2004 BUICK RANDEZVOUS power steering

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the key to four
different positions.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle.Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering
wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. Turn
the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it
could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of
these works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers while the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off
the engine, but still turn the steering wheel. Use
ACCESSORY if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is off, for example, if your vehicle
is being pushed or towed.
C (ON):This is the position that the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the key.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But
even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON to operate your electrical power accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
If the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and ON are
positions that allow you to operate your electrical
accessories, such as the radio.
2-20

The main components of the instrument panel are the
following:
A. Exterior/Interior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14andInterior Lamps on page 3-16.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-40.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-23.
F. Instrument Panel Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-38.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-73.
H. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-129.
I. Head-Up Display Switch and Driver Information
Center (DIC) Controls. SeeHead-Up Display (HUD)
on page 3-21andDIC Controls and Displays on
page 3-62.J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
L. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-28,Dual Climate Control System on
page 3-32orDual Automatic Climate Control System
on page 3-35.
M. Instrument Panel Switchbank. SeeInstrument Panel
Switchbank on page 3-21.
N. Front Armrest Storage. SeeFront Armrest Storage
Area on page 2-40.
O. Ashtray/Cigarette Lighter/Accessory Power
Outlet/Cell Phone Storage/Purse
Storage/Cupholders. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-28,Accessory Power Outlets on
page 3-27,Cell Phone Storage Area on page 2-39,
Floor Console Storage Area on page 2-40and
Cupholder(s) on page 2-39.
P. Floor Console Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-109.
Q. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-39.
3-5

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Unless you have
four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can
demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-11.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-13

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 Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-25
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-37
Brakes........................................................5-38Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps.....................................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-52
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-53
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-65
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-69
Buying New Tires.........................................5-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-72
Wheel Replacement......................................5-72
Tire Chains..................................................5-74
Accessory Inator.........................................5-74
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-109.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-43.
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
D. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-21.
E. Brake Master Cylinder. SeeBrakes on page 5-38.
F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-37.G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
H. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-25.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
L. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
5-13

9. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
COLD mark.
10. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located to the right
of the windshield washer uid reservoir, at the back
of the engine compartment.
5-36

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the engine off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean,
and then unscrew the cap.
3. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag, then remove the
cap again and look at the uid level on the dipstick.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level should
be at the H (hot) mark. When it is cold, the level
should be at the C (cold) mark. If the uid is at the ADD
mark, you should add uid.
What Power Steering Fluid to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What Washer Fluid to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
5-37

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) before a
tire has built up heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-64.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-36.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-36.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-36.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-62