Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system — for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance you have come to
expect can change in many other ways if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. We
recommend an ACDelco
®replacement battery.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-36for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
On vehicles equipped with the optional power sliding
door, a low-voltage battery or replacing a battery
may cause the system to become inoperative. See
Power Sliding Door (PSD) on page 2-16for more
information.
5-36
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as
the rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certi ed
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certi ed
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
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.
5-50
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is 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 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 is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels. If you do nd
traction devices that will t, install them on
the front tires.
Accessory In ator
Your vehicle has an accessory in ator. With it, you
can in ate things like air mattresses and basketballs,
and you can also use it to bring your tires up to the
proper pressure.
The accessory in ator is located in the rear
compartment on the driver’s side. To access the
accessory in ator, do the following:
1. Open the liftgate. SeeLiftgate on page 2-22for
more information.
2. Lift the lever to move the third row rear seatback
forward. SeeThird Row Seat on page 1-12for
more information.
3. Remove the cover by pulling the lever out.
This symbol is on the
accessory in ator switch.
5-60
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you will
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.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and speci cations for
GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
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).
7-11
Audio System(s) (cont.)
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-114
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-96
Radio with CD............................................3-77
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-110
Setting the Time..........................................3-77
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-112
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-113
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-114
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-33
B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-24
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-37
System Warning Light..................................3-37
Brakes..........................................................5-33
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-30
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-45
Buying New Tires...........................................5-56
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Speci cations............................5-93
Captain Chairs, Rear........................................ 1-7
Carbon Monoxide...................2-22, 2-40, 4-27, 4-39
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-114
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-113
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
Chains, Tire...................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-37
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-84
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-40
Infants and Young Children...........................1-37
2