Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See“Engine
Exhaust”in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
•Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
•Keep the rear-most windows closed.
•If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See“Climate Controls”in the
Index.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-56
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-36
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-45
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-39
Service Traction System Warning Message.....3-44
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-37
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-41
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-17
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-41
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual.............................................. 7-9
Transportation Options...................................... 7-7
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-39U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-21
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-12
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-89
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-108
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-54
United States................................................... 7-4
Unlock Feedback............................................3-61
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-56
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-78
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-36
Using RDS
....................................................3-67
Using Song List Mode
.....................................3-92
V
Vehicle
Control
........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings
........................................... iv
Design
......................................................... 4-3
Loading
......................................................4-32
Service Soon Message
.................................3-51
Symbols
......................................................... iv
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-85
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-85
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-46
Automatic Door Lock/Unlock..........................2-48
Delayed Locking..........................................2-49
DIC ...........................................................3-57
Entering Programming Mode.........................2-46
Exiting Programming Mode...........................2-51
Headlamp Exit Delay...................................2-47
Memory Seat..............................................2-52
Remote Driver Unlock Control.......................2-50
Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation...........2-50
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-36
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-32
Video Screen.................................................3-96
Vinyl.............................................................5-79
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-14
Visors...........................................................2-14
W
Warm-Up Shift................................................2-24
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-33
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-5
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWasher Fluid Low Warning Message.................3-50
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-81
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-10
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-13
What to Do with Used Oil ................................5-15
What to Use ..........................................5-20, 5-32
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-55
Replacement...............................................5-55
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-12
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life
System).....................................................5-14
When to Check..............................................5-49
When to Check and Change............................5-17
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-31
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-15
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-41
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-54
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-20
Window Lock Out...........................................2-14
Windows.......................................................2-13
Power ........................................................2-14
Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades...........5-82
Windshield Washer
........................................... 3-9
Fluid
..........................................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
................. 6-9
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
