2006 BUICK RANDEZVOUS oil temperature

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have
an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side
of the engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-22

Message Center.............................................3-51
Passenger Seatbelt Reminder Message...........3-51
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-51
Traction Active Message................................3-52
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-52
Charging System Indicator Message................3-53
Reduced Engine Power Message....................3-53
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-54
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-55
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-55
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-55
Check Gas Cap Message..............................3-56
PASS-Key
®III Security Message....................3-56
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-56
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-57
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-57
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-58
Service Vehicle Soon Message.......................3-58
Program Mode Message................................3-59
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Battery
Low Warning Message...............................3-59
Parking Lamp Warning Message.....................3-60
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-60Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-60
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-62
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-74
Setting the Time...........................................3-75
Radio with CD..............................................3-76
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-87
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-100
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-114
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-129
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-132
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-132
Radio Reception.........................................3-133
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-134
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-135
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-135
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-135
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-135
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time
to see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld of view.
If your vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD), it can
show the speedometer reading in English or metric.
The current audio system information, as well as
Rear Seat Entertainment system information, may also
be displayed and will appear as an image focused
out toward the front of your vehicle.
The HUD is capable of displaying English or French.
SeeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-62to change
the display from English to metric.The HUD will display the following lights and messages
when they appear on the instrument panel cluster:
Turn Signal Indicators. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
High-Beam Indicator. SeeHeadlamp
High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Low-Fuel Warning Message. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-57.
The Head-Up Display also displays a CHECK GAGES
message. The following messages could appear on
the instrument panel cluster when CHECK GAGES
appears:
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Message on
page 3-52.
Low Oil Pressure. SeeLow Oil Pressure Message
on page 3-54.
Charging System Indicator. SeeCharging System
Indicator Message on page 3-53.
Low Brake Fluid Warning. SeeLow Brake Fluid
Warning Message on page 3-58.
3-21

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your
engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and lter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated
can vary considerably. For the oil life system to
work properly, you must reset the system every time
the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will
come on. SeeChange Engine Oil Message on
page 3-55. Change your oil as soon as possible within
the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is
also important to check your oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-16

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-23.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning messages and gages work
as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 25,000 miles (41 500 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-21

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. If you are in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving — AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-13.
5-25

(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 airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag 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.(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. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-21 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)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.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8

Chains, Tire...................................................5-67
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-55
Charging System Indicator Message..................3-53
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-46
Tire Pressure System...................................5-59
Check Gas Cap Message................................3-56
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-97
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-51
Infants and Young Children...........................1-48
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-55
Older Children.............................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Outside Seat Position........................1-65
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Rear Seat Position.........................1-67
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-69
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-54
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-27
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-96
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-92
Finish Care.................................................5-95
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-91
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-93Cleaning (cont.)
Leather......................................................5-93
Tires..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-94
Weatherstrips..............................................5-94
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-95
Climate Control System...................................3-28
Dual..........................................................3-30
Dual Automatic............................................3-33
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-36
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-42
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-90
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-7
Convenience Center, Rear...............................2-43
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-46
Engine Temperature Warning Message...........3-52
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
SGCM, Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................3-51
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-38
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
3