Explanation of Scheduled Services. Buick Rainier 2004

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2004 🢒 Rainier 🢒 General Information 🢒 Maintenance and Lubrication 🢒 Explanation of Scheduled Services

For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Using the Maintenance Schedule in General Information.

The following text and illustrations describe the details of the required scheduled maintenance services.

For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Engine Oil and Filter Change

For the engine oil and filter changing procedure for the 4.2 L engine, refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Important: When adding to, or changing the engine oil, use ONLY oils of the proper quality.

Engine Oil Quality (United States and Canada)

Oils of the proper quality for the vehicle can be identified by looking for the STARBURST symbol. The STARBURST symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred for use in gasoline engines.

Engine Oil Viscosity (United States and Canada)

The recommended oil viscosity for all vehicles is SAE 5W-30.

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on the fuel economy and the cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity engine oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, higher temperature weather condition require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication. When the temperature is consistently above -18°C (0°F) , SAE 10W-30 can be used. SAE 20W-50 or oils of other viscosity rating or quality designations are NOT recommended for use in any GMC vehicle at any time.

Notice: Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

Engine Oil Quality and Viscosity, Other Than The United States and Canada

Important: When adding to, or changing the engine oil, use ONLY oils of the proper quality.

In countries other than the United States and Canada, it may be difficult to find engine oils that display the API STARBURST symbol certifying the oil is for use in gasoline engines. If you are unable to find engine oils displaying the API STARBURST symbol, use engine oils that meet API Service SJ and/or ACEA A1-96, ACEA A2-96, or ACEA A3-96 requirements as shown in the chart above.

Chassis Lubrication

Lubricate transaxle shift linkage. Lubricate the parking brake guides, underbody contact points and linkage.

Lubrication Points (Rear Wheel Drive)


(1)	Prop Shaft Slip Joint
(2)	Rear Axle Differential
(3)	Clutch Actuator
(4)	Master Cylinder
(5)	Oil Filter
(7)	Engine
(8)	Transmission

Lubrication Points (4 Wheel Drive)


(1)	Transmission
(2)	Rear Axle Differential
(3)	Transfer Case
(4)	Clutch Actuator
(5)	Master Cylinder
(6)	Engine
(8)	Front Axle Differential
(9)	Oil Filter
(10)	Front Propeller Shaft

Lubricating Joints that have Grease Fittings

Refer to the illustration for the location of the grease fittings.

Important: Wipe off all dirt from the grease fitting before lubricating the joint. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless their temperature is -12°C (10°F) or higher. During cold weather, the ball joint should be allowed to warm up as necessary before being lubricated. Use a low-pressure grease gun on all joints to prevent seal damage.

Apply grease slowly while watching the grease seal. Apply grease until grease is seen bleeding from the seal. If the seal expands but no grease is seen, do not apply any more grease and allow time for the grease to bleed from the seal.

Lubrication Fittings (Passenger Side)


(1)	Lubrication Fittings

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Rotate the tires in order to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life. Use the recommended rotation sequence shown in the appropriate illustration:

•	Four tire rotation sequence

•	Five tire rotation sequence

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following:

•

Cracks

•

Fraying

•

Wear

•	Proper tension

Replace as needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the performance. For the 4.2 L engine, refer to Drive Belt Replacement

Drive Axle Service

Change the axle fluid according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For the maintenance schedule refer to Scheduled Maintenance . For axle capacities refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities in Maintenance and Lubrication. For the procedure to check the fluid level in the front drive axle refer to Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection . For the procedure to check the fluid level in the rear drive axle refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .

Transmission Service

Automatic Transmission

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

For information on the correct type of spark plug, Refer to Maintenance Items .

For the 4.2 L engine replacement procedures, refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance . For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter, refer to Maintenance Items . For procedure refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .