2003 BUICK RANDEZVOUS Owner's Manual

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

A
About Driving Your Vehicle.....................................ii
Accessory Inflator...........................................5-57
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-23
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-32
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-85
Adjusting the Captain’s Chairs
(Second Row).............................................1-12
Adjusting the Speakers....................3-67, 3-74, 3-84
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-67
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-73
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-76
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-73
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-74
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-72
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-70
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-15
All Overseas Locations...................................... 7-4
All-Wheel Drive......................................5-41, 5-77
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message..........3-49
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-11
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..................5-82
AM .............................................................3-108
Antenna, Integrated Windshield.......................3-110Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-110
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-8
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-80
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-83
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-78
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Finish Damage............................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
.................................................2-16
Ashtrays
........................................................3-24
Audio Speakers
..............................................3-95
Audio System(s)
.............................................3-64
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
....................3-107
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
Integrated Windshield Antenna
.....................3-110
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-71
Radio with CD
............................................3-65
Radio with Six-Disc CD
................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
...............................3-105
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Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-65
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-106
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-108
XM™Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-110
Auto Door Lock/Unlock....................................3-59
Automatic Door Lock/Unlock.............................2-48
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Level Control...................................4-33
Automatic Operation........................................3-29
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-17
Operation...................................................2-22
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-10
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-11
B
Backing Up....................................................4-39
Battery..........................................................5-36
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-17
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Before You Drive............................................3-94
Bench Seat, Split............................................. 1-7
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-10
Brake
Low Fluid Warning Message.........................3-51
Parking......................................................2-25Brake (cont.)
System Inspection.......................................6-14
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Brake Fluid....................................................5-33
Brake Wear...................................................5-35
Brakes..........................................................5-33
Braking........................................................... 4-7
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Headlamps.................................................5-43
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-46
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-45
Buying New Tires...........................................5-53C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Canceling the Rear Door Security Locks............2-10
Capacities and Specifications............................5-92
Captain Chairs, Rear.......................................1-12
Carbon Monoxide...................4-25, 4-34, 2-11, 2-29
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Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-108
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-109
Your CDs and DVDs ..................................3-109
Cargo Cover..................................................2-42
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)....................................5-42
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-80
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-80
Cell Phone Storage Area.................................2-38
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-38
Chains, Tires..................................................5-56
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Charging System Indicator Message..................3-46
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Tire Pressure System...................................5-49
Checking Coolant............................................5-20
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems
......................1-76
Chemical Paint Spotting
...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
...............................1-51
Infants and Young Children
...........................1-47
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
..........................1-59Child Restraints (cont.)
Older Children.............................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-63
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-65
Top Strap...................................................1-54
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-56
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-54
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-24
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Video Screen............................................3-110
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Your DVD Player.......................................3-109
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-24
Dual ..........................................................3-27
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-32
Compact Disc Errors
...............................3-71, 3-81
Compact Disc Messages
..................................3-93
Compact Spare Tire
........................................5-77
Compass Variance
..........................................3-54
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Content Theft-Deferrent
....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Center, Rear
...............................2-42
Convenience Net
............................................2-42
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage
............................3-40
Engine Temperature Warning Message
...........3-45
Heater, Engine
............................................2-21
Cooling System
..............................................5-24
Cruise Control
................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light
........................................3-43
Cupholder(s)
..................................................2-37
Current and Past Model Order Forms
................7-10
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation
.................................. 7-6
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices
........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government
.............................................. 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program
......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information
......... 7-9D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-3
Defogging and Defrosting.................3-26, 3-28, 3-31
Delayed Lighting.............................................3-16
Delayed Locking...............................2-9, 2-49, 3-60
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-16
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Four-Way Manual Seat.................................. 1-2
Position, Safety Belt
.....................................1-24
Driver Behavior
................................................ 4-2
Driver Information Center (DIC)
.........................3-53
DIC Controls and Displays
............................3-55
DIC Vehicle Personalization
..........................3-57
Driving
At Night
.....................................................4-16
City
...........................................................4-20
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Driving (cont.)
Defensive..................................................... 4-3
Drunken....................................................... 4-4
Environment................................................. 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-40
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-29
Dual Climate Control System............................3-27
DVD
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player..........................3-109
Distortion..................................................3-107
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-93
DVD Messages..............................................3-98
DVD Player....................................................3-96
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-86
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-15
Battery.......................................................5-36
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Compartment Overview................................5-10
Coolant......................................................5-19
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Message..........3-45
Cooling System Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-11
Overheating................................................5-22
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-9
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-14
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-9
Engine Specifications......................................5-93
Entering Programming Mode
....................2-46, 3-57
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen
..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player
..........................3-109
DVD Distortion
..........................................3-107
Entry Lighting
.................................................3-15
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2003 - Rendezvous OM

Erasing HomeLink®Buttons..............................2-36
Exit Lighting...................................................3-16
Exiting Programming Mode.......................2-51, 3-64
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-44
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Fabric/Carpet.................................................5-78
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-15
Finding a PTY Station.....................................3-68
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XM™) .....3-74, 3-85
Finding a Station............................3-66, 3-73, 3-83
Finish Care....................................................5-81
Finish Damage...............................................5-83
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-58
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-59
Floor Console Fuse Block................................5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-17
Power Steering...........................................5-31
Windshield Washer......................................5-32
FM Stereo....................................................3-108
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-14
Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks.............1-7, 1-12
Folding the Seatback.......................................1-16
Following Distance..........................................4-38Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Four-Way Manual Driver Seat............................ 1-2
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-38
Front Console Storage Area.............................2-38
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-17
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-8
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-43
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Message.................................3-50
System Inspection.......................................6-13
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-86
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-34
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
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