tow BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2006 Repair Manual

Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It is
designed to stop the compact spare tire from suddenly
falling off your vehicle if the cable holding the spare
tire is damaged. For the secondary latch to work, the tire
must be stowed with the valve stem pointing down.
SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-84
for instructions on storing the spare tire correctly.
{CAUTION:
Before beginning this procedure read all the
instructions. Failure to read and follow the
instructions could damage the hoist assembly
and you and others could get hurt. Read and
follow the instructions listed below.To release the spare tire from the secondary latch,
do the following:
{CAUTION:
Someone standing too close during the
procedure could be injured by the jack. If the
spare tire does not slide off the jack completely,
make sure no one is behind you or on either
side of you as you pull the jack out from
the spare.
5-81

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles without
Stowable Seat and without Rear
Convenience Center)
A. D-Ring
B. Wing Nut
C. J-HookD. Valve Stem
E. Full-Size Tire1. Flip up the D-ring located in the rear cargo area.
2. Lay the tire in the rear cargo area of the vehicle with
the valve stem up with the center hole of the tire
over the D-ring.
For vehicles with aluminum wheels, remove the
center cap by tapping the back of the cap with the
folding wrench.
3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
4. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
5. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the oor.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
6. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
5-84

Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with a
Stowable Seat)
A. Rear Convenience
Center
B. Full-Size Tire
C. D-RingD. Stowable Seat Strap
E. Cargo Net Hook
F. J-Hook
G. Wing Nut1. If the seatback is not in an upright position, move it
to an upright position.
2. There is a strap attached to each side of the
stowable seat. Hook the straps to the cargo
net hook in the rear of the vehicle.
3. Flip the D-ring so it is pointing outward.
4. Open the convenience center cover.
5. Stand the full-size tire up, in the tray against the
back of the seat with the valve stem pointing out.
6. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
7. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
8. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the
seatback.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
9. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
5-86

Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with a
Stowable Seatback Folded Flat)
A. Stowable Seat
B. Full-Size Tire
C. Wing NutD. J-Hook
E. D-Ring1. Fold the seatback down and ip the D-ring up.
2. Lay the tire on the seatback with the valve stem
pointing up with the center hole of the tire over the
D-ring.
3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
4. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
5. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the
seatback.
6. Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
7. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
5-87

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
{CAUTION:
The underbody-mounted spare tire needs to be
stored with the valve stem pointing down. If the
spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing
upwards, its secondary latch won’t work
properly and the spare tire could loosen and
suddenly fall from your vehicle. If this happened
when your vehicle was being driven, the tire
might contact a person or another vehicle,
causing injury and, of course, damage to itself
as well. Be sure the underbody-mounted spare
tire is stored with its valve stem pointing down.1. Lay the compact spare tire on the ground at the
rear of the vehicle. Position the compact spare
tire so that the valve stem is pointed down facing
the rear of the vehicle.
2. Lower the cable to the ground. SeeRemoving the
Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-71.
3. Tilt the retainer downward and slip it through the
center hole of the spare tire.
Make sure the retainer is fully seated across the
underside of the wheel.
4. Attach the folding wrench to the hoist shaft.
5. Turn the folding wrench clockwise to lift the
spare tire.
6. When the tire reaches the stabilizer bar, move the
tire over the bar, then continue to turn the folding
wrench clockwise to lift the spare tire.
7. When the tire is almost in the stored position, turn
the tire so that the valve stem is towards the rear of
the vehicle.
This will help when you check and maintain tire
pressure in the spare.
5-88

Do not clean your vehicle using the following cleaners
or techniques:
Never use a knife or any other sharp object to
remove a soil from any interior surface.
Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage to
your vehicle’s interior surfaces.
Never apply heavy pressure or rub aggressively
with a cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure
can damage your interior and does not improve
the effectiveness of soil removal.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners,
about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a
good guide.
Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.
Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from
the use of many organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used
on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats. For soils, always
try to remove them rst with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as
possible using one of the following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel
until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and
then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
5-92

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test
a small hidden area for colorfastness rst. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring
formation may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use
heat to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never
use spot lifters or spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and coatings that are sold
to preserve and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and feel of your leather and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on your leather.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use
spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many
commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance and feel of your
interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss
in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on your
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reections in the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
5-93

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do,
it may severely weaken them. In a crash,
they might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather frequent application may be required.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The paint nish on the vehicle provides beauty, depth of
color, gloss retention, and durability.
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s nish is to keep it
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. GM-approved
cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer.
SeeVehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-98.
Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be ushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the nish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
the vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions underWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-94.
5-94

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
The vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish
on chrome wheels only.Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
5-96

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats, and liftgate hinges. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
(g)Check 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 or cruise
control cables.(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. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-21 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check 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 or cruise
control cables.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8