2004 BUICK RANDEZVOUS radiator

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the full cold mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there is one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
5-32

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator
ll procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it rst stops. Do not press down while turning the
pressure cap.If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
5-33

3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed
valves.
There are two bleed valves. One is located on the
thermostat housing. The other is located on the
thermostat bypass tube.4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller
neck. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close
the valves after the radiator is lled.
5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment. Housing
Bypass Tube
5-34

6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
5-35

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing part or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(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
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats and liftgate hinges. 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)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
6-7

(h)Change automatic transaxle 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 5-23for 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.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
6-8

Hitches..........................................................4-46
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-35
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-35
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-26
How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid...............5-23
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-31
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-33
How to Check................................................5-65
How to Check Automatic Transaxle Fluid............5-21
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-27
Hydroplaning..................................................4-21
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-48
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-48If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-32
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-43
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-30
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-50
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-40
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Switchbank.................................................3-21
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-16
Integrated Windshield Antenna........................3-132
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
Interior Lamps Control.....................................3-17
Interior Lighting Delay......................................3-65
Interior Lighting On.........................................3-66
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
8

Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-19
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-93
Playing a CD...............................3-83, 3-95, 3-107
Playing a Specic Loaded CD.........................3-108
Playing the Radio...........................3-75, 3-86, 3-99
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-27
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.......................................5-109
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-5
Steering Fluid.............................................5-36
Windows....................................................2-14
Power Steering...............................................4-13
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-46
Primary Radio Controls..................................3-126
Program Mode Message..................................3-58
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-10
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-35
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-26
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-25
Radio Data System (RDS)...............3-74, 3-85, 3-98
Radio Messages...........................3-80, 3-91, 3-104
Radios..........................................................3-73
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-130
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-131
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-131
Navigation/Radio System.............................3-112
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-85
Radio with CD............................................3-74
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-98
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-126
Setting the Time..........................................3-73
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-128
Understanding Reception............................3-130
RDS Messages.............................3-78, 3-90, 3-103
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message....................3-54
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-44
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-126
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) Controls.....................3-127
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-113
12