fuel BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2006 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-22
Child Restraints
.......................................1-45
Airbag System
.........................................1-72
Restraint System Check
............................1-87
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
...........2-19
Mirrors
....................................................2-31
OnStar
®System
......................................2-32
Universal Home Remote System
................2-34
Storage Areas
.........................................2-38
Sunroof
..................................................2-46
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-47
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-37
Message Center
.......................................3-51Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-60
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-74
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-36
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
................. 5-9
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-43
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-44
Windshield Replacement
...........................5-49
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-49
Tires
......................................................5-51
Appearance Care
.....................................5-91
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-99
Electrical System
....................................5-100
Capacities and Specications
...................5-106
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-13
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Buick Rendezvous Owner ManualM

PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft deterrent system.
This means you do
not have to do anything
different to arm or disarm
the system. It works
when you insert or remove
the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
If the SECURITY message is shown on the Message
Center when trying to start the vehicle, the key may
have a damaged transponder. See “PASS-Key
®III
Security Message” underMessage Center on page 3-51.
Turn the ignition off and try to start the vehicle again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-101. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to program
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for
the vehicle. This procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see your GM dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III to have
keys made and programmed to the system.
See your GM dealer who can service PASS-Key
®III
to get a new key blank that is a cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the system.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
®III to have
new keys made. To program additional keys you will
need two current driver’s keys, black in color. You must
add a step to the following procedure. After Step 3 repeat
Steps 1 through 3 with the second current driver’s key.
Then continue with Step 4.
2-18

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have
an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side
of the engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-22

Warm-Up Shift
Your vehicle has a computer controlled transaxle
designed to warm up the engine faster when the outside
temperature is 35°F (2°C) or colder. You may notice
that the transaxle will shift at a higher vehicle speed until
the engine is warmed up. This is a normal condition
designed to provide heat to the passenger compartment
and defrost the windows more quickly.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving,
but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears
When going down a steep hill
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power,
but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then
you would also want to use your brakes off and on.Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as you go
faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle
system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and THIRD (3) for
higher speeds.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power,
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle will
not downshift into rst gear until the vehicle is going
slow enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the
vehicle in place.
2-25

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Interior Lamps Control...................................3-16
Headlamp Exit Delay.....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Lighting...........................................3-18
Exit Lighting.................................................3-18
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-19
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-19
Rear Reading Lamps....................................3-19Cargo Lamp.................................................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-21
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-24
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-26
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-27
Climate Controls............................................3-28
Climate Control System.................................3-28
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-30
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-33
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-36
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-37
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-38
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-39
Trip Odometer..............................................3-39
Tachometer.................................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-40
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-41
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-42
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-44
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-45
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-46
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-50
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Message Center.............................................3-51
Passenger Seatbelt Reminder Message...........3-51
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-51
Traction Active Message................................3-52
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-52
Charging System Indicator Message................3-53
Reduced Engine Power Message....................3-53
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-54
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-55
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-55
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-55
Check Gas Cap Message..............................3-56
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-56
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-56
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-57
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-57
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-58
Service Vehicle Soon Message.......................3-58
Program Mode Message................................3-59
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning Message...............................3-59
Parking Lamp Warning Message.....................3-60
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-60Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-60
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-62
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-74
Setting the Time...........................................3-75
Radio with CD..............................................3-76
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-87
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-100
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-114
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-129
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-132
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-132
Radio Reception.........................................3-133
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-134
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-135
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-135
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-135
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-135
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time
to see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld of view.
If your vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD), it can
show the speedometer reading in English or metric.
The current audio system information, as well as
Rear Seat Entertainment system information, may also
be displayed and will appear as an image focused
out toward the front of your vehicle.
The HUD is capable of displaying English or French.
SeeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-62to change
the display from English to metric.The HUD will display the following lights and messages
when they appear on the instrument panel cluster:
Turn Signal Indicators. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
High-Beam Indicator. SeeHeadlamp
High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Low-Fuel Warning Message. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-57.
The Head-Up Display also displays a CHECK GAGES
message. The following messages could appear on
the instrument panel cluster when CHECK GAGES
appears:
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Message on
page 3-52.
Low Oil Pressure. SeeLow Oil Pressure Message
on page 3-54.
Charging System Indicator. SeeCharging System
Indicator Message on page 3-53.
Low Brake Fluid Warning. SeeLow Brake Fluid
Warning Message on page 3-58.
3-21

Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the air
temperature inside your vehicle.
uA/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.
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,
or 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 the oor 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 the oor outlets. In this mode, the
system will automatically turn off recirculation and run
the air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
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.
3-29

)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, then directs the remaining
air to the oor outlets. Cooler air is directed to the
upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor 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 airow 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.
@(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
on. The recirculation mode can be used with vent
and bi-level modes, but it cannot be used with oor,
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.
uA/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.
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.
3-31

Temperature Control:Use the DRIVER knob to
increase or decrease the air temperature inside your
vehicle. If the front passenger would like the temperature
to be warmer or cooler, use the PASS knob to adjust
the passenger’s temperature.
Air Conditioning:The air-conditioning compressor
will automatically come on when a temperature cooler
than the interior temperature is chosen using the
temperature knobs.
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.
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,
or 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.
Use the MODE button to select the defog mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield
and the oor 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.
Press the defrost button to select defrost.
0(Defrost):Pressing this button directs most of the
air to the windshield and the side window outlets, with
some air directed to the oor outlets. In this mode, the
system will automatically turns off recirculation and run
the air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
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.
3-35