coolant temperature BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2004 Owner's Manual

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater. In
very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
electrical cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-21
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-21
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)..............3-24
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-27
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-28
Climate Controls............................................3-28
Climate Control System.................................3-28
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-32
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-35
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-39
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-40
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-42
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-43Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-43
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-44
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-45
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-46
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-49
Message Center.............................................3-50
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-50
Traction Active Message................................3-51
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-51
Charging System Indicator Message................3-52
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-52
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-53
Low Tire Message........................................3-54
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-54
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-54
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-55
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-55
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-56
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-56
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-57
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The Head-Up Display also displays the following lights
and messages when they appear on the instrument
panel cluster:
Turn Signal Indicators. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
High-Beam Indicator. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
Low-Fuel Warning Message. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-56.
The Head-Up Display also displays a CHECK GAGES
icon. The following messages could appear on the
instrument panel cluster when CHECK GAGES appears:
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Message on
page 3-51.
Low Oil Pressure. SeeLow Oil Pressure Message
on page 3-52.
Charging System Indicator. SeeCharging System
Indicator Message on page 3-52.
Low Brake Fluid Warning. SeeLow Brake Fluid
Warning Message on page 3-57.
Under warning conditions, the CHECK GAGES icon will
illuminate in the HUD. Look at the instrument panel
cluster for more information.
3-22

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is
too hot!
It means that your 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 5-26.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light in the
United States or Check Engine Light
in Canada
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which
monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission
control systems. United States
Canada
United StatesCanada
3-46

Traction Active Message
If your vehicle has the traction control system, the
TRACTION ACTIVE message will appear when the
traction control system is limiting wheel spin. You may
feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
appears, so adjust your driving accordingly.
The message will stay on for a few seconds after the
traction control system stops limiting wheel spin.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Message
This message will come on when your engine gets
too hot.
If this message comes on, it means that your 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 5-26. United States
Canada
United StatesCanada
3-51

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).Do not overll.
Notice:We recommend you use only uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, because uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by uid other than DEXRON
®-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid”.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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 5 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 5-26.
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 messages 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 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.
5-23

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

(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

Cleaning Tires..............................................5-105
Cleaning Vinyl..............................................5-101
Climate Control System...................................3-28
Dual..........................................................3-32
Dual Automatic............................................3-35
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-38
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-98
Compass Variance..........................................3-60
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-7
Convenience Center, Rear...............................2-44
Convenience Net............................................2-44
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-46
Engine Temperature Warning Message...........3-51
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-39
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-5
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities.......................................... 7-6Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12
D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-3
Defogging and Defrosting.................3-30, 3-34, 3-37
Delayed Lighting.............................................3-18
Delayed Locking.......................................2-9, 3-68
Dinghy Towing................................................4-34
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-16
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-35
Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-54
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
4

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