flat tire BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2005 Owner's Manual

Tire Chains..................................................5-70
Accessory Inator.........................................5-70
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-72
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-72
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-74
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-80
Secondary Latch System...............................5-84
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-88
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-94
Appearance Care............................................5-95
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-95
Vinyl...........................................................5-97
Leather.......................................................5-97
Instrument Panel..........................................5-97
Interior Plastic Components............................5-97
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-98
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-98
Weatherstrips...............................................5-98
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-98
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-99
Finish Care..................................................5-99Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.........5-99
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-100
Tires.........................................................5-100
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-101
Finish Damage...........................................5-101
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-101
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-101
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-102
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-103
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-103
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-103
Electrical System..........................................5-104
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-104
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-104
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-104
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-104
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-105
Floor Console Fuse Block............................5-105
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-107
Capacities and Specications........................5-112
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare tire or
temporary use tire has a tread life of approximately
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should not be driven
at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone at. If your vehicle has a compact
spare tire, seeCompact Spare Tire on page 5-94
andIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-72.
(B) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identication
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated to 60 psi (420 kPa).
For more information on tire pressure and ination see
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-61.
(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and numbers
dene a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type and service description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size means the tire is for
temporary use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication):Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance criteria have a TPC
specication code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines. Compact Spare Tire Example
5-57

If the anti-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the check tire pressure system may not be working
properly. See your dealer for service. Also, see
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-45.
The check tire pressure system detects differences
in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes
in tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low
tire – but it does not replace normal tire maintenance.
SeeTires on page 5-55.
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE HOLD SET TO
RESET message appears on the Driver Information
Center and the LOW TIRE PRESSURE message comes
on the message center, you should stop as soon as
you can and check all your tires for damage. If a tire is
at, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-72. Also check
the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. See
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-61.
Any time you adjust a tire’s pressure or have one or more
tires repaired or replaced, you’ll need to reset, or
calibrate, the check tire pressure system. You’ll also need
to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires, buy
new tires and install or remove the compact spare.
Do not reset the check tire pressure system without rst
correcting the cause of the problem and checking
and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset
the system when the tire pressures are incorrect,
the check tire pressure system will not work properly
and may not alert you when a tire is low or high.To reset the system, do the following:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON.
2. Press the MODE button until the DIC reads LOW
TIRE PRESSURE HOLD SET TO RESET.
3. Press and hold the SET button until you hear a
chime, and TIRE PRESSURE RESET is displayed.
You will hear three chimes, then the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE message will go off and the DIC will return
to TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL. If the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE message comes back on, the check tire
pressure system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
The system completes the calibration process during
driving. The system learns the pressure at each tire
throughout the operating speed range of your vehicle.
The system normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes of
driving to learn the tire pressures. The system normally
takes 10 to 20 minutes of driving in each speed range to
learn tire pressures. The speed ranges are 20 to 40 mph
(32 to 64 km/h), 40 to 60 mph (64 to 96 km/h), and above
60 mph (96 km/h). This time may be longer depending on
your individual driving habits. The learning process does
not need to be completed during a single trip. Once
learned, the system will remember the tire pressure until
the system is reset.
5-63

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-65andWheel Replacement
on page 5-68for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire, If it moves,
use the folding wrench to tighten the cable. SeeStoring
a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-88.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in your tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Reset the check tire pressure system, if equipped. See
Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-62.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-112.
5-64

{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make 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
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. SeeChanging a Flat
Tire on page 5-72.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-65

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-72for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
5-69

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ashers.
5-72

4. Tilt the retainer and slip it through the wheel
opening to remove the spare tire from the cable.
5. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back
up after removing the spare tire.
Do not store a full-size or a at road tire under the
vehicle. SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools on page 5-88.
To continue changing the at tire, seeRemoving the
Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-80.If the spare tire will not lower, the secondary latch may
be engaged causing the tire not to lower.
Do the following to check the cable:
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable is visible.
2. If it is not visible, seeSecondary Latch System on
page 5-84.
If it is visible, rst try to tighten the cable by turning
the folding wrench clockwise until you hear two
clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot over-tighten
the cable.
5-76

1. Open the storage compartment door of the
convenience center that is nearest the liftgate and
remove the cap on the bottom of the storage
compartment.
2. Flip the cut out carpet that is located through the
hole of the storage compartment.
3. Attach the folding wrench into the hoist shaft.
4. Turn the folding wrench counterclockwise to lower
the spare tire to the ground. Continue turning the
wrench until the spare tire can be pulled out
from under the vehicle.
5. Tilt the retainer and slip it through the wheel
opening to remove the spare tire from the cable.
6. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back
up after removing the spare tire.
Do not store a full-size or a at road tire under the
vehicle. SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools on page 5-88.
To continue changing the at tire, seeRemoving the
Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-80.
5-78

Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. If there is a wheel cover, loosen the plastic nut
caps with the wheel wrench. They will not come
off. Then, using the at end of the wheel wrench,
pry along the edge of the cover until it comes off.
Be careful; the edges may be sharp. Do not
try to remove the cover with your bare hands.
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, remove the
wheel nut caps using the wheel wrench.
2. Loosen the wheel
nuts — but do not
remove them — using
the folding wrench.
Turn the handle about
180 degrees, then
ip the handle back to
the starting position.
This avoids taking
the wrench off the lug
nut for each turn.
For wheels with a wheel lock key, use the wheel
lock key between the lock nut and folding wrench.
The key is supplied in the front passenger door
pocket.Notice:If your vehicle has wheel locks and you
use an impact wrench to remove the wheel nuts,
you could damage the lock nut or wheel lock key.
Do not use an impact wrench to remove the
wheel nuts if your vehicle has wheel locks.
3. Locate the notch (A is
3.0 inches (7.5 cm)
from the front tire or B
is 5.5 inches (14.0
cm) from the rear tire).
The notch is located
near each wheel in the
vehicle’s body.
Notice:If you use a jack to raise the vehicle
without positioning it correctly, you could damage
your vehicle. When raising your vehicle on a
jack, avoid contact with the rear axle control arms.
Do not raise the vehicle yet. Put the compact spare
tire near you.
5-80