Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, push and hold the paddle with
the windshield washer symbol. The washers and
wipers will operate. When you release the paddle, the
washers will stop, and the wipers will continue to operate
for two cycles, unless your wipers were already on. In
that case, the wipers will resume the wiper speed
you selected earlier.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
Rear Window Washer/Wiper
The rear window
washer/wiper switch is
located in the instrument
panel switchbank.
Push the wiper symbol on the top of the switch to turn
on the intermittent wiper. To turn off the wiper, gently
push the bottom of the switch.
To wash and wipe the rear window, push in the washer
symbol on the bottom of the switch. Washerfluid will
spray as long as the switch is held in. When the switch
is released, the wiper will continue to cycle three
more times. There is only one washerfluid reservoir for
the front and rear windshield wipers. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-32.
To wash the rear window while the rear wiper is already
on, push the bottom of the switch. Push in the top of
the switch to continue the intermittent wiper cycle after
the washing cycle is completed.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Instrument Panel Switchbank
There is an instrument panel switchbank located below
the comfort controls. It contains switches or blanks
that will vary with the options that are on your vehicle.
The switches you may have are:
•Rear Window Wiper/Washer
•Liftgate Release
•Traction Disable
•Park Aid Disable
•Heated Seats (driver’s and passenger’s)
For more information, see each of these features in the
Index.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your field of view, it may take you more time to
see things you need to see when it’s dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your field of view.If your vehicle has the HUD, it can display the
speedometer reading in English or metric. The current
radio station, CD number and/or track number or
tape may also be displayed and will appear as an image
focused out toward the front of your vehicle.
The HUD is capable of displaying English or French.
SeeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-55to change
the display from English to metric.
The Head-Up Display also displays the following lights
and messages when they appear on the instrument
panel cluster:
•Turn Signal Indicators
•High-Beam Indicator
•Low-Fuel Warning Message
See each of these features in the Index for more
information.
The Head-Up Display also displays a CHECK GAGES
icon. The following messages could appear on the
instrument panel cluster when CHECK GAGES appears:
•Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
•Low Oil Pressure
•Charging System Indicator
•Low Brake Fluid Warning
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to
the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as
you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect
to blend with the ow. Try to merge into the gap at close
to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal,
check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as
often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the
traffic ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in
your“blind”spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to
move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh—such as after a day’s
work—don’t plan to make too many miles that rst
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll nd experienced and able service experts
in dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservior full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
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
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-80.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in ated to
the correct tire in ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the folding
wrench to tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-59.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-15.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle uid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-17.A uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if
needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
speci ed in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assemblies,
secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor and release
pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding seats and
liftgate hinges. Part D tells you what to use. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment.
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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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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