2004 Buick Rainier Owners Manual

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Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of vehicle occupants. To read this information, special equipment is needed and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required. GM will not access information about a crash event or share it with others other than (cid:127) with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee, in response to an official request of police or similar government office, as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or as required by law. 7-10 (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may use the data for GM research needs, (cid:127) make it available for research where appropriate conﬁdentiality is to be maintained and need is shown, or share summary data which is not tied to a speciﬁc vehicle with non-GM organizations for research purposes. Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to the special equipment that can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or SDM. If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, please check the OnStar® subscription service agreement or manual for information on its operations and data collection. Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it ﬁnds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the hotline. 7-11 (cid:127) (cid:127) Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: Transport Canada 330 Sparks Street Tower C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll 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 7-12 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments, and speciﬁcations for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00 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). Owner’s Information Owner publications are written speciﬁcally for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 Current and Past Model Order Forms Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle. ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com Or you can write to: Helm, Incorporated P. O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. 7-13 ✍ NOTES 7-14 A Accessory Inﬂator ........................................... 5-76 Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-19 Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment ......... 4-53 Adding Washer Fluid ....................................... 5-40 Additional Program Information ........................... 7-9 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-102 Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal .................. 2-22 Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) ............................ 3-60, 3-72, 3-87 After Off-Road Driving ..................................... 4-29 Air Bag Readiness Light .......................................... 3-30 Air Bag Systems ............................................. 1-45 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .................... 1-52 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 1-55 What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .................... 1-52 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates? ...... 1-53 When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ................... 1-51 Where Are the Air Bags? .............................. 1-49 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-23 Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) .... 7-10 All-Wheel Drive ............................................... 5-51 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System ......................... 2-26 All-Wheel-Drive Service Light ............................ 3-41 AM ............................................................. 3-114 Antenna, Fixed Mast ...................................... 3-116 Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ........................................ 3-116 Anti-lock Brake System ..................................... 4-7 Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light .............. 3-34 Appearance Care ............................................ 5-92 Care of Safety Belts .................................... 5-96 Chemical Paint Spotting ............................... 5-99 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ................ 5-93 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle .............. 5-96 Finish Damage ............................................ 5-99 Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-99 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-99 Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ............... 5-100 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-96 Approaching a Hill .......................................... 4-21 Ashtrays ........................................................ 3-19 Audio Output ................................................ 3-108 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-56 Audio Steering Wheel Controls .................... 3-113 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-114 Care of Your CD and DVD Player ................ 3-116 BATTERY NOT CHARGING ............................. 3-53 Battery Replacement ......................................... 2-7 Battery Run-Down Protection ............................ 3-18 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... 4-36 Before You Drive ............................................ 3-99 Before You Go Off-Roading .............................. 4-16 Brake Parking ...................................................... 2-26 System Warning Light .................................. 3-32 Brake Adjustment ............................................ 5-43 Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-41 Brake Pedal, Throttle ....................................... 2-22 Brake Pedal Travel ......................................... 5-43 Brake Wear ................................................... 5-43 Brakes .......................................................... 5-41 Braking ........................................................... 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-9 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-19 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-54 Headlamps ................................................. 5-54 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-55 Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps .................. 5-54 Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-71 Audio System(s) (cont.) Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-115 Chime Level Adjustment ............................. 3-116 Fixed Mast Antenna ................................... 3-116 Navigation/Radio System .............................. 3-99 Radio Personalization ................................. 3-112 Audio Systems Audio System(s) Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-68 Radio with CD ............................................ 3-57 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-84 Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ............................... 3-111 Setting the Time .......................................... 3-56 Theft-Deterrent Feature ............................... 3-112 Understanding Radio Reception ................... 3-114 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ........... 3-116 Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-15 Automatic Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-24 Operation ................................................... 2-24 Backglass Wiper Blade Replacement ................. 5-58 Backing Up .................................................... 4-60 Battery .......................................................... 5-44 C California Fuel .................................................. 5-6 Canada – Customer Assistance .......................... 7-5 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-8 Capacities and Speciﬁcations .......................... 5-113 Carbon Monoxide ................... 4-40, 4-53, 2-14, 2-29 Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 5-96 Your Cassette Tape Player .......................... 3-114 Your CD and DVD Player ........................... 3-116 Your CDs and DVDs .................................. 3-115 Cargo Cover .................................................. 2-44 Cargo Tie Downs ............................................ 2-44 Cassette Tape Messages ................................. 3-80 CD Adapter Kits ............................................. 3-80 CD Messages ................................ 3-68, 3-83, 3-98 Chains, Tires .................................................. 5-75 Charging System Light .................................... 3-31 Check Engine Light ............................................... 3-35 Gages Warning Light ................................... 3-41 Check Engine Light ......................................... 3-35 CHECK WASHER FLUID ................................. 3-54 Checking Brake Fluid ...................................... 5-42 Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-28 Checking Engine Oil ........................................ 5-18 Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-12 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-55 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-99 Child Restraints Child Restraint Systems ............................... 1-32 Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-28 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) .......................... 1-38 Older Children ............................................. 1-26 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ................................... 1-40 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ..................... 1-40 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position ........................... 1-42 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ..................... 1-43 Top Strap ................................................... 1-36 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ 1-37 Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-35 Chime Level Adjustment ................................. 3-116 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-19 Cleaning Inside of Your Vehicle .................................. 5-93 Outside of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-96 Coolant Engine Temperature Gage ............................ 3-34 Heater, Engine ............................................ 2-23 Cooling System .............................................. 5-32 Cruise Control ................................................ 3-10 Cruise Control Light ........................................ 3-40 CURB VIEW ACTIVATED ................................. 3-55 Current and Past Model Order Forms ................ 7-13 Customer Assistance Information Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-8 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-4 Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-4 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities ................................................ 7-6 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors .... 7-12 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government .............................. 7-12 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ......................... 7-11 Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6 Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-12 Cleaning (cont.) Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-99 Video Screen ............................................ 3-116 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-96 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels .............................. 5-98 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................... 5-97 Cleaning Fabric/Carpet .................................... 5-93 Cleaning Glass Surfaces .................................. 5-95 Cleaning Interior Plastic Components ................. 5-95 Cleaning Leather ............................................ 5-95 Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel ........... 5-95 Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades ........................................ 5-98 Cleaning Tires ................................................ 5-98 Cleaning Vinyl ................................................ 5-95 Climate Control System Climate Controls Personalization .................... 3-26 Dual Automatic ............................................ 3-20 Rear .......................................................... 3-25 Compass Calibration ....................................... 2-32 Compass Operation ......................................... 2-31 Compass Variance .......................................... 2-32 Content Theft-Deferrent .................................... 2-17 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-6 Convenience Net ............................................ 2-43 D Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ......................... 3-16 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Defogging and Defrosting ................................. 3-23 Delayed Locking ............................................. 2-10 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-3 Dome Lamp Override ...................................... 3-17 Dome Lamps ................................................. 3-18 Door Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10 Locks .......................................................... 2-8 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13 Position, Safety Belt ..................................... 1-13 DRIVER DOOR AJAR ..................................... 3-54 Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-43 DIC Operation and Displays .......................... 3-43 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-52 Driver Driving At Night ..................................................... 4-29 City ........................................................... 4-34 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Driving (cont.) Drunken ....................................................... 4-3 Freeway ..................................................... 4-35 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-38 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-31 Winter ........................................................ 4-40 Driving Across an Incline .................................. 4-25 Driving Downhill .............................................. 4-24 Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice .................... 4-27 Driving in Water .............................................. 4-28 Driving On Grades .......................................... 4-61 Driving on Off-Road Hills ................................. 4-20 Driving on Snow or Ice .................................... 4-41 Driving Through Deep Standing Water ............... 4-33 Driving Through Flowing Water ......................... 4-33 Driving Uphill .................................................. 4-22 Driving with a Trailer ....................................... 4-59 Dual Automatic Climate Control System ............. 3-20 DVD Cleaning the Video Screen .......................... 3-116 Distortion .................................................. 3-114 Rear Seat Entertainment System ................... 3-99 DVD Player .................................................. 3-100 E Electrical System Add-On Equipment ..................................... 5-102 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-103 Headlamps ............................................... 5-102 Power Windows and Other Power Options .... 5-102 Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................. 5-102 Electronically Controlled Air Suspension System .... 4-52 Emergency Release for Opening Liftgate ............ 2-14 Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs ................................................... 3-38 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-23 Battery ....................................................... 5-44 Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-39 Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-35 Coolant ...................................................... 5-27 Coolant Heater ............................................ 2-23 Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... 3-34 Drive Belt Routing ....................................... 6-15 Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-14 Exhaust ..................................................... 2-29 Fan Noise .................................................. 5-38 Oil ............................................................. 5-18 Overheating ................................................ 5-29 Engine (cont.) Reduced Power Light ................................... 3-40 Starting ...................................................... 2-21 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ..................... 5-103 ENGINE COOLANT HOT/ENGINE OVERHEATED ............................................ 3-53 Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-21 Entertainment System Cleaning the Video Screen .......................... 3-116 DVD Distortion .......................................... 3-114 Entry Lighting ................................................. 3-18 Environmental Concerns .................................. 4-18 Erasing HomeLink® Buttons .............................. 2-39 Event Data Records (EDR) .............................. 7-10 Exit Lighting ................................................... 3-18 Express Down Window .................................... 2-16 Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-25 Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-14 Filter Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-23 Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station (RDS and XM™) .............. 3-61, 3-72, 3-88 Finding a Station ............................ 3-59, 3-70, 3-86 Finish Care .................................................... 5-97 Finish Damage ............................................... 5-99 Fixed Mast Antenna ....................................... 3-116 Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-9 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-78 Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-79 Fluid Automatic Transmission ................................ 5-24 Power Steering ........................................... 5-39 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-40 FM Stereo .................................................... 3-114 Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-16 Following Distance .......................................... 4-60 Front Axle ...................................................... 5-53 Front Storage Area ......................................... 2-41 ............................................................... 5-4 Fuel Additives ...................................................... 5-6 California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 5-11 Filling Your Tank ........................................... 5-8 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-7 Gage ......................................................... 3-42 Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .................................. 5-5 Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-42 Fuel Information .............................................. 3-45 FUEL LEVEL LOW ......................................... 3-54 Fuses Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-103 Windshield Wiper ....................................... 5-102 Gage Check Gages Warning Light .......................... 3-41 Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-34 Fuel .......................................................... 3-42 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-38 Speedometer .............................................. 3-29 Tachometer ................................................. 3-29 Voltmeter Gage ........................................... 3-32 Garage Door Opener ....................................... 2-36 Gasoline Octane ........................................................ 5-5 Speciﬁcations ............................................... 5-5 Gate Ajar Light ............................................... 3-41 Gate Operator and Canadian Programming ........ 2-39 Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving ................ 4-18 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-40 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities ............................................. 7-6 H Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-6 Head Restraints ............................................... 1-5 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer .................... 3-9 Headlamps .................................................... 5-54 Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-54 Electrical System ....................................... 5-102 Headphones ................................................. 3-106 Heated Seats ................................................... 1-3 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-37 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-38 Hitches .......................................................... 4-57 HomeLink® Transmitter .................................... 2-36 HomeLink® Transmitter, Programming ................ 2-37 Hood Checking Things Under ................................ 5-12 Release ..................................................... 5-12 Horn ............................................................... 3-7 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank ............................................ 5-34 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator .................. 5-36 How to Add Fluid ............................................ 5-26 How to Check ........................................ 5-25, 5-68 How to Check Lubricant ................................... 5-52 How to Check Power Steering Fluid .................. 5-39 How to Inspect ............................................... 5-24 How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-13 Hydroplaning .................................................. 4-32 ICE POSSIBLE .............................................. 3-54 If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-31 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-30 If the Light is Flashing ..................................... 3-36 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-37 If You Are Caught in a Blizzard ......................... 4-42 If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ....... 4-44 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-54 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-20 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-28 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................... 5-67 Instrument Panel Cluster ....................................................... 3-28 Overview ..................................................... 3-4 Instrument Panel Brightness ............................. 3-17 Interior Lamps ................................................ 3-17 J Jump Starting ................................................. 5-45 Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-5 Keys ............................................................... 2-3 Lamps Exterior ...................................................... 3-14 Interior ....................................................... 3-17 Lamps On Reminder ....................................... 3-15 Lap-Shoulder Belt ................................... 1-13, 1-21 LATCH System Child Restraints ........................................... 1-38 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System .............................. 1-40 Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-13 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running ...... 2-28 LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR ................................ 3-55 Liftgate Release .............................................. 2-14 Liftgate/Liftglass .............................................. 2-14 Liftglass/Liftgate .............................................. 2-14 Light Air Bag Readiness ....................................... 3-30 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-34 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-32 Change Engine Oil ...................................... 3-39 Charging System ......................................... 3-31 Check Gages Warning ................................. 3-41 Cruise Control ............................................. 3-40 Gate Ajar ................................................... 3-41 Low Fuel Warning ....................................... 3-42 Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-35 Reduced Engine Power ................................ 3-40 Safety Belt Reminder ................................... 3-30 Security ..................................................... 3-40 Service All-Wheel-Drive ................................ 3-41 Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror ............................... 2-17 Listening to a DVD ................................. 3-83, 3-98 Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-46 Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving .......... 4-17 Locking Rear Axle ........................................... 4-11 Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-13 Locks Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10 Door ........................................................... 2-8 Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-13 Locks (cont.) Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-13 Power Door .................................................. 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-15 Low Fuel Warning Light ................................... 3-42 Luggage Carrier .............................................. 2-42 Lumbar Power Controls ............................................. 1-2 Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... 6-9 At Least Once a Month .................................. 6-9 At Least Once a Year .................................. 6-10 Introduction .................................................. 6-2 Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-7 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-16 Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ......... 6-14 Owner Checks and Services ........................... 6-9 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-12 10 Maintenance Schedule (cont.) Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4 Using Your ................................................... 6-3 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ..................... 4-62 Making Turns ................................................. 4-60 Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-35 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle ............... 2-6 Memory Seat ................................................. 2-45 Message DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-52 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer Assistance ......... 7-5 Mirror Operation ............................................. 2-31 Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar® and Compass .......................................... 2-31 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb View Assist ............................................. 2-34 Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-34 Outside Heated Mirrors ................................ 2-34 Outside Power Mirror ................................... 2-33 MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4 N Navigation/Radio System .................................. 3-99 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-19 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............ 6-14 Odometer ...................................................... 3-29 Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-13 Oil Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-39 Engine ....................................................... 5-18 Pressure Gage ............................................ 3-38 OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE ............... 3-53 Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-26 Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-4 OnStar® Personal Calling ................................. 2-36 OnStar® Services ............................................ 2-35 OnStar® System ............................................. 2-35 OnStar® Virtual Advisor .................................... 2-36 Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off Paved Roads .............................................. 4-16 Other Warning Devices ...................................... 3-6 Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-24 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb View Assist ...................................... 2-34 Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-34 Heated Mirrors ............................................ 2-34 Power Mirror ............................................... 2-33 Overhead Console .......................................... 2-40 Overseas – Customer Assistance ........................ 7-5 Owner Checks and Services .............................. 6-9 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii Owner’s Information ........................................ 7-13 Park (P) Parking Shifting Into ................................................ 2-27 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-28 Brake ........................................................ 2-26 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-29 Parking on Hills .............................................. 4-61 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR .............................. 3-54 Passing ................................................. 4-13, 4-60 Passlock® ...................................................... 2-19 11 Personalization ............................................... 3-46 Personalization, Climate Controls ...................... 3-26 Plan Ahead When Possible ................................ 7-8 Playing a Cassette Tape .................................. 3-78 Playing a CD ................................. 3-66, 3-81, 3-93 Playing a Speciﬁc Loaded CD .......................... 3-94 Playing the Radio ........................... 3-58, 3-69, 3-85 Power Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-19 Door Locks .................................................. 2-9 Electrical System ....................................... 5-102 Lumbar Controls ........................................... 1-2 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-4 Reduced Engine Light .................................. 3-40 Seat ............................................................ 1-2 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-39 Windows .................................................... 2-16 Power Steering ............................................... 4-11 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-10 Programmable Locking Feature ......................... 2-11 Programmable Unlocking Feature ...................... 2-12 Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter ........... 2-37 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-12 Radiator Pressure Cap .................................... 5-29 Radio Data System (RDS) ............... 3-57, 3-69, 3-84 Radio Messages ..................................... 3-63, 3-75 Radios .......................................................... 3-56 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-114 Care of Your CD and DVD Player ................ 3-116 Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-115 Navigation/Radio System .............................. 3-99 Radio Personalization ................................. 3-112 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-68 Radio with CD ............................................ 3-57 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-84 Rear Seat Audio ........................................ 3-111 Setting the Time .......................................... 3-56 Theft-Deterrent .......................................... 3-112 Understanding Reception ............................ 3-114 RDS Messages .............................. 3-62, 3-74, 3-89 Reading Lamps .............................................. 3-18 REAR ACCESS OPEN .................................... 3-54 Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-51 Locking ...................................................... 4-11 Rear Climate Control System ............................ 3-25 Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-13 Rear Floor Storage Lid .................................... 2-43 12 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-23 Rear Seat Audio (RSA) .................................. 3-111 Rear Seat Entertainment System ....................... 3-99 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-5 Rear Seat Passenger Positions ......................... 1-20 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-20 Rear Underseat Fuse Block ............................ 5-110 Rear Window Defogger .................................... 3-24 Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar® and Compass .......................... 2-31 Reclining Seatbacks, Power ............................... 1-4 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-12 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-45 Reduced Engine Power Light ............................ 3-40 Remote Control ............................................. 3-103 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-5 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-6 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire ............................................. 5-86 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-80 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-55 Replacing Brake System Parts .......................... 5-44 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ..... 1-56 Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government .................................. 7-12 General Motors ........................................... 7-12 United States Government ............................ 7-11 Reprogramming a Single HomeLink® Button ....... 2-40 Resetting Defaults ........................................... 2-40 Restraint System Check Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-55 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash .......................................... 1-56 Restraint Systems Checking .................................................... 1-55 Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-56 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-21 RFA # BATTERY LOW .................................... 3-55 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-20 RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR .............................. 3-55 Roadside Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out ................... 4-45 Routing, Engine Drive Belt ............................... 6-15 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-30 13 S Safety Belt Safety Belts Reminder Light ............................................ 3-30 Care of ...................................................... 5-96 Driver Position ............................................ 1-13 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-13 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-12 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults ..................... 1-23 Rear Seat Passengers ................................. 1-20 Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-20 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-25 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-19 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-7 Safety Chains ................................................. 4-58 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scanning the Terrain ....................................... 4-19 Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4 Seats Head Restraints ............................................ 1-5 Heated Seats ............................................... 1-3 Memory ..................................................... 2-45 Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-2 Seats (cont.) Power Reclining Seatbacks ............................. 1-4 Power Seats ................................................. 1-2 Rear Seat Operation ...................................... 1-5 Securing a Child Restraint Center Seat Position .................................... 1-42 Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-40 Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-40 Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-43 Security Light ................................................. 3-40 Security While You Travel .................................. 7-6 Select ........................................................... 3-52 Service ........................................................... 5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle .......................................... 5-4 All-Wheel-Drive Light .................................... 3-41 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-3 Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-35 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-12 SERVICE AIR BAG ......................................... 3-53 SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM ............................. 3-53 Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-12 Service Manuals ............................................. 7-12 Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) ....... 3-62, 3-73, 3-89 14 Setting Preset Stations .................... 3-59, 3-71, 3-86 Setting the Time ............................................. 3-56 Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) .......... 3-60, 3-71, 3-87 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-99 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-27 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-28 Skidding ........................................................ 4-15 Snow Plow .................................................... 4-53 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... 4-33 Spare Tire ..................................................... 5-92 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-94 Speciﬁcations, Capacities ............................... 5-113 Speedometer .................................................. 3-29 Stalling on an Incline ....................................... 4-27 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-21 Steering ........................................................ 4-11 Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-12 Steering Tips .................................................. 4-11 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ....................... 3-113 Stereo RCA Jacks ......................................... 3-107 Storage Areas Convenience Net ......................................... 2-43 Front Storage Area ...................................... 2-41 Glove Box .................................................. 2-40 Luggage Carrier .......................................... 2-42 Storage Areas (cont.) Overhead Console ....................................... 2-40 Rear Floor Storage Lid ................................. 2-43 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ............... 5-90 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-44 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-17 Sunglasses Storage Compartment ..................... 2-41 Sunroof ......................................................... 2-45 Tachometer .................................................... 3-29 Taillamps Turn Signal Lamps ...................................... 5-54 Testing the Alarm ............................................ 2-18 Theft-Deterrent, Radio .................................... 3-112 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-17 Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-17 Passlock® ................................................... 2-19 Throttle, Adjustable .......................................... 2-22 TIGHTEN FUEL CAP ...................................... 3-55 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-7 Tire Sidewall Labeling ...................................... 5-59 Tire Size ....................................................... 5-63 15 Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions ........................ 5-64 Tires ............................................................. 5-59 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-71 Chains ....................................................... 5-75 Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-79 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-78 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................ 5-67 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-68 Spare Tire .................................................. 5-92 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-72 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-73 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-74 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-70 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-23 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-36 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-37 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-28 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .................. 4-57 Towing Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-45 Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-53 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-45 Traction Assist System (TAS) ...................................... 4-9 Trailer Brakes ................................................. 4-58 Trailer Wiring Harness ..................................... 4-63 Transfer Case ................................................ 5-51 Transmission Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-24 Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-24 Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual ............................................ 7-12 Transportation Options ...................................... 7-8 Travel Note Recorder ...................................... 2-41 Traveling to Remote Areas ............................... 4-18 Trip Information .............................................. 3-44 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-29 Turn and Lane Change Signals .......................... 3-8 TURN SIGNAL ON ......................................... 3-53 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-7 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-60 Understanding Radio Reception ....................... 3-114 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-72 United States – Customer Assistance .................. 7-5 Used Replacement Wheels .............................. 5-75 Using Cleaner on Fabric .................................. 5-94 Using HomeLink® ........................................... 2-39 Using Song List Mode ..................................... 3-96 16 V Vehicle Control ........................................................ 4-6 Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Loading ...................................................... 4-46 Symbols ......................................................... iv Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records ..................................... 7-10 Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ............................................ 5-101 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label .................. 5-101 Vehicle Personalization Memory Seat .............................................. 2-45 Vehicle Storage .............................................. 5-45 Video Screen ................................................ 3-103 Visor Vanity Mirror .......................................... 2-17 Visors ........................................................... 2-17 Voltmeter Gage .............................................. 3-32 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-27 Warnings DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-52 Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-6 Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-6 Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... 5-96 Weight Distributing Hitches and Weight Carrying Hitches ............................... 4-57 Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-55 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. 4-56 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ 5-20 What to Add .................................................. 5-42 What to Do with Used Oil ................................ 5-23 What to Use .......................... 5-27, 5-39, 5-40, 5-52 17 Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-73 Replacement ............................................... 5-74 When to Add Engine Oil .................................. 5-19 When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System) ................................... 5-22 When to Check .............................................. 5-67 When to Check and Change ............................ 5-24 When to Check Lubricant ................................. 5-51 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-39 When to Inspect ............................................. 5-23 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill ......................................... 4-62 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-35 Why Safety Belts Work ..................................... 1-8 Window Lockout ............................................. 2-16 Windows ....................................................... 2-15 Power ........................................................ 2-16 Windshield Washer ......................................... 3-10 Fluid .......................................................... 5-40 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-56 Fuses ...................................................... 5-102 Windshield Wipers ............................................ 3-9 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-40 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .............. 3-116 XM™ Satellite Radio Service (48 Contiguous US States) ... 3-58, 3-69, 3-85, 3-114 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2 18 2004 Buick Rainier Owner Manual M Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag Systems Restraint System Check Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 ............................................... 1-2 ............................................... 1-5 .............................................. 1-7 ....................................... 1-26 ...................................... 1-45 ............................ 1-55 Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1 ........................................................ 2-3 ....................................... 2-8 ................................................. 2-15 ............................ 2-17 ........... 2-19 .................................................... 2-31 ...................................... 2-35 ............................. 2-36 ......................................... 2-40 .................................................. 2-45 ............................. 2-45 Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 .......................... 3-4 ...................................... 3-20 ........ 3-27 .................. 3-43 ....................................... 3-56 Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar® System HomeLink® Transmitter Storage Areas Sunroof Vehicle Personalization Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s) Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 ..... 4-2 ................................................... 4-45 Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1 Service ..................................................... 5-3 Fuel ......................................................... 5-4 Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-12 All-Wheel Drive ........................................ 5-51 Rear Axle ............................................... 5-51 Front Axle ............................................... 5-53 Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-54 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-56 Tires ...................................................... 5-59 Appearance Care ..................................... 5-92 Vehicle Identiﬁcation ............................... 5-101 Electrical System .................................... 5-102 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ................... 5-113 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1 ................................ 6-2 Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1 ........... 7-2 ........................... 7-11 Index .................................................................1 Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects Maintenance Schedule Canadian Owners You can obtain a French language copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you will ﬁnd that pictures and words work together to explain things. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual, and the page number where you will ﬁnd it. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem are registered trademarks and the name Rainier is a trademark of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you are on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. Litho in U.S.A. Part No. B2438 A FIRST EDITION ©Copyright General Motors Corporation 07/14/03 All Rights Reserved ii Safety Warnings and Symbols You will ﬁnd a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. {CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt. You will also ﬁnd a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” iii Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will ﬁnd these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Symbols Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help ﬁguring out a speciﬁc name of a component, gage or indicator, reference the following topics: (cid:127) Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1 Features and Controls in Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 (cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3 (cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3 (cid:127) Audio System(s) in Section 3 (cid:127) Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5 iv (cid:127) (cid:127) These are some examples of symbols you may ﬁnd on your vehicle: ✍ NOTES vi Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Power Seats ..................................................1-2 Power Lumbar ...............................................1-2 Heated Seats .................................................1-3 Power Reclining Seatbacks ..............................1-4 Head Restraints .............................................1-5 Rear Seats .......................................................1-5 Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-5 Safety Belts .....................................................1-7 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-7 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-13 Driver Position ..............................................1-13 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-19 Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-20 Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-20 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults ......................1-23 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-25 Child Restraints .............................................1-26 Older Children ..............................................1-26 Infants and Young Children ............................1-28 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-32 Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-35 Top Strap ....................................................1-36 Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-37 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-38 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ....................................1-40 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ................................1-40 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position ............................................1-42 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ....................................1-43 Air Bag Systems ............................................1-45 Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-49 When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ....................1-51 What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .....................1-52 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-52 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates? ...................................................1-53 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle .........1-55 Restraint System Check ..................................1-55 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-55 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ............................................1-56 1-1 Lift up or push down on the center of the seat control to move the entire seat up or down. To move the seat forward or rearward, slide the seat control forward or rearward. To recline the seatback, press the vertical control rearward. To raise the seatback, press the vertical control forward. Power Lumbar The seatback lumbar support can be adjusted by moving a control located on the outboard side of the seat cushions. To increase or decrease support, hold the control forward or rearward. Keep in mind that as your seating position changes, as it may during long trips, so should the position of your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as needed. Front Seats Power Seats The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the front seat cushions. The horizontal control adjusts the seat cushion and the vertical control adjusts the seatback. (cid:127) Move the front of the horizontal seat control up or down to adjust the front portion of the cushion. (cid:127) Move the rear of the seat control up or down to adjust the rear portion of the cushion. 1-2 (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) Heated Seats To heat only the seatback, press the button with the words BACK ONLY. An indicator light on the switch will glow to designate that only the seatback is being heated. Additional presses will cycle through the heat levels for the seatback only. Press the horizontal button again to heat the whole seat. The feature will shut off automatically when the ignition is turned off. Your vehicle may have heated front seats. The buttons used to control this feature are located on the front door armrests. The engine must be running for the heated seat feature to work. To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button with the heated seat symbol. Press the button repeatedly to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium, low and off. The indicator lights will glow to designate the level of heat selected: three for high, two for medium and one for low. The low setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat temperature is near body temperature. The medium and high settings heat the seatback and seat cushion to a slightly higher temperature. You will be able to feel heat in about two minutes. 1-3 Power Reclining Seatbacks Your vehicle may have this feature. The vertical power seat control described earlier allows the seatback to recline. See Power Seats on page 1-2 for more information. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 1-4 {CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. Head Restraints Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation Your vehicle has a 60/40 folding rear seat which lets you fold the seatbacks down for more cargo space. Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. The head restraints lock into place when raised. To release the head restraint and lower it, press the tab located on the top of the seatback. Pull up on the loop located where the seat cushion meets the seatback to fold the seat cushion up and out of the way. This will allow the seatback to fold ﬂat and increase the cargo area. 1-5 The rear seatback levers are located on the outboard side of the rear seatbacks. Pull the seatback toward you as you lift up on the lever. The head restraint will automatically fold out of the way when the seatback is folded down. To raise the seatbacks, lift up the seatbacks and push on them until they lock into the upright position. Push and pull on the seatbacks to make sure that they are latched securely. Then fold the bottom seat cushion back into place. To return the head restraint to the upright position, reach behind the seat and pull the restraint up until it locks into place. Push and pull on the head restraint to make sure that it is latched securely. 1-6 Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. {CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too. {CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-30. In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. 1-7 A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-8 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-9 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... or the instrument panel... 1-10 or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. 1-11 Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident — even one that isn’t your fault — you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be — whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-26 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-28. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-25. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-13 5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. 1-14 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-15 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-16 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-17 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to ﬁx it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-18 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. 1-19 The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Passenger Positions Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-13. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. 1-20 Lap-Shoulder Belt All rear seating positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-25. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 3. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder part. 1-21 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt against your body. 1-22 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When attached to a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each of the rear outside passenger positions. Here’s how to attach the comfort guide to the shoulder belt. 1. Slide the guide off of its storage clip located between the interior body and the seatback. 1-23 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies ﬂat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 1-24 Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to ﬁt. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. 1-25 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-20. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Slide the guide back on its storage clip located between the interior body and the seatback. Child Restraints Older Children Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe even fatal internal injuries in a crash. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. 1-26 {CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window, move the child toward the center of the vehicle. If the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that the belts provide. If the child is sitting in the rear seat outside position, see Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-23. 1-27 {CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. 1-28 Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint. {CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint. 1-29 {CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. 1-30 {CAUTION: The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. {CAUTION: Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints. 1-31 Child Restraint Systems An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous ﬂat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. 1-32 A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a ﬁve-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-33 When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may ﬁnd these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system or the LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The ﬁve-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a ﬂat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side. 1-34 Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We, therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear outside seat position including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here is why: {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat outside position. CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat outside position. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle – even when no child is in it. 1-35 Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. 1-36 In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. {CAUTION: Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single bracket could cause the anchor to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per bracket. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. See Head Restraints on page 1-5. Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. Top Strap Anchor Location Anchor brackets for the rear seat positions are located on the ﬂoor in the cargo area of your vehicle. Do not use the rear tie-down brackets near the liftgate for top strap tethers. Do not use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position because there is no place to anchor the top strap. 1-37 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll ﬁnd anchors (A) in the rear outside seat positions. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors (A,B) and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap (C). 1-38 The labels are located near the base of the rear outside seat positions. {CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. 1-39 In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a label on the seatback at each lower anchor position. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-38. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page 1-36. 5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top tether from the top tether anchorage and then disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH anchorages. 1-40 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-38. See Top Strap on page 1-36 if the child restraint has one. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

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2004 Buick Rainier Owners Manual