2006 BUICK RAINIER power steering

Roof-mounted side impact airbags would not help you
in many types of collisions, including many frontal
or near frontal collisions, and rear impacts, primarily
because an occupant’s motion is not toward those
airbags. Airbags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then
only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe
side collisions or rollovers for the roof-mounted side
impact airbags.
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates?
After a frontal airbag inates, it quickly deates, so
quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag
inated. Roof-mounted side impact airbags deate more
slowly and may still be at least partially inated minutes
after the vehicle comes to rest. Some components of the
airbag module may be hot for a short time. These
components include the steering wheel hub for the
driver’s frontal airbag and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag. For vehicles with
side impact airbags, the ceiling of your vehicle near the
side windows may be hot. The parts of the bag that come
into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to
touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from
the vents in the deated airbags.Airbag ination does not prevent the driver from seeing
out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle,
nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
to do so. If you have breathing problems but
cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag
inates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag deployment,
you should seek medical attention.
Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically
unlock the doors and turn the interior lamps on when
the airbags inate (if battery power is available).
You can lock the doors again and turn the interior lamps
off by using the door lock and interior lamp controls.
1-55

Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-38
Security Light...............................................3-39
Cruise Control Light......................................3-39
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-40
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-40
Service All-Wheel Drive Light.........................3-41
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-41
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-44
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-47
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-52Audio System(s).............................................3-58
Setting the Time...........................................3-59
Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-60
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-70
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-85
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-99
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-113
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-113
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-124
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-126
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-126
Radio Reception.........................................3-127
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-128
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-129
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-129
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-130
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-130
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-130
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Exterior Lamp Control. SeeHeadlamps on
page 3-13. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome
Lamp Override on page 3-16. Instrument Panel
Brightness Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 3-16. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped).
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-15.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-23.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. OnStar and Audio Steering Wheel Controls. See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-126.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-126.
G. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-18.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-58.I. Climate Controls. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-19.
J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Driver Information Center (DIC) Steering Wheel
Controls. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-43.
L. Rear Window Washer/Wiper. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
M. Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-18.
N. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
O. Rear Window Defogger. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-19.
P. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-46.
3-5

Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls (if equipped).
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-18for more
information.
Setting the Time
The radio may have a button marked with an H or HR to
represent hours and an M or MN to represent minutes.
Press and hold the hour button until the correct hour
appears on the display. AM or PM will appear on
the display for morning or evening hours. Press and
hold the minute button until the correct minute appears
on the display. The time can be set with the ignition
on or off.
To synchronize the time with an FM station broadcasting
Radio Data System (RDS) information, press and
hold the hour and minute buttons at the same time
until UPDATED and the clock symbol appear on
the display. If the time is not available from the station,
NO UPDAT will appear on the display.
RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning to
an RDS broadcast station, it may take a few minutes
for the time to update.
3-59

If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message (or StabiliTrak®
service light) does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, you should see your dealer for service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
Your vehicle may have this feature. There is no lever
or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fully
automatic and adjusts as needed for road conditions.
Your vehicle has an active transfer case allowing
two-wheel-drive operation on dry roads. The transfer
case will shift automatically into all-wheel drive on
slippery surfaces. You may feel an extra shift when
the all-wheel drive engages.
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
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 accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of
those places. You can lose control.
4-13

Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.
Use a low gear and get a rm grip on the
steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Do not use more power than you
need, because you do not want your wheels to
start spinning or sliding.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want to
nd another route.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up
hills, always try to go straight up.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the
top of the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach the top of the
hill to let opposing traffic know you are there.
Use your headlamps, even during the day.
They make you more visible to oncoming traffic.
{CAUTION:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed
can cause an accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another
vehicle. You could be seriously injured or
killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
4-23

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-45
Rear Axle.......................................................5-45
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-48
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps...................5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-49
Windshield Replacement.................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-58
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-28.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-34.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Marked GND).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-40.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-36.
K. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-39.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-96.
5-13