overheating BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2007 Owner's Manual

Page 200 of 528

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray is located on the oor console closest
to the instrument panel. Lift the lid to expose
the ashtray. To remove the ashtray, lift it up.
The cigarette lighter is located on the oor console
in the cell phone storage compartment closest
to the driver’s seat. Lift the lid to expose the
cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while
it is heating will not allow the lighter to
back away from the heating element when it is
hot. Damage from overheating may occur to
the lighter or heating element, or a fuse could
be blown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter in
while it is heating.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other
ammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes
or other smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage your vehicle. Never
put ammable items in the ashtray.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating,
cooling, and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to direct the airow inside your vehicle.
200

Page 221 of 528

Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System
(TCS) warning light. The TCS warning light
may come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the TCS off by pressing the TRAC
OFF button located in the instrument panel
switchbank the TCS warning light will come on
and stay on. To turn the system back on,
press the button again. The TCS warning light
should go off. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 310for more information.
If there is an engine-related and brake system
problem that is specically related to traction
control, the TCS will turn off and the TCS
warning light will come on.
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the system is
turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves near the “H”, 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 378.
United StatesCanada
221

Page 227 of 528

Traction Active Message
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), the TRACTION ACTIVE message will
appear when the TCS 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.
This message will stay on for a few seconds after
the TCS 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 378.
United StatesCanada
United StatesCanada
227

Page 228 of 528

Charging System Indicator Message
The charging system
battery symbol will
come on in the message
center when you turn
on the ignition as
a check to show you it
is working.
It will remain on as long as the engine is not
running. It should go out once the engine
is running. If it stays on, or comes on while you
are driving, you may have a problem with the
charging system. It could indicate that you have
problems with a generator drive belt, or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this indicator appears in the message
center could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the
message on, be certain to turn off all your
accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Reduced Engine Power Message
If your vehicle has this feature, this message will
appear in the message center when a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle’s engine performance
is detected. This message will also appear when
your vehicle is in overheated engine protection
operating mode. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 378for more information.
If this message comes on and stays on, see your
dealer.
United StatesCanada
228

Page 351 of 528

Service........................................................ 354
Accessories and Modications................... 354
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 355
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 355
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle................................................... 356
Fuel............................................................. 356
Gasoline Octane........................................ 356
Gasoline Specications.............................. 356
California Fuel........................................... 357
Additives................................................... 357
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 358
Filling the Tank......................................... 359
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 361
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 362
Hood Release........................................... 363
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 364
Engine Oil................................................. 365
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 368
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 370Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 372
Engine Coolant.......................................... 375
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 378
Engine Overheating................................... 378
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 380
Cooling System......................................... 381
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 387
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 388
Brakes...................................................... 389
Battery...................................................... 393
Jump Starting............................................ 394
Bulb Replacement....................................... 399
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 399
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps............. 399
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps...... 401
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.................. 402
Replacement Bulbs................................... 404
Windshield Replacement............................ 404
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
351

Page 375 of 528

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 378.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
the rst maintenance service after each
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.
375

Page 378 of 528

Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows
on the cap line up with the overow tube on the
radiator ller neck.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 364
for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature warning and a
coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s
instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Message on page 227andEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 221.
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. Turn it
off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant
before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles
engine is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch re. You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 380for
information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
378

Page 382 of 528

The coolant level should be at or above the full
cold mark. If it is not, you may have a leak at the
pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Do not
touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak.
If you run the engine, it could lose all
coolant. That could cause an engine re,
and you could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fans
are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not, your vehicle
needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant is not covered by your
warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 380for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could 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.
382

Page 406 of 528

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your GM Warranty booklet for
details. For additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer’s booklet included with your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much friction. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 332.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 413.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a
pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if
your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
406

Page 517 of 528

Driver Information Center (DIC) (cont.)
DIC Vehicle Personalization..................... 240
Driving
At Night................................................... 317
City.......................................................... 321
Defensive................................................. 302
Drunken................................................... 303
Freeway................................................... 322
Hill and Mountain Roads.......................... 325
In Rain and on Wet Roads...................... 318
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.......... 332
Winter...................................................... 327
Dual Automatic Climate Control System....... 206
Dual Climate Control System....................... 203
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System............. 277
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 462
Floor Console Fuse Block........................ 463
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 463
Headlamp Wiring..................................... 462
Power Windows and Other Power
Options................................................. 462
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 466Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 462
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 370
Battery..................................................... 393
Change Oil Message............................... 230
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 222
Coolant.................................................... 375
Coolant Heater......................................... 131
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 221
Coolant Temperature Warning Message ... 227
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 487
Engine Compartment Overview ................ 364
Exhaust................................................... 140
Oil ........................................................... 365
Oil Life System........................................ 368
Overheated Protection Operating Mode.... 380
Overheating............................................. 378
Reduced Power Message........................ 228
Starting.................................................... 129
Entry Lighting.............................................. 189
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 503
Exit Delay, Headlamp.................................. 189
Exit Lighting................................................ 190
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 56
Exterior Lamps............................................ 185
517