2003 BUICK RANDEZVOUS radiator

If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specific radiator
fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
itfirst stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air
bleed valves.
There are two bleed valves. One is located on the
thermostat housing. The other is located on the
thermostat bypass tube.4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture, up to the base of thefiller
neck. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-19for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close
the valves after the radiator isfilled.
5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment. Housing
Bypass Tube
5-29
2003 - Rendezvous OM

6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through thefiller neck until the level reaches
the base of thefiller neck.8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins toflow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxleuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxleuid, change both
theuid andlter.150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-19for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-9.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in theoor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Gasoline (cont.)
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-36
Glass Surfaces...............................................5-80
Glove Box.....................................................2-37
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hatch Ajar Warning Message............................3-48
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-5
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp Exit Delay.......................2-47, 3-15, 3-57
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-86
Headlamps....................................................5-43
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-42
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Headphones...................................................3-94
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-18
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Highbeam Out Warning Message......................3-53
Highway Hypnosis
...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
..................................4-24
Hitches
..........................................................4-37
HomeLink
®Transmitter
....................................2-34
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming
................2-34Hood
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release....................................................... 5-9
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How the System Works...................................3-22
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-26
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-28
How to Add Fluid............................................5-18
How to Check........................................5-17, 5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-32
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-16
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-24
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-23
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-22
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-41
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-42
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-28
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-12
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-47
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-49
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Programmable Modes.............2-47, 2-48, 2-49, 2-50
Programming Mode
Entering.....................................................2-46
Exiting.......................................................2-51
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-34
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-23
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-21
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-71, 3-82
Radio Messages.....................................3-69, 3-76
Radios..........................................................3-64
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-108
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-109
Care of Your CDs and DVDs .......................3-109
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-71
Radio with CD............................................3-65
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-105
Setting the Time..........................................3-65
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-106
Understanding Reception............................3-108
RDS Messages..............................3-69, 3-75, 3-86
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message....................3-48
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-17Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-40
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-105
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-93
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-7
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-34
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-34
Rear Seat Radio Controls...............................3-105
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-41
Rear Window Defogger...................3-26, 3-29, 3-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-31
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Alarm.................................................. 2-6
Remote Control..............................................3-99
Remote Door Unlock.......................................3-61
Remote Driver Unlock Control...........................2-50
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery Low
Warning Message........................................3-52
Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation...............2-50
Removing the Captain’s Chairs.........................1-13
Removing the Extended Rear
Convenience Center
.....................................2-43
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire
.............................................5-67
Removing the Rear Convenience Center on
Vehicles with the Third Row Stowable Seat
.....2-44
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
...................5-60
12
2003 - Rendezvous OM