Buick Enclave (2008 year). Manual

Consider the following example:

A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg);
2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and
a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:

You can expect tongue weight to be at least 10 percent of
trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and because the weight
is applied well behind the rear axle, the effect on the rear
axle will be greater than just the weight itself, as much as
1.5 times as much. The weight at the rear axle could be
850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Since the
rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg), adding
1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg).
This is very close to, but within the limit for RGAWR
as well. The vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs
(3 856 kg).

But let us say your specific vehicle is equipped with some
of the latest options and you have a front seat passenger
and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and

gear in the vehicle as well. You may add 300 lbs (136 kg)
to the front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear
axle weight. Your vehicle now weighs:

Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you may
think that you should subtract 700 additional pounds
(318 kg) from your trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. Your maximum trailer would only be
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think you
must limit tongue weight to less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
to avoid exceeding GVWR. But, you must still consider
the effect on the rear axle. Because your rear axle now
weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), you can only put 900 lbs
(408 kg) on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR.
The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual
weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves you
with being able to handle only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue
weight. Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent
of total loaded trailer weight, you can expect that the
largest trailer your vehicle can properly handle is
6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).

4-34

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is important that you make sure your vehicle does not
exceed any of its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way
to be sure you are not exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh your vehicle and trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You will find these numbers on the
Certification/Tire label. See Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-20. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit
for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitches

It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:

•

The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it.

•

Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If
you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust
on page 2-38. Dirt and water can, too.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If you tow more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg), use trailer
brakes. Because your vehicle has Antilock brakes, do
not try to tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will not work well,
or at all.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the
trailer brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.

4-35

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly
as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that
the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing

You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because you are a
good deal longer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.

4-36

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Making Turns

Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.

When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different
turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your
dealer/retailer. The arrows on your instrument panel will
flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are
seeing your signal when they are not. It is important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.

Driving on Grades

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger and
load carrying vehicle. If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due to the additional
load. Because of the added load of the trailer, your
vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days, when going
up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn
off the air conditioning to reduce engine load, pull off the
road and stop in a safe spot.

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 55 mph (88 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.

4-37

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parking on Hills

{

CAUTION:

You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into

PARK (P).

When parking uphill, turn your wheels away from
the curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels
into the curb.

2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer

wheels.

3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular

brakes until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your

parking brake and shift into PARK (P).

5. Release the regular brakes.

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down

while you:

•

start your engine,

•

shift into a gear, and

•

release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the

chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belt, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review this
information before you start your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

4-38

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trailer Wiring Harness

Your vehicle is equipped with the following wiring
harness for towing a trailer.

Basic Trailer Wiring

The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector,
is located at the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle’s frame. The harness connector can be
plugged into a seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailer
connector available through your dealer/retailer.

The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer
circuits:

•

Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal

•

Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal

•

Brown: Taillamps

•

White: Ground

•

Light Green: Back-up Lamps

•

Red: Battery Feed*

•

Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*

*The fuses for these two circuits are installed in the
underhood electrical center, but the wires are not
connected. They should be connected by your
dealer/retailer or a qualified service center.

If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, press
the Tow/Haul mode button located at the end of the
shift lever. This will boost the vehicle system voltage
and properly charge the battery.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on
page 5-25.

4-39

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Service

Your dealer/retailer knows your vehicle best and wants
you to be happy with it. We hope you will go to your
dealer/retailer for all your service needs. You will
get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.

We hope you will want to keep your GM vehicle all GM.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:

Accessories and Modifications

When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
your vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s performance
and safety, including such things as, airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like
antilock brakes, traction control and stability control.
Some of these accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered by warranty.

GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on your vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize your vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your GM
dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will
know that GM-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.

Also, see Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-74.

5-3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

California Proposition 65 Warning

Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including
some inside the vehicle), many fluids, and some
component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.

California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements

Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in remote keyless entry transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may
be necessary. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Doing Your Own Service Work

{

CAUTION:

You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.

•

Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.

•

Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts,
and other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.

If you want to do some of your own service work, you
should use the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service your vehicle than this
manual can. To order the proper service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-16.

5-4

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, see Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-74.

You should keep a record with all parts receipts and
list the mileage and the date of any service work
you perform. See Maintenance Record on page 6-15.

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle

Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle
can affect the airflow around it. This can cause
wind noise and can affect fuel economy and windshield
washer performance. Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.

Fuel

Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.

Gasoline Octane

Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.

Gasoline Specifications

At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specification D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use of gasolines containing
MMT. See Additives on page 5-6 for additional
information.

5-5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

California Fuel

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See the underhood
emission control label. If this fuel is not available
in states adopting California emissions standards,
your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance might be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and your vehicle might
fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-45. If this occurs, return to your authorized
dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by your warranty.

Additives

To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if your vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.

5-6

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.

Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under your
warranty.

Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against

the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.

Fuels in Foreign Countries

If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.

To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.

5-7

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Filling the Tank

{

CAUTION:

Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can
cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries
to you and others, read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island. Turn off your
engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke
if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle.
Do not use cellular phones. Keep sparks,
flames, and smoking materials away from fuel.
Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when
refueling your vehicle. This is against the law
in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle
while pumping fuel. Keep children away from
the fuel pump; never let children pump fuel.

The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

To open the fuel door, apply pressure in the center of
the rear edge of the fuel door and it will pop open.

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released
too soon, it will spring back to the right.

While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.

5-8

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

{

CAUTION:

Fuel can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full,
and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel
cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise to stop.
Then unscrew the cap all the way.

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-92.

When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until
it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allow
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-45.

If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
the TIGHTEN GAS CAP message will be displayed if the
fuel cap is not properly installed.

{

CAUTION:

If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.

Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit
properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-45.

5-9

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

{

CAUTION:

Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if
this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and
others:

•

Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.

•

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.

•

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

•

Do not smoke while pumping fuel.

•

Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.

Checking Things Under
the Hood

{

CAUTION:

An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.

{

CAUTION:

Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

5-10

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buick Enclave (2008 year). Manual - part 19