weight BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2003 User Guide

Dolly Towing
If you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle, it can be towed
with two of its wheels on the ground. To dolly tow
your vehicle, do the following:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.
If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it cannot be
towed with any of its wheels on the ground. It can be
towed with car carrier equipment.
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Don’t tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle if
any of its wheels will be on the ground.
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certication/Tire Label is found on the rear edge of
the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
ination pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certication/Tire Label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Tond out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
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weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle–like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else–they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
•Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
•Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
•When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
•Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Automatic Level Control
On vehicles equipped with the automatic level control,
the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept level as you
load or unload your vehicle. However, you should still
not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
If the key is in ACCESSORY, ON or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active, you may hear
the compressor operating when you load your vehicle or
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shortly after you start your vehicle, and periodically as
the system self-adjusts. This is normal. See“Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)”underIgnition Positions
on page 2-19.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period of time
(longer than one minute) or occurs many times
within one trip, your vehicle needs service.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well -- or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance
is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”in the Index.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should
read the information in“Weight of the Trailer”that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against the drag of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and
under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
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If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh
more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during therst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during therst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
You can use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower
gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle
in THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will minimize
heat buildup and extend the life of your transaxle.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,400 lbs. (630 kg) with
up tove occupants in the vehicle or more than
2,000 lbs. (900 kg) with up to two occupants. If you
have the optional trailer towing package, your vehicle
can tow up to 2,900 lbs. (1 300 kg) with up tove
occupants or up to 3,500 lbs. (1 575 kg) with up to two
occupants. But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information
or advice, or you can write us at:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’llnd these numbers on the
Certication/Tire Label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door, or seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg), be sure to
use a properly mounted, weight-carrying hitch and
sway control of the proper size. This equipment
is very important for proper vehicle loading
and good handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes–and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
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Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See“Engine
Exhaust”in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
•Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
•Keep the rear-most windows closed.
•If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See“Climate Controls”in the
Index.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
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Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-56
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-36
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-45
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-39
Service Traction System Warning Message.....3-44
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-37
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-41
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-17
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-41
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual.............................................. 7-9
Transportation Options...................................... 7-7
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-39U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-21
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-12
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-89
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-108
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-54
United States................................................... 7-4
Unlock Feedback............................................3-61
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-56
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-78
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-36
Using RDS
....................................................3-67
Using Song List Mode
.....................................3-92
V
Vehicle
Control
........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings
........................................... iv
Design
......................................................... 4-3
Loading
......................................................4-32
Service Soon Message
.................................3-51
Symbols
......................................................... iv
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Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-85
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-85
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-46
Automatic Door Lock/Unlock..........................2-48
Delayed Locking..........................................2-49
DIC ...........................................................3-57
Entering Programming Mode.........................2-46
Exiting Programming Mode...........................2-51
Headlamp Exit Delay...................................2-47
Memory Seat..............................................2-52
Remote Driver Unlock Control.......................2-50
Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation...........2-50
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-36
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-32
Video Screen.................................................3-96
Vinyl.............................................................5-79
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-14
Visors...........................................................2-14
W
Warm-Up Shift................................................2-24
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-33
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-5
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWasher Fluid Low Warning Message.................3-50
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-81
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-10
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-13
What to Do with Used Oil ................................5-15
What to Use ..........................................5-20, 5-32
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-55
Replacement...............................................5-55
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-12
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life
System).....................................................5-14
When to Check..............................................5-49
When to Check and Change............................5-17
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-31
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-15
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-41
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-54
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-20
Window Lock Out...........................................2-14
Windows.......................................................2-13
Power ........................................................2-14
Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades...........5-82
Windshield Washer
........................................... 3-9
Fluid
..........................................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
................. 6-9
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