2003 BUICK RANDEZVOUS air filter

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-8
Checking Things Under
the Hood......................................................5-9
Hood Release................................................5-9
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-10
Engine Oil...................................................5-11
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-15
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-17
Engine Coolant.............................................5-19
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-21
Engine Overheating.......................................5-22
Cooling System............................................5-24
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-31Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-32
Brakes........................................................5-33
Battery........................................................5-36
Jump Starting...............................................5-36
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-41
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-42
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-43
Headlamps..................................................5-43
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-45
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-45
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-47
Tires..............................................................5-48
Inflation -- Tire Pressure................................5-49
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-49
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-51
When It Is Time for New Tires
.......................5-52
Buying New Tires
.........................................5-53
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
..........................5-54
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
..................5-55
Wheel Replacement
......................................5-55
Section 5Service and Appearance Care
5-1
2003 - Rendezvous OM

E. Brake Master Cylinder
F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
G. Battery
H. Radiator Pressure Cap
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
L. Coolant Recovery Tank
Engine Oil
If the low engine oil level message appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information,
seeLow Engine Oil Level Message on page 3-47.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
located at the front of the
engine compartment,
near the center. The
dipstick handle has a
bright, yellow loop design
for easy identification.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10for
more information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-11
2003 - Rendezvous OM

How to Reset the Change Engine Oil
Message
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil andfilter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
being turned on, reset the system.
If your vehicle does not have the optional Driver
Information Center (DIC), do the following:
1. With the ignition key in ON but the engine off, fully
push and release the acelerator pedal slowly three
times withinfive seconds.
2. Turn the key to OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back
on, the engine oil life monitor has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
If your vehicle has the optional DIC, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
2. Press the MODE button until the DIC reads OIL
LIFE LEFT/HOLD SET TO RESET.
3. Press and hold the SET button until 100% is
displayed.
You will hear three chimes and the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message will go off. If the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message comes back on, the monitor
has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles (25 000
km) and replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). If
you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect thefilter
at every oil change.
5-15
2003 - Rendezvous OM

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove thefilter from
the vehicle and lightly shake thefilter to release
loose dust and dirt. If thefilter remains“caked”with dirt,
a newfilter is required.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter, do the
following:
1. Remove the two clamps on the duct.
2. Remove the duct.
3. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the engine air
cleaner/filter housing.4. Remove and replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Align the tabs located on the bottom of the
panel with the slots at the bottom of the housing.
6. Latch the hooks to secure the panel in place. If the
panel moves easily, check that the tabs are seated
correctly in the slots.
7. Put the duct back on and reinstall the clamps.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to
stopflame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there
and the engine backfires, you could be burned.
Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on
the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging enginefire. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you’re driving.
5-16
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions.
Please refer toPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant (R134a) 1.7 lbs. 0.8 kg
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement
Complete Overhaul7.4 quarts
10.0 quarts7.0 L
9.5 L
AWD Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement
Complete Overhaul8.7 quarts
10.8 quarts8.3 L
10.3 L
Cooling System with A/C 9.6 quarts 9.1 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 quarts 4.3 L
Fuel Capacity 18.0 gallons 68.1 L
Rear Differential Fluid Capacity 2.1 quarts 1.9 L
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity 0.6 pints 290 ml
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
5-92
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transaxle Spark Plug Gap
V6 E Automatic 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter1208C*
Engine Oil FilterPF 47*
Spark Plugs41–101*
Windshield Wiper Blades
Driver’s Side Length
Passenger’s Side Length
Type24.0 inches (60.0 cm)
22.0 inches (55.0 cm)
Shepherd’s Hook
*ACDelco
®part number.
5-93
2003 - Rendezvous OM

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-11for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change. After the services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
on the maintenance record pages in Part E of this
schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerfilter. If necessary, replace
thefilter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspectfilter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote†.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleanerfilter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerfilter. If necessary, replace
thefilter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspectfilter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote†.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
6-6
2003 - Rendezvous OM

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
❑Change automatic transaxlefluid andfilter 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 do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
the lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote †.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-15for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
6-7
2003 - Rendezvous OM