2002 BUICK RANDEZVOUS air conditioning

3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you.
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has
a flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Dual Manual Comfort Control
Fan Knob
The left knob is used to select the force of air you want.
Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed and
counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan must be
turned on for the air conditioning compressor to operate.Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn the knob clockwise
(toward the red area) for warmer air. Turn the knob
counterclockwise (toward the blue area) for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob is used to select and determine the
direction of the air flowing into the vehicle.
(Upper): This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets and the rear console outlets.
(Bi-Level): This setting directs air into your
vehicle in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward your
upper body through the front instrument panel outlets
and the rear console outlets, while warmed air is
directed through the heater ducts at your feet.
(Lower): This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. It is also used 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.

3-3
(Defog): This setting directs air to the windshield
and through the floor ducts. This mode is particularly
useful during cold or inclement weather because of your
vehicle's larger windshield area.
(Defrost): This setting directs most of the air to the
windshield and side window vents.
Mode Buttons
(Recirculation): Press this button (the light will
glow) to recirculate the air inside of your vehicle and to
limit the amount of outside air and/or odors entering
the vehicle.
Press this button again (the light will go off) to send
outside air into your vehicle. Using this setting while
trying to defrost or defog the windows will help clear
the vents of moisture. When the defog, defrost or lower
setting is selected, the system will automatically go to
outside air mode.
Operating the Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system in the recirculation mode may cause
fogging of the vehicle's windows when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog, switch the HVAC
system to either the defog or defrost mode and increase
the fan speed. To avoid refogging of the windows,
operate the HVAC system in the outside air mode.Air Conditioning
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows long
enough to let hot, inside air escape. For all settings,
adjust the temperature knob and fan speed as desired.
To get maximum cooling or a quick cool
-down on
very hot days, press the A/C and recirculation buttons
(the lights will glow) and turn the temperature knob
counterclockwise (toward the blue area). Then, adjust
the mode knob to direct the air to the desired location.
This setting should not be used for long periods of time
because the air may become too cold and dry.
Push the A/C button again (the light will go off) to turn
off the air conditioning.
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle's engine compartment when it is idling or
after it has been turned off. This is normal.

3-5 Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate
Control (If Equipped)
With this system, you set a temperature. You can then
either let the system automatically control airflow
direction and force to maintain the temperature, or you
can manually adjust it. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
The vehicle's interior will warm up or cool down at the
same rate no matter which temperature you choose. For
example, if you set the system at 90
F (32
C) it will not
heat any faster than if you had set it at 70
F (21
C).
It will just continue to heat longer.Automatic Control
For the most efficient operation, you should set the
system temperature and push the driver's temperature
knob for automatic operation. The word AUTO will be
shown in the display. The system will select the best fan
speed and airflow settings to keep you comfortable.
The air conditioning compressor will run if the outside
temperature is above 32
F (0
C). You may notice a
delay of two to three minutes before the fan comes on
when you start your vehicle in cool weather.
Driver's Temperature Control
The driver's temperature knob sets the temperature for
the system when the passenger's temperature setting is
in neutral. If the passenger's temperature setting is not in
neutral, the driver's temperature knob sets the
temperature for the driver only.
Turn the knob clockwise to raise the temperature and
counterclockwise to lower the temperature. The display
will show the temperature briefly, then the outside
temperature will be displayed.
If you push the temperature knob for automatic
operation, the system will control the fan speed and
air temperature.

3-6
Passenger's Temperature Control
The passenger's temperature knob adjusts the
temperature on the passenger's side of the vehicle so
it is warmer or cooler than the temperature set by the
driver. The passenger temperature setting is shown
under the words PASS TEMP in the display.
Turn the knob clockwise to raise the temperature and
counterclockwise to lower the temperature. The display
will not show the passenger's temperature
-- only that
of the driver. Indicators under the words PASS TEMP in
the display will show passenger temperature relative
driver's set temperature.
The large single bar in the center of the + and
- symbols
(neutral) indicates the same temperature as the driver.
The bars between the center bar and the + symbol
indicate a warmer temperature setting than the driver.
The bars between the center bar and the
- symbol
indicate a cooler temperature setting than the driver.
Manual Control
You can also manually control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. You can select airflow
direction, fan speed, outside or recirculated air and air
compressor operation by using the following:Mode Button
This button has several settings to control direction of
airflow when the system is not in AUTO. To access the
various modes available, continue to press MODE until
the desired mode appears in the display.
(Defog): This setting directs half of the air to
the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side
window vents.
(Bi-Level): This setting directs half of the air
through the instrument panel outlets. Most of the
remaining air is directed through the floor ducts and
a little to the defroster and side window vents.
(Upper): This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
(Lower): This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. The rest comes out of the
defroster and side window vents.
(Defrost): This setting brings in outside air and
directs most of the air through the defrost vent. Some of
the air also goes to the floor ducts and the side window
defogger outlets. The air conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 32
F (0
C).

3-7
Mode Buttons
VENT: This button turns the air conditioning
compressor on and off and changes the mode to
upper. The words A/C OFF are shown in the display.
Recirculation is not permitted when the compressor
is off. The system will try to control the temperature
automatically, but without the compressor.
(Recirculation): Press this button
(the recirculation symbol in the display will be lit) to
recirculate the air inside of your vehicle and to limit the
amount of outside air and/or odors entering the vehicle.
Press this button again (the recirculation symbol will
go off) to send outside air into your vehicle. Using this
setting while trying to defrost or defog the windows will
help clear the vents of moisture. When the defog, defrost
or lower setting is selected, the system will
automatically go to outside air mode.
Operating the Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system in the recirculation mode may cause
fogging of the vehicle's windows when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog, switch the HVAC
system to either the defog or defrost mode and increase
the fan speed. To avoid refogging of the windows,
operate the HVAC system in the outside air mode.Air Conditioning
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows long
enough to let hot, inside air escape. For all settings,
adjust the temperature knob and fan speed as desired.
To get maximum cooling or a quick cool
-down on very
hot days, press the recirculation button (the recirculation
symbol in the display will be lit) and turn the
temperature knob to the desired interior temperature.
Then, select the mode to direct the air to the desired
location. This setting should not be used for long
periods of time because the air may become too cold
and dry.
Push the recirculation button again (the recirculation
symbol will go off) to turn off recirculation.
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle's engine compartment when it is idling or
after it has been turned off. This is normal.

3-10 Ventilation System
Your vehicle's flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
is running.
Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust
the direction and amount of airflow inside the vehicle.
Push the outlet up or down to direct the airflow.
Opening and closing the louvers will also direct airflow
from side to side.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow
or any other obstruction (such as leaves). This will
allow the heater and defroster to work much better,
reducing the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, select the
lower mode and set the fan to the highest setting for
a few moments before driving off. This helps clear
the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces
the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats and around
the base of the center console clear of objects.
This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

If the airflow seems very low when the fan is
adjusted to the highest setting, your passenger
compartment air filter may need replacement.
See ªPassenger Compartment Air Filterº in the
Index for more information.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
(If Equipped)
6
-19 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-23 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
6
-25 Engine Coolant
6
-28 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-34 Battery
6
-35 Bulb Replacement6
-40 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-42 Tires
6
-53 Appearance Care
6
-54 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Care of Safety Belts
6
-56 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-57 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-60 Underbody Maintenance
6
-60 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-61 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-62 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-62 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-63 Electrical System
6
-70 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
6
-72 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-67
Underhood Fuse Block
This fuse block is located in the engine compartment, on
top of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.
The fuses marked spare are available if a replacement
fuse is needed.
To remove the cover, press the two tabs in and lift up
the cover.Mini Fuses Usage
1 Fuel Pump
2 Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch
3 Horn
4 Engine Controls
- Emissions
and Sensors
5 Power Control Module
(PCM)
- Battery Power