tow BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2007 Repair Manual

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is 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
would 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 the
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
427

{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel
nuts become loose after 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 needed, 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.
7. Remove any rust or
dirt from the wheel
bolts, mounting
surfaces and
spare wheel.
439

9. Tighten the wheel
nuts rmly in a
crisscross sequence,
as shown.
Notice:Wheel covers will not t on your
compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover
on the compact spare, you could damage
the cover or the spare.
10. Do not try to put a wheel cover on the
compact spare tire. It will not t. Store
the wheel cover securely in the rear of the
vehicle until you have the at tire repaired or
replaced.Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a secondary latch system.
It is 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. SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools on page 444for 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 next.
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9. Tilt the retainer and slip it through the wheel
opening when the spare tire has been
completely lowered.
10. Turn the folding wrench clockwise to raise the
cable back up if the cable is hanging.
Have the hoist assembly inspected as soon as
you can. You will not be able to store a spare tire
using the hoist assembly until it has been
repaired or replaced.Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles without
Stowable Seat and without Rear
Convenience Center)
A. D-Ring
B. Wing Nut
C. J-HookD. Valve Stem
E. Full-Size Tire
1. 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.
444

3. Lay the tire on top of the center storage
compartment with the valve stem down.
Make sure you can see the D-ring through
the center hole of the tire.
4. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the
back of the jack access door. Assemble the
wing nut and the J-hook.
5. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the
D-ring through the center hole of the tire.
6. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to
the oor.
Push and pull on the tire to make sure the tire
is secure and does not move.
7. 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.Storing the Flat Tire
(Vehicles with a Stowable Seat)
A. Rear Convenience
Center
B. Full-Size Tire
C. D-RingD. Stowable Seat
Strap
E. Cargo Net Hook
F. J-Hook
G. Wing Nut
1. 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.
446

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.Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with a
Stowable Seatback Folded Flat)
A. Stowable Seat
B. Full-Size Tire
C. Wing NutD. J-Hook
E. D-Ring
1. Fold the seatback down and ip 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.
447

{CAUTION:
The underbody-mounted spare tire needs
to be stored with the valve stem pointing
down. If the spare tire is stored with
the valve stem pointing upwards, its
secondary latch will not work properly and
the spare tire could loosen and suddenly
fall from your vehicle. If this happened
when your vehicle was being driven, the
tire might contact a person or another
vehicle, causing injury and, of course,
damage to itself as well. Be sure the
underbody-mounted spare tire is stored
with its valve stem pointing down.
1. Lay the compact spare tire on the ground at
the rear of the vehicle. Position the compact
spare tire so that the valve stem is pointed
down facing the rear of the vehicle.
2. Lower the cable to the ground. SeeRemoving
the Spare Tire and Tools on page 429.3. Tilt the retainer downward and slip it through
the center hole of the spare tire.
Make sure the retainer is fully seated across
the underside of the wheel.
4. Attach the folding wrench to the hoist shaft.
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.
449

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be
used on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats. For
soils, always try to remove them rst with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove
as much of the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with
water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently
rub toward the center. Continue cleaning,
using a clean area of the cloth each time it
becomes soiled.4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a
mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric
cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be
used, test a small hidden area for colorfastness
rst. If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may result,
clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a
paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
453

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you
do, it may severely weaken them. In a
crash, they might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During
very cold, damp weather frequent application may
be required. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 485.
Washing Your Vehicle
The paint nish on the vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s nish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm
or cold water.
Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the
sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong
soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the
vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely.
Approved cleaning products can be obtained from
your dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 460. Do not use cleaning agents
that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or
abrasives. All cleaning agents should be ushed
promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or
they could stain. Dry the nish 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 the vehicle.
455

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 have either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the 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.
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or
cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you could damage
the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Use only
GM-approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the
painted surface of your vehicle. Do not 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.
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