2004 BUICK RAINIER hood release

The main components of your instrument panel
are the following:
A. Exterior Lamp Controls.
SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-14.
B. Air Outlets. See “Outlet Adjustment”
underDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-7.
D. OnStar and Audio Steering Wheel Controls.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-113.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster.
SeeInstrument Panel Cluster
on page 3-28.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-113.
G. Ignition Switch.
SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-20.
H. Audio System.
SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-56.I. Climate Controls.
SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.
J. Hood Release.
SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
K. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Steering Wheel Controls.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-43.
L. Rear Window Washer/Wiper.
See “Rear Window Washer/Wiper”
underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-7.
M. Lighter.
SeeAshtrays and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-19.
N. Accessory Power Outlet.
SeeAccessory Power Outlets
on page 3-19.
O. Rear Window Defogger.
See “Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-20.
P. Glove Box.
SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
3-5

Q:Are there some things I should not do when
driving down a hill?
A:Yes! These are important because if you ignore
them you could lose control and have a serious
accident.
When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you
across the incline of the hill. A hill that is not too
steep to drive down may be too steep to drive
across. You could roll over if you do not drive
straight down.
Never go downhill with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N). This is called “free wheeling.”
Your brakes will have to do all the work and
could overheat and fade.
Q:Am I likely to stall when going downhill?
A:It is much more likely to happen going uphill.
But if it happens going downhill, here is what to do.
Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes.
Apply the parking brake.
Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking, restart
the engine.
Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
and drive straight down.
If the engine will not start, get out and get help.
Driving Across an Incline
Sooner or later, an off-road trail will probably go
across the incline of a hill. If this happens, you have
to decide whether to try to drive across the incline.
Here are some things to consider:
A hill that can be driven straight up or down may
be too steep to drive across. When you go
straight up or down a hill, the length of the wheel
base (the distance from the front wheels to the rear
wheels) reduces the likelihood the vehicle will
tumble end over end. But when you drive across
an incline, the much more narrow track width
(the distance between the left and right wheels)
may not prevent the vehicle from tilting and rolling
over. Also, driving across an incline puts more
weight on the downhill wheels. This could cause a
downhill slide or a rollover.
Surface conditions can be a problem when you
drive across a hill. Loose gravel, muddy spots,
or even wet grass can cause your tires to slip
sideways, downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways,
it can hit something that will trip it (a rock, a rut, etc.)
and roll over.
4-25

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............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-27
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-32
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-38
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-51
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-54
Headlamps..................................................5-54
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps...................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-67
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-70
Buying New Tires.........................................5-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-73
Wheel Replacement......................................5-74
Tire Chains..................................................5-75
Accessory Inator.........................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-78
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-79
Spare Tire...................................................5-92
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
1. To open the hood,
rst pull the handle
located inside the
vehicle on the lower
driver’s side of
the instrument panel.
5-12

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood release.3. Lift the hood; release the hood prop from its
retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in
the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all ller caps are on
properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from its slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then pull the
hood down rmly to close. It will latch when dropped from
6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) without pressing on the hood.
5-13

Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs
on page 5-55.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
Headlamps
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the grille by grasping and pulling
it forward.
3. Lift the inner quick release clips.
4. Pull the headlamp assembly away from
the vehicle.
5. Remove the cover from the headlamp bulb.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness.
7. Remove the headlamp bulb by turning
the socket counterclockwise.
8. To install the replacement bulb,
reverse Steps 1 through 6.
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove the two
screws from the
lamp assembly.
3. Pull the assembly away from the vehicle.
5-54

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. 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.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot
points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism,
liftgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge,
cargo door hinge, locks and folding seat hardware.More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.
(g)Add uid as needed. A uid loss could indicate
a problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at
transfer case for kinks and proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter 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.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-27for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-8

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Front and
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378508, in Canada
10953626).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door Hinges,
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Liftgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats
and Fuel
Door HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Outer Tailgate
Handle
Pivot Points
and HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Teon,
Superlube (GM Part No.
U.S.12371287, in Canada
10953437).
6-13