2003 BUICK RANDEZVOUS wheel

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the key to four
different positions.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle.Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the key
hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a
tool to force it could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle
needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers while the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off
the engine, but still turn the steering wheel. Use
ACCESSORY if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is off, for example, if your vehicle
is being pushed or towed.
C (ON):This is the position that the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the key.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But
even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON to operate your electrical power accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
If the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and ON are
positions that allow you to operate your electrical
accessories, such as the radio.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you’re in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This gear position locks your front wheels.
It’s the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to fullyapply
your regular brakesbeforeyou can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in RUN. As you step on the
brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you may hear a
click from the solenoid of the system. This ensures that
the system is operating properly.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever–push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. SeeShifting Out
of Park (P) on page 2-28for more information.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brakefirmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even
when you’re on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). See“Shifting Into Park (P)”in the
Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see“Towing a
Trailer”in the Index.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
“racing”(running at high speed) is dangerous.
Unless your foot isfirmly on the brake pedal,
your vehicle could move very rapidly. You
could lose control and hit people or objects.
Don’t shift into a drive gear while your engine
is racing.Notice:Damage to your transaxle caused by
shifting into a drive gear with the engine racing isn’t
covered by your warranty.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and
you’re:
•Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
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 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(D) for higher speeds.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

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:Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25
miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h),
or you can damage your transaxle. Use THIRD (3) or
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as much as possible.Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going
slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage
your engine.
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 won’t
downshift intofirst gear until the vehicle is going slow
enough.
Notice:If your front wheels won’t turn, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transaxle. Also,
if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your
vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This
could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your
brakes to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-18
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-18
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-21
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-23
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-24
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Climate Control System.................................3-24
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-27
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-37
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light
..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
.............3-39Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Message Center.............................................3-44
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-44
Traction Active Message................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-45
Charging System Indicator Message................3-46
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-46
Low Engine Oil Level Message.......................3-47
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-47
Low Tire Message........................................3-48
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-48
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-48
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-49
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-49
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-50
Low Fuel Warning Message
...........................3-50
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message
.................3-51
Service Vehicle Soon Message
.......................3-51
Program Mode Message
................................3-52
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning Message
...............................3-52
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Park Lamp Warning Message.........................3-53
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-53
Driver Information
Center (DIC)................................................3-53
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-55
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-57
Audio System(s).............................................3-64
Setting the Time...........................................3-65
Radio with CD
..............................................3-65
Radio with Cassette and CD
..........................3-71
Radio with Six-Disc CD
.................................3-82
Rear Seat Entertainment System
....................3-93Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-105
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-106
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-107
DVD Distortion............................................3-107
Understanding Radio Reception....................3-108
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-108
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-109
Care of Your CD and DVD Player.................3-109
Cleaning Your DVD Player...........................3-109
Cleaning the Video Screen...........................3-110
Integrated Windshield Antenna......................3-110
XM™Satellite Radio Antenna System
(United States Only)
.................................3-110
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

The main components of the instrument panel are the
following:
A. Exterior/Interior Lamps Control
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Shift Lever
F. Instrument Panel Outlets
G. Audio System
H. Audio Steering Wheel Controls
I. Head-Up Display Switch and Driver Information
Center (DIC) Controls
J. Hood Release
K. Ignition Switch
L. Climate Controls
M. Instrument Panel Switchbank
N. Front Armrest Storage
O. Ashtray/Cigarette Lighter/Accessory Power
Outlet/Cell Phone Storage/Purse Storage/Cupholders
P. Floor Console Fuse Block
Q. Glove BoxHazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

The hazard warning
flasher button is located on
top of the steering
column.
Your hazard warningflashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lampsflash on and off. Press the button again to
turn theflashers off.
When the hazard warningflashers are on, the turn
signals won’t work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your
vehicle.
Horn
You can sound the horn by pressing the center of your
steering wheel.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise it to the highest level to
give your legs more room when you exit and enter
the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the
steering wheel and pull the
lever.
Then move the steering wheel to a comfortable position
and release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM