engine oil BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2006 Owner's Manual

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will 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. Your vehicle may also have
an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
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 do not, 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 will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-22

Message Center.............................................3-51
Passenger Seatbelt Reminder Message...........3-51
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-51
Traction Active Message................................3-52
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-52
Charging System Indicator Message................3-53
Reduced Engine Power Message....................3-53
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-54
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-55
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-55
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-55
Check Gas Cap Message..............................3-56
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-56
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-56
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-57
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-57
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-58
Service Vehicle Soon Message.......................3-58
Program Mode Message................................3-59
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning Message...............................3-59
Parking Lamp Warning Message.....................3-60
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-60Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-60
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-62
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-74
Setting the Time...........................................3-75
Radio with CD..............................................3-76
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-87
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-100
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-114
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-129
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-132
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-132
Radio Reception.........................................3-133
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-134
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-135
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-135
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-135
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-135
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time
to see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld of view.
If your vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD), it can
show the speedometer reading in English or metric.
The current audio system information, as well as
Rear Seat Entertainment system information, may also
be displayed and will appear as an image focused
out toward the front of your vehicle.
The HUD is capable of displaying English or French.
SeeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-62to change
the display from English to metric.The HUD will display the following lights and messages
when they appear on the instrument panel cluster:
Turn Signal Indicators. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
High-Beam Indicator. SeeHeadlamp
High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Low-Fuel Warning Message. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-57.
The Head-Up Display also displays a CHECK GAGES
message. 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 3-52.
Low Oil Pressure. SeeLow Oil Pressure Message
on page 3-54.
Charging System Indicator. SeeCharging System
Indicator Message on page 3-53.
Low Brake Fluid Warning. SeeLow Brake Fluid
Warning Message on page 3-58.
3-21

Low Oil Pressure Message
Your vehicle may be equipped with a low oil pressure
warning message.
Your oil pressure message lets you know when you
may have a problem with your engine oil pressure.
When the engine is running and this message appears,
the engine oil level may be too low. There may also
be another problem causing low oil pressure.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil. United States
Canada
3-54

Change Engine Oil Message
When this message comes on and stays on after you
have started the engine, it means that service is
required for your vehicle. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4andEngine Oil on page 5-13for more
information.
Door Ajar Warning Message
This message will come on when the ignition is turned
to ON or START and the driver’s or passenger’s
door is open.
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message
This message will come on when the ignition is turned
to ON or START and the liftgate is open. United States
CanadaUnited StatesCanada
United StatesCanada
3-55

FUEL RANGE:The fuel range is an estimated distance
that your vehicle can travel on the remaining fuel.
The fuel economy used to calculate the range is based
on your driving history since the last reset of the
average speed.
FUEL USED:The fuel used display will show you how
much fuel has been used since the last time it was
reset. To reset the fuel used to zero, press and hold the
SET button while the fuel used is displayed on the
DIC and until the display goes to zero.
AVG SPEED (Average Speed):The average speed
display will show your average speed from when
you rst started your vehicle. To reset the average
speed, press and hold the SET button while the average
speed is displayed on the DIC and until the speed
resets to your current speed.
OIL LIFE LEFT HOLD SET TO RESET:This message
displays the current percentage of the oil life by the
engine oil life system. Be careful not to reset this display
other than when the oil has been changed. See “How
to Reset the Engine Oil Life System” underEngine
Oil Life System on page 5-16for more information.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the oil
life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine Oil on page 5-13.TIRE PRESSURE:The check tire pressure system
can alert you to a large change in the pressure of
one tire. If the tire pressure is normal, TIRE PRESSURE
NORMAL will display. If the tire pressure is low,
LOW TIRE PRESSURE will display. You must begin
driving before the system will detect a low tire pressure
condition. SeeCheck Tire Pressure System on
page 5-59.
USE SET TO SELECT ENGLISH METRIC:You can
use this display to select English or metric. Press
the SET button to toggle between English or metric.
The DIC, the odometer, the trip odometer and head-up
display will change. A Canadian odometer and trip
odometer will remain in metric units only.
OFF:No driver information will be displayed in this
mode. If the DIC is left in this mode for more than
three seconds, the display will turn off. Press the
MODE button to start the DIC.
3-63

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles
that rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you will nd experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across North America. They will be
ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to
the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-23

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
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.
4-47

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-8
Checking Things Under the Hood.....................5-9
Hood Release................................................5-9
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-10
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-21
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-23
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-25Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-33
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-44
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-47
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-49
Windshield Replacement.................................5-49
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Tires..............................................................5-51
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-52
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-55
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-57
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-59
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-62
Buying New Tires.........................................5-62
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly. In
most cases, you should not have to add anything to your
fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if your vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your GM dealer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area. General Motors recommends that you use
these gasolines if they comply with the specications
described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other
fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used
in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage the plastic and rubber
parts. That damage would not be covered under
your warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
recommends against the use of such gasolines. Fuels
containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and
the performance of the emission control system may be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer
for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-6