towing BUICK TERRAZA 2006 Owner's Guide

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring.
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you are about to turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It
is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than
1,000 lbs (450 kg), you may prefer to drive in THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or, as you
need to, a lower gear. This will minimize heat build-up
and extend the life of your transaxle.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, do the
following:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P).
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you do the following:
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 package
located in the glove box. It can be connected from
the rear of your vehicle to your trailer. Contact your
dealer for more information.
4-48

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 overheat
protection 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. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
C. Coolant Recovery Tank3.5L V6 Engine
5-29

(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 5-24 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)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.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.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 6-11.
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 5-15for 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.
6-8

If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states with “no
fault” insurance laws, a report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you will
have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

Power (cont.)
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-33
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-2
Sliding Door................................................2-17
Steering Fluid.............................................5-37
Windows....................................................2-27
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-33
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............2-14
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-18
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radios..........................................................3-80
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-119
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-119
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-101
Radio with CD............................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-115
Setting the Time..........................................3-81
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-117
Understanding Reception............................3-118Rear Climate Control System............................3-30
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-31
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-115
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-101
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-6
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-28
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-10
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-11
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-37
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-72
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-52
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-72
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-73
10

Tires (cont.)
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-86
Different Size..............................................5-64
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-70
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-60
Inator, Accessory.......................................5-68
Inspection and Rotation................................5-61
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-75
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-72
Secondary Latch System..............................5-81
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-83
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-57
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-66
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-66
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-62
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-37
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-39
Your Vehicle...............................................4-37
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-43
StabiliTrak
®System.....................................4-10
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-35
Trip Odometer................................................3-36Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-22
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-118
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-65
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-47
Operation...................................................2-48
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-32
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders..................................................7-10
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-95
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-95
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-57
DIC ...........................................................3-72
Memory Seat..............................................2-57
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-29
Visors...........................................................2-28
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