21

Engine Overheating
You will nd an engine coolant temperature gage on
your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46. You also have
an engine coolant temperature warning message on
your instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Message on page 3-51.
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 overheatprotection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant 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.
5-26

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day
Stop after high-speed driving
Idle for long periods in traffic
Tow a trailer
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving – AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while you’re parked. If you still have the
warning,turn off the engine and get everyone out of the
vehicleuntil it cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” listed previously in
this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-28

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter 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.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-23for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
6-8

Door (cont.)
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Four-Way Manual Seat.................................. 1-3
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-28
Driver Behavior................................................ 4-2
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-60
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-62
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-64
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-18
City...........................................................4-23
Defensive..................................................... 4-3
Drunken....................................................... 4-4
Environment................................................. 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving On Grades..........................................4-49
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-29
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-22
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-22
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-47
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-35
Dual Climate Control System............................3-32DVD
Cleaning Your DVD Player..........................3-131
Distortion..................................................3-129
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-113
DVD Messages.............................................3-119
DVD Player..................................................3-116
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-108
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-109
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-108
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-109
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-109
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-49
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Oil Message...................................3-53
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-46
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Coolant Temperature Warning Message..........3-51
5

Hitches..........................................................4-46
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-35
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-35
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-26
How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid...............5-23
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-31
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-33
How to Check................................................5-65
How to Check Automatic Transaxle Fluid............5-21
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-27
Hydroplaning..................................................4-21
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-48
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-48If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-32
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-43
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-30
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-50
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-40
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Switchbank.................................................3-21
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-16
Integrated Windshield Antenna........................3-132
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
Interior Lamps Control.....................................3-17
Interior Lighting Delay......................................3-65
Interior Lighting On.........................................3-66
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-50
Making Turns.................................................4-48
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-46
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-5
Manual Operation...........................................3-36
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-3
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-49
Message
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning....................3-55
Center.......................................................3-50
Change Engine Oil......................................3-53
Charging System Indicator............................3-52
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-54
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-51
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-59Message (cont.)
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-57
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-56
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-52
Low Tire .....................................................3-54
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-56
Park Lamp Warning.....................................3-59
PASS-Key
®III Security.................................3-55
Program Mode............................................3-58
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning..............................3-54
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning...........................................3-58
Service Traction System Warning...................3-50
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-57
Traction Active............................................3-51
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-33
Outside Power Mirror...................................2-32
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
10

Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tips and Trouble...........................................3-123
Tire
Low Message.............................................3-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-58
Tire Size.......................................................5-61
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-62
Tires.............................................................5-57
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-77
Check Tire Pressure System.........................5-65
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-98
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-76
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-64
Inspection and Rotation................................5-67
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap......................................................1-57
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-58
Torque Lock...................................................2-29Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-46
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-34
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-42
Your Vehicle...............................................4-33
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-51
Control System (TCS)..................................4-11
Control System Warning Light.......................3-45
Service Traction System Warning Message.....3-50
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-46
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-50
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-23
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-48
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-12
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-41
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-48
16

U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-24
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-112
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-130
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-71
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Unlock Feedback............................................3-69
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-73
Using Cleaner on Fabric................................5-100
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-38
Using Song List Mode...................................3-110
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-7
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Design......................................................... 4-3
Loading......................................................4-36
Service Soon Message.................................3-57
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records....7-10
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-107
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-108Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-64
Memory Seat..............................................2-49
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-38
Video Screen................................................3-116
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-15
Visors...........................................................2-15
W
Warm-Up Shift................................................2-25
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-39
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-7
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid Low Warning Message.................3-56
Washing Your Vehicle....................................5-103
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-43
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-45
What Coolant to Use.......................................5-24
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-16
What Power Steering Fluid to Use....................5-37
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-19
17