Buick Rendezvous Accessories and Modifications

nighthawke

Any suggestions for an after market trailer hitch for a 2005 Rendezvous CX? Drophitch has one that does not require removing the entire back bumper, but does require drilling a total of two holes,

Also has anyone tried to add (buy) the "Cargo Storage System" that the CX-PLUS comes with as standard? (This unit is different from the "Cargo Organizer" which appears to be about half the size.) Either through GM dealer or other source?

Thanks,
Nighthawke

erichner

I bought my hitch from ebay's The Hitch Center for $89 plus shipping and installed it myself in about 30 minutes without drilling once I figured out that I needed to raise the hitch with my jack so I could position it while attaching the bolts.

Just search for rendevous hitch at ebay and you will get his sales. I'm very pleased by the quality of the hitch.

sweetd

Did you figure out what the problem was? I have the same problem.

grafix

I really like my RDV, but the CX/CXL grille emblem just looked too chintzy to suit me. I replaced mine w/ the trishield emblem from the Ultra. This bit of chrome fluff really dresses up the RDV's front end..

Want one?? Part # is 10339164, cost is about $30 and change from your friendly Buick partsperson.

The new emblem is a drop-in fit. The swap entails removing (5) fasteners to loosen the grille to gain access to it's rear...

Remove the single push-pin fastener on the right top center of the crossbrace near the hood latch, then remove the (4) #2 phillips screws holding the grille in place. Now you can tilt the grille forward and lift to free the four shouldered tabs on the bottom of the grille if you wish, but it's not really necessary to totally remove the grille. The grille will tilt forward far enough to allow you to easily remove the single 7/16" speed-nut from the existing emblem with a 1/4" drive socket. Voila, it's out...

Install the new emblem. Tighten the speed-nut gently until it just snugs up. Remember this is PLASTIC; don't strip it. Reinstall the grille's screws, and the push-pin fastener, then clean off the fingerprints... You're done!

You may now stand back and excercise your bragging rights........

Bill Fulmer

442455

I think the factory emblem is cheap looking also and want to replace the one on my wife's 2004 Rendezvous. What doe's the emblem look like that you put on? Is it all chrome, or doe's it have the tri-shield with the red, white, and blue scheme? What is the diameter of the emblem, and about how thick is it? Did you check to see if any other Buick emblems would fit, even if they had to be glued on other than bolted? Thanks, Steve

renezvousken

Greg,
I just read you '04 post about installing 3rd row seating and belts. I am interested in doing so. Pleas tell me more if you can. I need the help. Also what junk yard?

bishop76

Do you happen to have the model# for the air filter I'm assuming it's just the block shaped air filter not a cold air intake? Has anyone been able to find a cold air intake?

barneyea

I removed the third seat and that miserable little storage bin. I then built a storage shelf. This allows large items to set on the floor and smaller/light items to be high and easy to get to.

I am thinking of making up plans and offering them on Ebay. The storage shelf attaches to the tie downs on each side.

barneyea

I added a two trumpet air horn ..... removed drivers headlight and found enough room below the light.

When I blow the horn, I want them to hear it.

jk27

Can you post a pic? How sturdy is it?

lane2

Thanks. Since it seemed so hard to access, I have yet to change mine. Were you able to get to the wire where it connects to the horn so that you could use the connector? If not, how did you do it? After I hear from you, I will attack mine and change it.

gail04

Hi-04 Rendez bought in April. Does anyone know if I can install (professionally), a remote starter? Dealer has told me if I do, I break the warranty because there are "stall" issues that take place because of people using remote starters. If anyone has a remote starter, would you please advise, and if anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it greatly as I am handicapped, and rendez is new concept to me...not too happy with it..many faults as you can see from the rendez. problem page, but unfortunatly, since I just bough in April, am stuck with it. Any advice on remote starter is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Gail

billyl

I finally got my horn changed. Was very easy after removing the left front headlight. Now I am not ashamed to blow the horn.

buzzojoe

We are going to buy a new rendezvous in the next week or so, but haven't seen one with an auto dimming mirror.
The salesman that we are working with hasn't been able to find out if they are available or not.
Does anyone know if they can be ordered or are part of a specific option package?
I'm out in the sticks and the local dealers only have one or two on the lot to look at. We are going to have to get them to find us one or order one, and we REALLY want the auto dimming mirror. I know that they are available aftermarket, but the factory mirrors have lights and airbag messages in them that will have to be unhooked to mount the aftermarket mirror.
Thanks in advance for any replies!

pauls02

They have the mirror at gm-auto-parts.com. not cheap though

pauls02

I just finished a remote start on my wife's '02 RDV. Piec of cake. Be careful to select a conscientious installer.

textjade

I have had my 2002 RDV for almost a year and in that year life has been good but the other day I left the key in the ignition turned off and got out to run in the house and as I shut the door she locked herself, this have never happened before and I cannot understand why it would do this, has anyone else had this experience and how do I stop it lol

textjade

Does anyone know where I can buy the complete headlight unit the new ones that are on the 2005 models with the clear indicators. As I would like to change my 2002 to the new ones please. The Buick dealership want over $300 was wondering if theres a place on line that does them cheaper. Im also looking for a glove box in tan to replace mine thanks Jade :shades:

kenym

It happened to me twice in the past five years. Once at the car wash and once in my garage. I took it to the Buick Dealer after it happened but he couldn't explain why or how the doors locked by them self. However he did tell me he had other complaints about it over the years. Since than I always carry an extra key.

Best,
Ken

jk27

If you are an Onstar subscriber, Onstar can unlock your doors via satellite -- just make sure you take your cell phone with you

Never had my 2002 RDV CXL lock itself.

da_rookiee

Hi All

I have a 6 seater 2003 RDV. I have two bucket seat in the middle row and the fold down bench seat as the 3rd row. Has anyone turned the cup holder in the middle of the third row into another seat?

jk27

There are only two seat belts (shoulder/lap belt combo) for the 3rd row seat. Are you really trying to fit 3 people into that 3rd row? Two are fine, but 3 would be really, really tight, imho.

How about replacing your 2nd row captains chairs with the bench seat. The bench seat fits 3 across, bringing the passenger capacity to 7.

intrepidcub

Hey bud
chek on ebay you can usually find mirrors on there. i have an autodimming mirror i got off a Durango and it plugged right in and worked i didnt leave it cause i want the lights on the bottom. there are only a couple of mirror mfg and they supply a mojority of the OEM mirrors Gentex and donnelly? so they are almost interchangable, though it gets different with the onstar and the passenger airbag message so stick with a basic autodimming. you may be able to find one with the lights in the bottom. i got my durango dimming mirror for 20 bucks jsut look around. hope this helps

intrepidcub

Ive looked all over and cant find aftermarket ones a body shop said it takes 4-5 years before they are made i need a passenger side one as the filler piece by the grill snapped off

kencxl

For those of you who don't know about converting XM to Sirius and still able to use your XM antenna-here's how.
Crutchfield has SIR-GM1 convertors for $99. mrbianrwebb@comast.net has the antenna adapter for XM to Sirius for $32. It takes 15 minutes to convert. The 3 panels to get to the harness (the XM box behind the glove box) pops off with no tools.
Unplug 3 wires-plug 2 of them back into the new box and your done. No splicing or cutting wires.
All the channel info and songs or whatever your listening to shows up just as it did on XM.

hipyo

I saw that you know a lot about the sound system in the Rendezous do you know what kind of amp and speakers they are specifically from pioneer? Also Do you know where I could buy some?
Thx,
Thomas

iper

Hi, just bought a 06 RNV CX yesterday with 3rd row seat. But there are no cargo cover, mats and net (the dealer only gave me a 1st row and 2nd row floor mat.
Can anybody tell me where I can buy them?

thanks

drurybabe

I have an existing mp3 player fromanother car (2004) an was wondering how and where would be the best place to install it so it would not be damaged.

spike99

I read of the forums that 2002-2003 RDVs have bad head gasket material (from factory) or over heating causes cooling fluid to be pushed out the gaskets. With less fluid, the head or intake gasket over heats even more and it starts to leak even faster. Or, is it DEX-Cool fluid that "sludges up" and creates over pressure and over heating problems - which creates the gasket leaking problems? I'm sure it will take many lawyers to argue the chicken before the egg or the egg before the chicken thing.

Regardless.... I get the impression that when the engine's "over heat" dummy light comes on, its too late. I'm sure many mechanics call it the "too late - over heat light". With this in mind, has anyone installed an engine temp "dial guage" unit within their RDV? One can leave the factory dummy light "as is" but install a round temp dial guage in the dash - like under the radio area?

Is it worth the time of installing this inexpensive electronic guage in a 2003 FWD RDV? Has anyone done this mod before?

thanks.

intrepidcub

it might be good to have maybe try for a A pillar guage pods i got the GM repair DVD if oyu need any wire colors or tech stuff.

spike99

.

In many previous posts, I read 2003 V6 3.4L head gaskets may need to be re-done. Especially its intake gasket. Someonething about intake gaskets start to leak and it creates an expensive mess. My neighbour had the intake gasket re-done on his 2002 AWD RDV model - that has 150,000 kms. Luckily, our 2003 FWD RDV only has 71K kms (52K miles) on it.

In the old days, I had a 1990 Sunbird car with a 2.0L engine. It ate head gaskets every year. After its second head gasket replacement, my local mechanic told me to install an Aux tranny cooler (and brand new HD RAD) under its hood. Yes, over kill for a 4 cylinder but I did it. This larger RAD and aux tranny cooler kept its engine "a little" cooler and thus, it stopped burning out head gaskets.

With the above solution in mind, should I get my local mechanic to install an Aux Tranny cooler (and maybe even a larger RAD) under the hood of our 2003 FWD RDV as well? We don't plan on using our 2003 RDV for towing but if a $120 Aux tranny cooler will stop it from running hotter and blowing gaskets, then spending $120 now might be worth it. Or if a HD Rad replacement is better, it might be less cost then replacing its gaskets later.

If you have an Aux Tranny Cooler or larger HD Rad on your RDV, did you still need gasket work to be done? Just wondering if an Aux Tranny cooler or larger RAD does make a difference? Is it worth the cost now?

thanks.

.

spike99

.

Within one of your above posts, you mentioned "I got the GM repair DVD - if you need any wire colors or tech stuff.". YES. I would appreciate your help in reducing the install time on my future mod.

In the past, I installed extra Reverse lights on my 2001 AWD Safari van. For that vehicle, I found the wires in its jack storage area, installed a Relay, installed a thick "12V live wire" to its under hood battery, installed a 12V breaker and installed some rear facing "low profile" auto fog lights. When someone puts our Safari in "R" gear, its extra strong reverse lights automatically come on. We live in the dark light country and its extra reverse lights work great.

For a few pictures of this mod on our 2001 Safari van, surf:
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/j_papple/detail?.dir=1815&.dnm=66b2.jpg&.src=ph-
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/j_papple/detail?.dir=1815&.dnm=8fd3.jpg&.src=ph-
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/j_papple/detail?.dir=1815&.dnm=57f7re2.jpg&.src- =ph

For our new 2003 FWD RDV, I want to perform the same "extra reverse light" install. I've got the 12V low profile lights, got the 12V relay and got lots of 12V wires. To save install time, would appreciate if you can provide me the color of the factory reverse light wires from your Tech DVD. My focus is the factory wire colors at its rear roof liner - just before the many wires go into the top of the rear hatch lid. By knowing the color of the factory "R" wire, I don't have to pock every wire (in that area) with a 12V tester.

Many thanks for helping me with this future mod...

.

spike99

.

I haven't checked my 2003 FWD RDV manual or called any of my local automotive stores yet. Thus, please don't laugh if the answer to my question is easy.

In the future, I plan use our new 2003 FWD RDV to pull our 4x6 trailer. My son is disabled and I often use our light weight 4x6 trailer to haul his 3-wheel peddle bike around. Especially for the 1.5 hour drive to our seasonal camp site. I know a Class II or Class III hitch can be installed on my new 2003 FWD RDV. For me, I'd only install a Class II - for our light weight 4x6 trailer. For larger / heavier trailers, I'd use our 2001 AWD Safari van instead. If wondering, I also plan to install the properly sized Aux Tranny cooler (plus 1 size larger) in our 2003 RDV as well.

To install the "most common" 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector, I noticed that a 2003 RDV Vehicle to Trailer T-Connector can be purchased. It looks something like: http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002YH0J8.01-A1PVVMQ30UW2Y0._SS500_SCLZZZ- ZZZZ_V43273164_.jpg

For the 2003 FWD RDV, where would this plug be located in the rear hatch area? I'd like to know the approximate area to reduce my time removing plastic panels or getting frustrated time looking for its "split / connect" T-Connector wiring area.

Many thanks

.

intrepidcub

Light Green would be the wire color I dunno how its routed but it is tapped to the rear park assist module, the rear view mirror, and then the back up lamp relay #45

intrepidcub

spike99

Many thanks for the wiring diagram. I like this picture!!!

Would appreciate if you can give more more info about items 16, 17. 18 and 1. Is there modules at each of these ends, are the open plugs (for a trailer connector) or used for some other reason. Hopefully, your DVD will have a name (or small description) of each of these above items - that are near the rear hatch area.

Many thanks for these details as well...

.

intrepidcub

18----C420 (5 cavities) (V92)
Body wiring harness to the trailer harness, in the left rear of the vehicle, behind the left rear wheelhouse

BLK
Ground

BRN
Park Lamp Supply Voltage

ORN
Battery Positive Voltage

YEL
Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage

DK GRN
Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage
_______________________________________________________

16-----G402 (ground)
Right rear of vehicle under roof
_____________________________________________________
17-----C309 (2 cavities)
Electronic Brake control wiring harness to the left rear wheel speed sensor wiring harness, under the left side of the vehicle, between the fuel tank and right rear wheelhouse

lane2

Does anyone know if there is an in-dash navigation system that will fit a 2004 Rendezvous?

Also, thanks for the posting showing the location of the plug for a trailer adapter.

spike99

Many thanks for stating I need Rear Wire harness #18 and to confirm its wire lead colors. Much appreciated.

Also found the below "Plug to Trailer" harness wire. Sounds like I only need to find #18 plug and buy one of these. re:

http://www.innerauto.com/store/buy.php?make_text=buick&ml=rend-cx-003&model_text- =rendezvous&year=2003&part_name=hitch_wiring_kits&brand_name=hoppy&s=1&my=1

Again, Many thanks.

.

intrepidcub

Factory or aftermarket? the factory one will fit no problem but you will need to get the dealer to program it into the vehicle . there are other forums mainly big GM truck forums that that threads bout this type of thing but since they throw fits if you lead anybody away from these even though the purpose is to help people i cant say the name i believe Nav units P/N 10345735 and P/n 15811289 will work they listed those out of rendezvous. the dealer wont give me an accurate answer I wanna put the name in mine but its an 02 and they claim it wont work i dunno. you need a NON lux or Non Bose head unit. hope this helps

lane2

Appreciate the info. Would like a factory one if it available but I haven't seen one in a Rendezvous. I will check with a dealer and see if I can find out about the numbers you listed. Would be willing to buy an aftermarket one if it fit correctly. Don't want any holes or spaces around it. At present, I have a Dual XNAV3550 portable unit that works great, but I really want one that fits in the dash.

spike99

.

Tonight, I crawled under the rear of my 2003 RDV. Found the #18 wire with its V92 plug under the rear of my vehicle. It appears I just need to remove its end plug (for water protection), plug in a store bought adapter and, "ready to use". Ready to connect to a standard plug on a small untility trailer.

Thanks again for helping out!!!

.

intrepidcub

lane2

Is this a photo of Original equipment or aftermarket nav system? Also, is this a 2007 or ?? Rendezvous. The trim is different from mine. Thanks

intrepidcub

Factory and its an 06 with the black guages and the wood trim. which i recently got for mine WOOOHOOO

lane2

I had not seen the inside of the new Rendezvous. I think it is an improvement over the previous models. If I can find a nav system for mine, then I have to find someone who knows how to install it without messing up the wiring. I saw an aftermarket one listed on the Crutchfield website and it showed that it fit 02-06. They showed 3, from around $950 to $1400. They said that after the radio is removed, it fits, after cutting the radio support bracket. Don't know if I could do the installation. Again, that wood trim looks nice.

intrepidcub

that is a tough call . never heard of the support bracket before. the wiring isnt that bad you have to get a special adapter harness that can go for 120 bucks to keep your chimes and onstar, and another interface to get your wheel controls to work and you will lose your rear audio if you have it, but the factory Nav if it will work requires programming from the dealer its a hassle all together. heres anothe rpic of the factory nav and then one i found somewhere of an aftermarket DVD or at least a DVD not sure if i like how it looks though

lane2

Didn't realize what a hassle it would be along with losing rear audio. Maybe I just need to wait and get a new 2008 with the factory Navigation system. Pictures of the new Buick Enclave look nice and it seems to have all the bells and whistles, but it is pricey. Thanks again for the info.

intrepidcub

don't get me started on the enclave it is suppose to be the SUV that brings Buick up a notch yet they are bringing the outlook and Acadia out well before so when the Buick comes out its going to be old and an obvious copy and why buy a Buick when you can have a GMC or Saturn and not have the stigma of an old mans car . also Buick is changing all their names of the cars and getting rid of the brand recognition. if you see a 20 year old park avenue aren't you going to think they thats been around for years it must be reliable, now its Lucerne what is that. the enclave looks like a cookie cutter SUV compare it to a Hyundai Santa Fe it has the same profile. at least the rendezvous had a unique characteristics. the enclave isn't going to be any better its still built by GM what is funny is if you go to the first pages of these forums everyone is excited bout the Vous when they are going to order it etc now your lucky to find a compliment on it. the same with the enclave. well I'm off my soap box i just read some post on how ugly and what a mistake the Vous and aztek were and it upsets me cause its not their fault its GM and their lack of updating and freshening up and lack of standing behind their product that gave them a bad rep. :shades:

buickrdv02

Hi can you please email me if you fixed your problem with the fan speeds. My 1-3 don't work as well. Thanks.