tow BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2003 Repair Manual

Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It’s
designed to stop the compact spare tire from suddenly
falling off your vehicle if the cable holding the spare tire is
damaged. For the secondary latch to work, the tire must
be stowed with the valve stem pointing down. See
“Storing the Spare Tire and Tools”later in this section for
instructions on storing the spare tire correctly.
{CAUTION:
Before beginning this procedure read all the
instructions. Failure to read and follow the
instructions could damage the hoist assembly
and you and others could get hurt. Read and
follow the instructions listed below.
To release the spare tire from the secondary latch, do
the following:
{CAUTION:
Someone standing too close during the
procedure could be injured by the jack. If the
spare tire does not slide off the jack completely,
make sure no one is behind you or on either
side of you as you pull the jack out from the
spare.
1. If the cable is not visible, start this procedure
at Step 3.
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4. Attach the folding
wrench to the jack, and
turn the wrench
clockwise to raise the
jack head 3 inches
(7.6 cm).
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the folding wrench
clockwise in the jack. Raise the vehicle far
enough off the ground so that there is enough room
for the spare tire tofit under the wheel well.
6. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off theflat tire.
7. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
the places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If
you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall off, causing a serious accident.
8. Install the spare tire and put the wheel nuts back on
with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held
against the hub.
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5. Turn the folding wrench clockwise to lift the
spare tire.
6. When the tire reaches the stabilizer bar, move the
tire over the bar, then continue to turn the folding
wrench clockwise to lift the spare tire.
7. When the tire is almost in the stored position, turn
the tire so that the valve stem is towards the rear of
the vehicle.
This will help when you check and maintain tire
pressure in the spare.
8. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the folding wrench until
you feel more than two clicks. This indicates that the
compact spare tire is secure and the cable is
tight. The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened.
A. Push and Pull
B. Rotate Tire
9. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If the tire
moves, use the folding wrench to tighten the cable.
Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack storage
compartment and put the compartment cover back on.
To put the cover back on, slip the tabs on the side of the
cover into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests in
the groove. This secures the cover in place.
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When you replace the compact spare with a full-size
tire, reinstall the bolt-on wheel covers or the center cap,
which ever your vehicle has. Tighten them“hand
tight”over the wheel nuts, using the folding wrench.
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles without the
Stowable Seat and without the Rear
Convenience Center)
A. D-Ring
B. Wing Nut
C. J-HookD. Valve Stem
E. Full-Size Tire1. Flip up the D-ring located in the rear cargo area.
2. Lay the tire in the rear cargo area of the vehicle with
the valve stem up with the center hole of the tire
over the D-ring.
For vehicles with aluminum wheels, remove the
center cap by tapping the back of the cap with the
folding wrench.
3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
4. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
5. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to thefloor.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
6. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
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Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with the
Stowable Seat)
A. Rear Convenience
Center
B. Full-Size Tire
C. D-Ring
D. Stowable Seat
StrapE. Cargo Net Hook
F. J-Hook
G. Wing Nut1. If the seatback is not in an upright position, move it
to an upright position.
2. There is a strap attached to each side of the
stowable seat. Hook the straps to the cargo
net hook in the rear of the vehicle.
3. Flip the D-ring so it is pointing outward.
4. Open the convenience center cover.
5. Stand the full-size tire up, in the tray against the
back of the seat with the valve stem pointing out.
6. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
7. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
8. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the
seatback.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
9. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
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Storing the Flat Tire with the Stowable
Seatback Folded Flat
A. Stowable Seat
B. Full-Size Tire
C. Wing NutD. J-Hook
E. D-Ring1. Fold the seatback down andflip the D-ring up.
2. Lay the tire on the seatback with the valve stem
pointing up with the center hole of the tire over the
D-ring.
3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back
of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and
the J-hook.
4. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring
through the center hole of the tire.
5. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the
seatback.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire is
secure and does not move.
6. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack
storage compartment and put the compartment
cover back on.
Slip the tabs on the side of the compartment cover
into the cover opening. Push the cover in place
and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests
in the groove. This secures the cover in place.
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5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a
sponge to remove any excess cleaner.
6. Wipe cleaned area with a clean, water-dampened
towel or cloth.
7. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine
and blood can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
2. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat
the area with a water/baking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. Let dry.
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry completely.
3. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
•Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do this more than once.
•Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if
you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth
and vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for
this product.
Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let
the leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
•For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
dealer for this product.
•Neveruse oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.
•Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into thefinish,
it can harm the leather.
Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones
or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
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Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’sfinish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold
water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle
well, removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
SeeGM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on
page 5-83.Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should beflushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry thefinish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under“Washing Your Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paintfinish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. SeeGM Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 5-83.
If your vehicle has a“basecoat/clearcoat”paintfinish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paintfinish may
dull thefinish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’sfinish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as
possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that
are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paintfinish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
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Windshield, Backglass and Wiper
Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do
not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:When applying a tire dressing, always take
care to wipe off any overspray or splash from all
painted surfaces on the body or wheels of the
vehicle. Petroleum-based products may damage the
paintfinish and tires.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
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50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
❑Change automatic transaxlefluid andfilter 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
the lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote †.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
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