towing BUICK ENCLAVE 2009 Owner's Guide

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause
the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. The vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
ash whenever signaling a turn
or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also ash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel ash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. For this reason
you may think other drivers
are seeing the signal when they are
not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Because of the added load of the
trailer, the vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days, when going up
a long or steep grade with a trailer. If
the engine coolant temperature gage
indicates overheating, turn off the air
conditioning to reduce engine load,
pull off the road and stop in a safe
spot. Let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for
a few minutes before turning the
engine off.Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforestarting down a long
or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down
and reduce the vehicle speed
to around 55 mph (88 km/h) to
reduce the possibility of the engine
and the transmission overheating.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-31

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
Turn the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake
pedal while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
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
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for more information.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid, engine oil,
axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good
idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-33

Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with the
following wiring harness for towing
a trailer.
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a
seven-pin connector, is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle’s frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty
trailer connector available through
your dealer/retailer.The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
Brown: Taillamps
Black: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red/Black: Battery Feed
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuse for this circuit is installed
in the underhood electrical center,
but the wires are not connected.
They should be connected by your
dealer/retailer or a qualied
service center.If the back-up lamp circuit is
not functional, contact your
dealer/retailer.
If a remote (non-vehicle) battery is
being charged, press the Tow/Haul
mode switch located on the center
console near the climate controls.
This will boost the vehicle system
voltage and properly charge the
battery. If the trailer is too light for
Tow/Haul mode, turn on the
headlamps (Non-HID only) as a
second way to boost the vehicle
system and charge the battery.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-20.
4-34 Driving Your Vehicle

If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating
Mode” next in this section.Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle 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, there is a signicant loss in
power and engine performance. The
temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances 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 on page 5-11.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is
located toward the front of the engine
compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for reservoir location.
5-22 Service and Appearance Care

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 see Checking the Restraint
Systems on page 1-58.
(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)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add
fluid if needed.(h)Change automatic transmission
fluid 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, flush, and refill cooling
system. This service can be
complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Engine Coolant on page 5-17 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler 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 havehigh effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control
cables.
(k)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Change transfer case fluid 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.
6-8 Maintenance Schedule

Flat Tire Change:Service is
provided to change a at tire
with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good
condition and properly inated. It
is the owner’s responsibility
for the repair or replacement of
the tire if it is not covered by
the warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is
provided to jump start a dead
battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and
Assistance:If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
failure, incidental expenses
may be reimbursed during the
5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km) Powertrain
warranty period. Items
considered are hotel, meals,
and rental car.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance

Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or
changing of snow tires, chains,
or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles

Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is
approximately $5 Canadian.
Diesel fuel delivery may
be restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle
registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed
maps of North America are
provided when requested either
with the most direct route orthe most scenic route. There is a
six request limit per year.
Additional travel information is
also available. Allow three weeks
for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and
Assistance:Must be over
250 kilometres from where your
trip was started to qualify. General
Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization,
original detailed receipts, and a
copy of the repair orders. Once
authorization has been received,
the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements
and explain how to receive
payment.
Alternative Service:If
assistance cannot be provided
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give you
permission to get local emergency
road service. You will receive
payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical
failures may be covered, however
Customer Assistance Information 7-7

If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are
involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are
all right. If you are uninjured,
make sure that no one else in
your vehicle, or the other vehicle,
is injured.
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do
not leave the scene of a crash
until all matters have been taken
care of. Move your vehicle only if
its position puts you in danger or
you are instructed to move it by a
police officer.
Give only the necessary and
requested information to police
and other parties involved in the
crash. Do not discuss your
personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to
the crash. This will help guard
against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance,
call GM Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more
information.
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), insurancecompany 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
crash. 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/provinces 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 dealer/
retailer 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.
Customer Assistance Information 7-11

P
Paint, Damage.....................5-90
Parade Dimming..................3-16
Park
Shifting Into.....................2-28
Shifting Out of..................2-29
Park Aid.....................2-34, 2-37
Park Brake..........................2-27
Park Tilt Mirrors...................2-34
Parking
Assist.............................2-34
Over Things That Burn......2-30
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................3-31
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-52
Passing................................ 4-9
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer......................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation........2-18
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California...... 5-4
Phone
Bluetooth
®.......................3-92
Power
Door Locks........................ 2-8
Electrical System..............5-92
Liftgate............................2-10Power (cont.)
Lumbar Controls................. 1-4
Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current........................3-18
Retained Accessory...........2-22
Seat................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid...................5-22
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column............. 3-6
Windows.........................2-14
Privacy...............................7-14
Event Data Recorders.......7-15
Navigation System............7-16
OnStar............................7-15
Radio Frequency
Identication.................7-16
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks........................ 2-9
R
Radio Frequency Identication
(RFID), Privacy.................7-16
Radio(s).............................3-67
Radios
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual . . . 3-92
Rear Seat Audio.............3-111
Reception......................3-114Radios (cont.)
Setting the Clock..............3-65
Theft-Deterrent...............3-113
Reading Lamps...................3-16
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System................3-26
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and
Electronic Climate
Controls..........................3-27
Rear Door Security Locks....... 2-9
Rear Seat Armrest...............2-51
Rear Seat Audio (RSA).......3-111
Rear Seat Entertainment
System..........................3-102
Rear Seat Operation.............. 1-8
Rear Vision Camera.............2-37
Rear Windshield Washer/
Wiper............................... 3-9
Rearview Mirror, Automatic
Dimming ..........................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants........................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 4-21
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System............................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-3
i-8 INDEX

Tires (cont.)
Pressure Monitor
Operation.....................5-45
Pressure Monitor System . . . 5-44
Removing the Flat Tire......5-74
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.....................5-72
Secondary Latch System . . . 5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools.....................5-80
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit.............5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......5-37
Tire Terminology and
Denitions....................5-40
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................5-52
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance.......................5-54
Wheel Replacement..........5-55
When It Is Time for New
Tires............................5-50
Tow/Haul Mode ....................2-26
Tow/Haul Mode Light............3-40Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........4-21
Towing a Trailer................4-24
Your Vehicle.....................4-21
Traction
Stabilitrak
®System............. 4-5
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic................5-15
Transmission Operation,
Automatic........................2-24
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 3-6
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)..................2-34
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................5-52
Universal Home Remote
System...........................2-44
Operation........................2-45
V
Vehicle
Control............................. 4-3
Loading...........................4-16
Running While Parked.......2-31
Symbols.............................. iii
Vehicle Customization, DIC....3-57
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy............................7-14
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)...................5-90
Service Parts Identication
Label...........................5-91
Vehicle, Remote Start............. 2-5
Ventilation Adjustment...........3-25
Visors.................................2-16
Voltage Devices, High and
Wiring.............................5-91
Voltmeter Gage....................3-33
INDEX i-11