checking BUICK RAINIER 2005 User Guide

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drive
the vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine
off, but this is used only as a reference. Let the
engine run at idle for ve minutes if outside
temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder
than 50°F (10°C), you may have to idle the engine
longer. Should the uid level be low during this cold
check, youmustcheck the uid hot before adding uid.
Checking the uid hot will give you a more accurate
reading of the uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The automatic transmission
dipstick handle with the
transmission and lock
symbol is located in the
engine compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again. Check both sides of the
dipstick, and read the lower level.
5-23

3. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid while
it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If
the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).Do not overll.Notice:Use of automatic transmission uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transmission uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in
this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
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 ve 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 5-27.
5-24

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant
recovery tank is in the
engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. The cap
has this symbol on it. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
more information on
location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD, or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the coolant recovery tank.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap — even a
little — when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-29.
5-26

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-37

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking off the cap.
Look at the brake uid
reservoir. The uid level
should be above MIN. If it
is not, have your brake
system checked to
see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the MIN, but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container
only. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. SeeAppearance
Care on page 5-83.
5-38

Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-86
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-123
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-124
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-124
Cargo Cover..................................................2-49
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-47
Chains, Tire...................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Gages Warning Light...................................3-41
Check Gas Cap Light......................................3-42
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-89
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-32
Infants and Young Children...........................1-28
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-26
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Seat Position...........................................1-42Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-43
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-35
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-124
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87
Glass Surfaces............................................5-85
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-85
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vinyl..........................................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-88
Climate Control System
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-25
Dual Automatic............................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
Rear..........................................................3-24
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-23
3

Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-99
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-92
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-42
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-42
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Gate Ajar Light...............................................3-41
Glove Box.....................................................2-46
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5Headlamps....................................................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-48
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Electrical System.........................................5-92
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-19
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-36
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-42
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-43
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-28
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-59
6

Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-56
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-123
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-124
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-124
Navigation/Radio System.............................3-119
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-81
Radio with CD....................................3-57, 3-67
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-95
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-120
Setting the Time..........................................3-56
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-121
Understanding Reception............................3-122
Rainsense™ Wipers.......................................... 3-9
Reading Lamps..............................................3-17
Rear Axle......................................................5-46
Locking........................................................ 4-9
Rear Climate Control System............................3-24
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Floor Storage Lid....................................2-48
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-23
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-120Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-109
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-5
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-20
Rearview Mirror with Compass..........................2-30
Rearview Mirror with Compass
and Temperature.................................2-35, 3-28
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-30
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®and Compass.......2-33
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass, and
Temperature Display....................................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-30
Reclining Seatbacks, Power............................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-50
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-40
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-72
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-70
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-50
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-61
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-62
10

Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-61
Replacing Parts...........................................1-62
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-19
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-20
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-43
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-29
S
Safety Belt
Pretensioners..............................................1-25
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-86
Driver Position............................................1-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-12
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-11
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults.........................1-23
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-20
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-20
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-25
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-19
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-7
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Heated Seats............................................... 1-3
Memory.....................................................2-51
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-2
Power Reclining Seatbacks............................. 1-4
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-5
Secondary Latch System.................................5-77
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Seat Position....................................1-42
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-40
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-40
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-43
Security Light.................................................3-39
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
All-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-41
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-35
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-60
Setting the Time.............................................3-56
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-89
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-27
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
11