Buick-Rainier (2004 year). Manual

Luggage Carrier

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CAUTION:

If you try to carry something on top of your
vehicle that is longer or wider than the luggage
carrier — like paneling, plywood, a mattress and
so forth — the wind can catch it as you drive
along. This can cause you to lose control.
What you are carrying could be violently torn
off, and this could cause you or other drivers to
have a collision, and of course damage your
vehicle. You may be able to carry something like
this inside. But, never carry something longer
or wider than the luggage carrier on top of
your vehicle.

A luggage carrier allows you to load things on top of
your vehicle. The luggage carrier has side rails attached
to the roof, sliding crossrails (if equipped) and places
to use for tying things down. These let you load
some other things on top of your vehicle, as long as
they are not wider or longer than the luggage carrier.

To slide the crossrails to where you want them, pull up
on the lever on each side of the crossrail. This will
release the crossrail and allow you to slide it. When the
crossrail is where you want it, press down on the
levers to lock it into place.

Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 220 lbs (100 kg) or hangs over
the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage
your vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the
slats as far forward as possible and against the
side rails, making sure to fasten it securely.

Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-46.

To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier
is locked and cargo is still securely fastened.

When the luggage carrier is not in use, place the
crossrails at the following positions for wind noise
reduction. Place one crossrail at the rear most point of
the vehicle and the other crossrail above the opening
of the rear door.

2-42

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Rear Floor Storage Lid

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CAUTION:

If any removable convenience item is not
secured properly, it can move around in a
collision or sudden stop. People in the
vehicle could be injured. Be sure to secure
any such item properly.

Your vehicle has a rear cargo area with a removeable
storage lid.

To remove the rear floor storage lid, do the following:

1. Press the latch release and lift up the latch handle.

2. Raise the lid slightly to unhook it.

3. Pull the lid toward you to release it from the forward

mounting tabs.

To reinstall the rear floor storage lid, reverse the
previous steps. Make sure the lid is secure by applying
slight pressure to the latch until you hear it click.

Convenience Net

Your vehicle may have this feature. A convenience net
in the rear of your vehicle helps keep small items in
place during sharp turns or quick stops and starts.
The net is not designed to retain these items during
off-road use. The net is not for larger, heavier items.

To use the convenience net, do the following:

1. Attach the upper loops to the retainers on both

sides of the liftgate opening. The label should be
in the upper passenger’s side corner, visible
from the rear of the vehicle.

2. Attach the lower hooks to the rear cargo tie downs

on the floor.

2-43

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Cargo Cover

If your vehicle has a cargo cover, you can use it to
cover items in the cargo area of your vehicle.

To install the cargo cover, do the following:

1. Align the endcap with the pocket in the trim panel

located behind the rear seat.

2. Compress the opposite endcap, align it with the

pocket located on the opposite side of the trim
panel and release.

3. Grasp the handle and unroll the cover. Latch the

posts into the sockets on the inside of the vehicle
to secure it.

To remove the cargo cover, do the following:

1. Release the cover from the latch posts and carefully

roll it back up.

2. Compress one endcap and remove it from the

pocket in the trim panel.

3. Remove the cargo cover from the other endcap so

that you can remove the shade from the vehicle.

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CAUTION:

An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store it
in the proper storage location. When you put it
back, always be sure that it is securely
reattached.

Cargo Tie Downs

There are cargo tie
downs in the rear of
your vehicle that allow
you to strap cargo in
and keep it from
moving.

2-44

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Sunroof

Your vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding
sunroof. To open or close your sunroof, the ignition
must be on or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must
be active.

Press and release the back of the button in the overhead
console to open the sunroof. Press the front of the
button to close the sunroof. Once the sunroof is closed,
press the forward side of the button to open the
sunroof to the vent position.

The sunroof is also equipped with a sunshade which
you can pull forward to block sun rays.

Vehicle Personalization

Memory Seat

The memory seat controls
are located on the driver’s
door, and are used to
program and recall
memory settings for the
driver’s seating positions,
outside mirror positions
and adjustable pedals
(if equipped).

Adjust the driver’s seat, including the seatback recliner
and lumbar, both of the outside mirrors, and the
adjustable pedals to the desired position. Then press
and hold button 1 (for driver 1) for three seconds.
A double chime will sound to let you know that the
position has been stored.

2-45

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A second mirror position, seating position and adjustable
pedal position can be programmed by repeating the
procedure with a second driver and pressing button 2 for
three seconds. Each time button 1 or 2 is pressed and
released while the vehicle is in PARK (P), a single chime
will sound, and the memory position will be recalled.

If you use the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to enter your vehicle, the preset driver’s
seat, mirror positions and adjustable pedal position will
be recalled if programmed to do so through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). The numbers on the
back of the transmitters, 1 or 2, correspond to the
numbers on the memory controls.

The seat positions, mirror positions and adjustable
pedal positions can also be recalled by placing the key
in the ignition if programmed to do so through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-43.

To stop recall movement of the memory feature at
any time, press one of the power seat controls or
memory buttons.

Two personalized exit positions can be set by first
recalling the driver’s position by pressing 1 or 2, then
positioning the seat in the desired exit position for that
driver. Press and hold the button with the exit symbol for
three seconds. A double chime will sound to let you know
that the position has been stored. With the vehicle in
PARK (P), the exit position for that driver can be recalled
by pressing the exit button. The mirrors, power lumbar,
recline and adjustable pedal positions will not be stored
or recalled for the exit positions. If no exit position is
stored, the default is all the way rearward.

Further programming for automatic seat and mirror
movement can be done through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). You may choose to either select or
not select the following:

•

Automatic seat, mirror movement and pedal
position when the vehicle is unlocked with the
remote keyless entry

•

automatic seat, mirror movement and pedal position
when a key is placed in the ignition

•

automatic seat movement to the exit position when
the vehicle is in PARK (P)

2-46

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The main components of your instrument panel
are the following:

A. Exterior Lamp Controls.

See Exterior Lamps on page 3-14.

B. Air Outlets. See “Outlet Adjustment”

under Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.

C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.

See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-7.

D. OnStar and Audio Steering Wheel Controls.

See Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-113.

E. Instrument Panel Cluster.

See Instrument Panel Cluster
on page 3-28.

F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls.

See Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-113.

G. Ignition Switch.

See Ignition Positions
on page 2-20.

H. Audio System.

See Audio System(s)
on page 3-56.

I. Climate Controls.

See Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.

J. Hood Release.

See Hood Release on page 5-12.

K. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Steering Wheel Controls.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-43.

L. Rear Window Washer/Wiper.

See “Rear Window Washer/Wiper”
under Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-7.

M. Lighter.

See Ashtrays and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-19.

N. Accessory Power Outlet.

See Accessory Power Outlets
on page 3-19.

O. Rear Window Defogger.

See “Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-20.

P. Glove Box.

See Glove Box on page 2-40.

3-5

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Hazard Warning Flashers

Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others.
They also let police know you have a problem. Your
front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.

The button for the
hazard warning flashers
is located on top of
the steering column.

The hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in.

Press the button all the way down to make your front
and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. To turn
off the flashers, press the button again until it clicks
and then release it.

When the hazard warning flashers are on, the turn
signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices

If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your
vehicle.

3-6

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Horn

To sound the horn, press the horn symbols on the
steering wheel pad.

Tilt Wheel

You should adjust the
steering wheel before
you drive. The tilt lever
is located to the left of
the steering column,
under the turn signal
lever.

You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.

To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the
wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:

•

: Turn and Lane Change Signals

•

: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

•

Flash-to-Pass Feature

•

: Windshield Wipers

•

: Windshield Washer

•

: Cruise Control (If Equipped)

3-7

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Turn and Lane Change Signals

The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.

To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.

An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.

To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until
the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete
your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you
release it. The bottom of the outside rearview mirrors may
also be equipped with lane change indicators.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
more quickly than normal, a signal bulb may be burned
out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal.

If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal
a turn, check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-103 and check for burned-out bulbs.

If you have a trailer towing option with added wiring
for the trailer lamps, a different turn signal flasher
is used. With this flasher installed, the signal indicator
will flash even if a turn signal bulb is burned out. Check
the front and rear turn signal lamps regularly to make
sure they are working.

Turn Signal On Chime

If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
(1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the
turn signal. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal
lever to the off position.

3-8

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Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

To change the headlamps from low to high beam,
push the lever toward the instrument panel. To return
to low-beam headlamps, pull the multifunction lever
toward you. Then release it.

When the high beams
are on, this indicator light
on the instrument panel
cluster will also be on.

Flash-to-Pass

This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps
to signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
It works even if your headlamps are in the automatic
position.

To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you,
then release it.

If your headlamps are in the automatic position or on low
beam, your high-beam headlamps will turn on. They’ll
stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you. The
high-beam indicator on the instrument panel cluster will
come on. Release the lever to return to normal operation.

Windshield Wipers

(Mist): For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to

mist. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let go.
The wipers will stop after one wipe. If you want
more wipes, hold the band on mist longer.

(Off): To stop the wipers, move the band to off.

(Windshield Wipers): Turn the band to control

the windshield wipers.

You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time.
The closer to the top of the lever, the shorter the delay.

For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to the first solid band past the delay settings.
For high-speed wiping, turn the band further, to the
second solid band past the delay settings. To stop the
wipers, move the band to off.

Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

3-9

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Windshield Washer

(Windshield Washer): To spray washer fluid on

the windshield, press the windshield washer paddle.
The wipers will clear the window and then either stop
or return to your preset speed.

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CAUTION:

In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.

Rear Window Washer/Wiper

This control is located
to the right of the
steering wheel on the
instrument panel.

To turn the rear wiper on, turn the control to either 1, 2,
or 3. For delayed wiping, turn the control to 1 or 2.
For steady wiping, turn the control to 3. To turn the
wiper off, turn the control to 0.

To wash the rear window, press the washer symbol
located in the center of the control.

The rear window washer uses the same fluid bottle as
the windshield washer. However, the rear window
washer will run out of fluid before the windshield washer.
If you can wash your windshield but not your rear
window, check the fluid level.

Cruise Control

The cruise controls are
located on the end of the
turn signal/multifunction
lever.

3-10

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(On): Move the switch to this position to turn the

cruise control system on.

(Resume/Accelerate): Move the switch to this

position to resume a set speed or to accelerate.

(Set): Press this button, located at the end of the

lever, to set a speed.

(Off): This position turns the cruise control system

off and cancels memory of a set speed.

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).

If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.

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CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can not drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.

CAUTION:

(Continued)

CAUTION:

(Continued)

Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.

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CAUTION:

If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.

3-11

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Buick-Rainier (2004 year). Manual - part 7