2003 BUICK RANDEZVOUS suspension

shortly after you start your vehicle, and periodically as
the system self-adjusts. This is normal. See“Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)”underIgnition Positions
on page 2-19.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period of time
(longer than one minute) or occurs many times
within one trip, your vehicle needs service.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well -- or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance
is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”in the Index.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should
read the information in“Weight of the Trailer”that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against the drag of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and
under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
4-34
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P215/70R16 size tires, don’t
use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you dofind traction devices that willfit,
install them on the front tires for
front-wheel-drive vehicles. If your vehicle has
all-wheel drive, install traction devices on
either the front tires or all four tires, but never
on the rear tires only.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size smaller than
P215/705R16 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
″S″type chains that are the proper size for your tires.
Install them on the front tires, or for all-wheel-drive
vehicles, the front or all four (but never rear only)
5-56
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-5
Part B: Owner Checks and Services.................6-9
At Each Fuel Fill............................................6-9
At Least Once a Month...................................6-9
At Least Twice a Year....................................6-9At Least Once a Year...................................6-10
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-13
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-13
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-13
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-13
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-14
All-Wheel Drive Inspection..............................6-14
Brake System Inspection................................6-14
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants......6-15
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-16
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1
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.
6-13
2003 - Rendezvous OM

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).
7-9
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Inspection
Brake System
.............................................6-14
Engine Cooling System
................................6-13
Exhaust System
..........................................6-13
Fuel System
...............................................6-13
Part C - Periodic Maintenance
.......................6-13
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
.........................................6-13
Throttle System
...........................................6-14
All-Wheel Drive
...........................................6-14
Instrument Panel
Cluster
.......................................................3-34
Overview
..................................................... 3-4
Switchbank
.................................................3-18
Instrument Panel Brightness
.............................3-14
Integrated Windshield Antenna
........................3-110
Interior Lamps
................................................3-14
Interior Lamps Control
.....................................3-14
Interior Lighting Delay
......................................3-58
Interior Lighting On
.........................................3-59
Interior Plastic Components
..............................5-80
J
Jump Starting
.................................................5-36
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-10
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lamps on Reminder........................................3-13
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................1-24, 1-35, 1-38
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-59
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-61
Leather.........................................................5-79
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......2-27
Liftgate..........................................................2-11
Liftgate Release..............................................2-12
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-37
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-39
Brake System Warning.................................3-38
Cruise Control.............................................3-43
8
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Light (cont.)
Malfunction Indicator
....................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder
...................................3-37
TCS Warning Light
......................................3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
..........3-39
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors
..............................2-15
Loading Your Vehicle
.......................................4-32
Lock Feedback
...............................................3-62
Locking, Delayed
............................................2-49
Lockout Protection
..........................................2-11
Locks
Delayed Locking
........................................... 2-9
Door
........................................................... 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle
....................................2-11
Lockout Protection
.......................................2-11
Power Door
.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks
.............................2-10
Loss of Control
...............................................4-15
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message
....................3-51
Low Engine Oil Level Message
.........................3-47
Low Fuel Warning Message
.............................3-50
Low Oil Pressure Message
...............................3-46
Low Tire Message
..........................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message
.................3-50
Lumbar
Manual Controls
............................................ 1-4M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-93
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year
..................................6-10
At Least Twice a Year
................................... 6-9
Brake System Inspection
..............................6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection
.................6-13
Exhaust System Inspection
...........................6-13
Fuel System Inspection
................................6-13
How This Section is Organized
....................... 6-3
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services
......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services
............... 6-9
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections
......6-13
PartD-Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
...............................................6-15
PartE-Maintenance Record
........................6-16
Scheduled Maintenance
................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
..........................6-13
Throttle System Inspection
............................6-14
All-Wheel Drive Inspection
............................6-14
Using Your
................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................... 6-2
9
2003 - Rendezvous OM

Seat
Head Restraints............................................ 1-6
Seat Recall....................................................3-62
Seats
Captain Chairs............................................1-12
Four-Way Manual Driver Seat......................... 1-2
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Manual Passenger......................................... 1-2
Memory .....................................................2-52
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-5
Six-Way Power Seats.................................... 1-3
Split Bench Seats......................................... 1-7
Stowable Seat............................................1-16
Secondary Latch System.................................5-65
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-63
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-61
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-61
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-65
Security Message, PASS-Key
®III ......................3-49
Service
........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle
..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work
................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light
.......................................3-40
Publications Ordering Information
..................... 7-9
Traction System Warning Message
.................3-44
Vehicle Soon Message
.................................3-51Service Bulletins............................................... 7-9
Service Engine Soon Light in the United States
or Check Engine Light in Canada..................3-40
Service Manuals............................................... 7-9
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only).......................3-86
Setting Preset Stations....................3-66, 3-73, 3-84
Setting the Time.............................................3-65
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..........3-67, 3-73, 3-84
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-82
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-28
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-26
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Spare Tire Check............................................6-10
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-79
Specifications, Capacities.................................5-92
Speedometer..................................................3-35
Split Bench Seats............................................. 1-7
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-11
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-20
Steering........................................................4-11
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-13
Steering Tips
..................................................4-12
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio
.......................3-107
Stereo RCA Jacks
..........................................3-95
Storage Areas
Cell Phone Storage Area
..............................2-38
14
2003 - Rendezvous OM