climate control BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2003 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-7
Safety Belts
.............................................1-19
Child Restraints
.......................................1-45
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-67
Restraint System Check
............................1-76
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-8
Windows
.................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-31
OnStar
®System
......................................2-32
HomeLink®Transmitter
.............................2-34
Storage Areas
.........................................2-37
Sunroof
..................................................2-45
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-46
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-33
Message Center
.......................................3-44
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
........................................3-53
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-64Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-31
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under
the Hood
............................................... 5-9
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-41
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-47
Tires
......................................................5-48
Appearance Care
.....................................5-77
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-85
Electrical System
......................................5-85
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-92
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-93
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
............................ 7-8
Index................................................................ 1
2003 Buick Rendezvous Owner ManualM
2003 - Rendezvous Owner Manual

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you willfind these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the
notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION
and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different
words.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle,
are shown along with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a specific component, control,
message, gage or indicator.
If you need helpfiguring out a specificnameofa
component, gage or indicator, reference the following
topics:
•Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
•Features and Controls in Section 2
•Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
•Climate Controls in Section 3
•Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3
•Audio System(s) in Section 3
•Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust.”
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan is at the highest setting. One place this
can happen is a garage. Exhaust—with
CO—can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
“Winter Driving”in the Index.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brakefirmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when
you’re on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26.
If you’re pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-34.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Outside Curb View Assist Mirror
If your vehicle has this feature, the passenger’s outside
rearview mirror will tilt towards the curb when the
vehicle is shifted into REVERSE (R) and return to its
previous position when the vehicle is shifted out
of REVERSE (R). SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-57for information on how to turn this feature
on and off.
Outside Convex Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the
driver’s seat.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
Outside Heated Mirrors
If your vehicle has this feature, the outside rearview
mirrors are heated when you activate the rear window
defogger. See“Rear Window Defogger”under
Climate Control System on page 3-24.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information and convenience services. An OnStar
®
subscription plan is included in the price of your vehicle.
You can upgrade or extend your OnStar®services to
meet your needs.
2-32
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-18
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-21
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-23
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-24
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Climate Control System.................................3-24
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-27
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-37
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light
..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
.............3-39Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Message Center.............................................3-44
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-44
Traction Active Message................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-45
Charging System Indicator Message................3-46
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-46
Low Engine Oil Level Message.......................3-47
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-47
Low Tire Message........................................3-48
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-48
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-48
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-49
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-49
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-50
Low Fuel Warning Message
...........................3-50
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message
.................3-51
Service Vehicle Soon Message
.......................3-51
Program Mode Message
................................3-52
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning Message
...............................3-52
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
2003 - Rendezvous OM

The main components of the instrument panel are the
following:
A. Exterior/Interior Lamps Control
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Shift Lever
F. Instrument Panel Outlets
G. Audio System
H. Audio Steering Wheel Controls
I. Head-Up Display Switch and Driver Information
Center (DIC) Controls
J. Hood Release
K. Ignition Switch
L. Climate Controls
M. Instrument Panel Switchbank
N. Front Armrest Storage
O. Ashtray/Cigarette Lighter/Accessory Power
Outlet/Cell Phone Storage/Purse Storage/Cupholders
P. Floor Console Fuse Block
Q. Glove BoxHazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
3-5
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray is located on thefloor console closest to
the instrument panel. Lift the lid to expose the ashtray.
The ashtray removes by lifting it up.
The cigarette lighter is located on thefloor console in
the cell phone storage compartment closest to the
driver’s seat. Lift the lid to expose the cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your
hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
Notice:Don’t put papers or otherflammable
items into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing
a damagingfire.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside of your vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate controls system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield
and thefloor outlets. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
0(Defrost):Pressing this button directs most of the
air to the windshield and the side window outlets,
with some air directed to thefloor outlets. In this mode,
the system will automatically turn off recirculation
and run the air-conditioning compressor, unless theoutside temperature is at or below freezing.
Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button
will come on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
10 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximatelyfive
minutes before turning off. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
Notice:Don’t use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’tbe
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
3-26
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Dual Climate Control System
Your vehicle may have a dual climate control system.
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside of your vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, then directs the remaining
air to thefloor outlets. Cooler air is directed to the upper
outlets and warmer air to thefloor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets. Use this mode to send air to the rear of the
vehicle. Keep the area under the front seats free of
objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear of
the vehicle.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see“Defogging and
Defrosting”later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob counterclockwise until it stops to turn
off the fan. The fan must be turned on for the air
conditioning compressor to operate.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on or off. When this mode is on,
outside air will circulate throughout your vehicle. When
this mode is on, an indicator light in the button will
come on to let you know that it is activated. The outside
air mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot
be used with the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):This mode keeps outside air
from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or help
heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
When the button is pressed, an indicator light will
come on. The air-conditioning compressor also comes
3-27
2003 - Rendezvous OM

on. The recirculation mode can be used with vent and
bi-level modes, but it cannot be used withfloor,
defog, defrost or outside air modes.
Temperature Control:Use the driver’s and
passenger’s temperature levers to increase or decrease
the air temperature inside your vehicle.
#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air-conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the coolest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
4. Select A/C.
5. Select the recirculation mode.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate controls system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield
and thefloor outlets. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
3-28
2003 - Rendezvous OM