Buick Rainier Repairs

stever

Got issues with your SUV? Ask other Rainier owners for help here.

ericmn20

I have a 2004 Buick Rainier. The heated seats and memory seats functions have quite working. Do you know where the fuse is located in the fuse box under the driver back seat? I have located the fuse box but don't know which fuse to pull to see if it is bad. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

sandlapper1

I have a 2004 Ranier CXL with passenger lumbar seat. Recently when depressing the control for the lumbar adjustment, we get a clicking sound and no movement (inflation) in the lumbar pad. The GM dealer is stating that the entire assembly ($500) needs to be replaced. Has anyone experienced a similar problem?

jim1966

When my 2004 Rainier sits with the key off the right rear of the vehicle has a noticeable sag. Measurements show that the right rear sits 3/4" lower than the left rear. However I have seen the same thing on some other Rainiers while traveling out on the highway. The dealer claims that there is nothing wrong, but I don't buy it. When he turns the key on the air shocks inflate which improves the sag, but it does not eliminate it. But shouldn't the vehicle sit level when everything is off? The vehicle has been like this since it was purchased new.

mccray

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RANIER AND I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY AC. WHEN I TURN IT ON I GET AIR FROM ALL VENTS EXCEPT THE ONES IN THE FRONT. WOULD I HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE DASH ASSEMBLY TO SEE WHERE THE BLOCKAGE IS OR IS THERE ANOTHER WAY?

stever

You might get some help over in Climate Control Problems (Air Conditioning, Heat) - All Cars too.

terrydvv

I have had an on going problem with lights not working at night . They start out fine but fade until only one white stripe can be seen. Dealer has replaced 3 alternators and 2 batteries with no success. There is some serious problem with electrical. HELP

TV

sam424

HELP! My Rainier is wonderful when I first start her up in the morning. When I leave for lunch, the outside temperature reading says it is 50 degrees (when it's actually around 90) and the air conditioning only blows semi-strong. Not until I get on the highway when I'm leaving work and going around 50 MPH do I hear and feel a strong gush of air, it gets downright cold AND the outside temperature gauge creeps up to the correct temperature!! Have had the sensor and actuator replaced three times!! Dealership is dumbfounded by this as am I!!! Anyone else have this problem???

badgerpaul

My 2006 does the same thing as did my 2003 Trailblazer. In reading the owners manual it's working as designed. If it sits for less than 4 hours and the temperature increases by less than 20 degrees you have to run it at a steady speed for a few miles/minutes for it to recognize that the increase in temperature at the sensor is real and not caused by the sun shining on the vehicle.

dplavchak

Has anyone had to replace their brake rotors yet on 2004 Ranier. I have a 2004 Ranier and I'm told the rotors need replaced. Kind of interesting since their were no indicator (sensors, sualing, etc.) and I'm told it's metal to metal already (59K miles). Is there a known problem that anyone is aware of? I heard prior there was rusting problems with the rotors, etc.

glesnick

:confuse: does anyone know where the oil filter is located in a 2004 buick rainier?

saturn54

Actually 59000 miles is excellent wear for pads. Some suvs and cars that are driven in town a lot wear out in 25000 to 35000 mi. If you are metal to metal a disc brake will make a nasty grinding noise and become grabby. Pulling to the right or left when braking and pulsing are also common. Have your breaks checked when the tires are rotated (every 6000 mi). The life you save may be your own.

sgtsprout

I have a 2004 Buick Rainier and the oil filter is located looking at the vehicle just to the left of the flywheel. From under the oil pan looking up and legs straight out it would be located right of the oil pan. There is enough room to remove it from the oil pan access cover.

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libre1

I bought a 2005 Biuck Rainier 13 months ago, now all of the sudden the milage indicator on the dash board sometimes gets stuck on 60, sometimes even at 90 I have sometimes to knock on it to have it go back to 0, but that doens't works all the time. I took it back to the dealer and after checking it they told me it needs the Instrument Panel Cluster and want almost $600 to replace it. Anybody else is having this king of problem? For what I have read in this forums it seems that the Buick Rainier have a lot of problem and the factory isn't listining. Now they want out an discontinue making it.

bugatti3

We have a 2004 buick with the same problem, we live in the kansas city area and we were quoted $600 to to fix the same problem, we have 56,000 miles now and started having problems at 50,000 miles. Did you mean Buick Rainer's factories want to discontinue this part?

jim1966

We have a 2004 Rainier purchased new. Like some other recent GM speedos on SUV's, mine went haywire also. At first Buick was saying they would not replace for free because it was not a safety issue. Oh come on! I have not had a speedo fail in a car since the 60's! The dealer went to bat for us after we showed them numerous complaints on forums about the speedo cluster. They convinced Buick to replace the cluster at no charge to us even though we were past the warranty. What I wonder is what will they do if it fails again?

kermie

We experience a fair amount of rear sway when the cross winds are strong. My guess is it from the air bags in the back. Anyone else notice this and is there a sway bar available that would help?

Thanks,

Joe

bugatti3

I am now negotiating with the local Buick Dealership where I purchased our Buick Rainer, the dealership informed me that my problem will be discussed with the "higher ups" and that I will be contacted next week as to how much the dealership will pay ( if anything) to have this problem resolved. I also plan to reveal to the dealship the numerous complaints listed on this forum. I am from the Kansas City area, if I do not have any luck maybe the location of the dealership that replaced your cluster will be willing to do the same for me, or should I just demand the same service you received in your part of the country?? Your question wondering what to do if it fails again, will only give us further ammunition and evidence that this particular part is defective and that a recall should be initiated, allowing customer to have on going replacement parts as needed, I bet quality inspection will then make sure the part is "up to standards."

hmiller2

I had the actuator 4.563 replaced as the all-wheel drive was locked in to 4-wheel drive. That evening I noted that I had no low beam headlights. All other lights worked properly. I found no fuses blown. As was expected, when I checked the dirving lights during daylight the next day, they were out also. I wouldn't expect that both lamps would go at the same time. Should I expect that this problem might be related to actuator replacement?

bgp1955

Did you get this fixed I have a similar issue?

hmiller2

Yes, had it repaired this morning. They replaced a Relay 2.485 B, FP Number 15016745, under warranty. Apparently the answer to my question is that there is no relationship to the actuator problem.

bgp1955

15016745 Electrical - Electrical components - Relay - Fan control
Fan control - Fuse block-engine compartment 2004 - 2007, this part is causing the issue with the speedometer indicator to register incorrectly?

hmiller2

I don't follow your post. The relay that I had indicated was replaced to repair my low beam headlight problem.

bgp1955

I was asking if bugatti3 got the speedometer issue fixed

thelma1

Hi I'm in NJ and could you tell me were you found other forums complaint about this problem. I have been looking online for some kind of recall or anyone else with this problem. I should not have to pay for this repair I've never seen anything like this and it should be a recall

bgp1955

I have a guy in Cincinnati who said it is a known problem, the cluster has to be taken apart and a number is on the back of the control module for the speedometer. This work takes 4 days to do because they do not want to drop the cluster, get the # and re-install. Then order the part 2 days then install the part and re-install cluster. His Quote is $385.00 Total Cost @ dealership is $400-$600.

jim1966

There is a GM recall for speedo clusters in Yukon's and similar SUV's. But I don't think the Rainier is included in this (yet). It might take a class action suit before this happens. The more complaints that accumulate will eventually force Buick to do something about it or they will risk alienating customers. See if you can get your dealer to go to bat for you with the Zone Manager (like mine did in Ohio). Try to provide him with copies of complaints that you can find on the web and from this web site so that he has some ammunition. Good luck.

bugatti3

The dealership is suppose to get back with me this monday ot tuesday, the 25 or 26 of Feb, I will let you know what they tell me.

thelma1

Hi I just want to know what did the dealer tell you. I took mine to the dealer and they told me my vehicle is out of warranty and it would cost me $525 to have it repaired, and the extended warranty is seven years of seventy thousand miles. My car is at seventy thousand two hundred and I bought it used in 2005. I had to call the 800 number to speak with someone and they said there going to have a specialist to look into my problem and see if they can help me solve this issue, there suppose to call me tomorrow to let me know what they can do to help me,
can you please let me know what they told you.

bob192

I have a 2004 Ranier bought in November with 35000 miles. As soon as weather turned cold speedo began sticking. I googled it and it seems GM went to a stepper motor based speedometer in some of these higher end models. Its a common problem. The garage has get get some data from the old one and send it with the order so the speedo is calibrated to your car. I'm hoping they do a recall . I wonder what other models are affected. This is an expensive repair due to their design choices. It is a digital speedo that looks like an analog one. Solution in search of a problem IMO.

bob192

I was just at the nhtsa website. there are 5 complaints filed on this problem. I suggest anyone having this issue file a complaint with the NHTSA . stressing the safety issues of driving with no speedometer reading. they want your vin and mileage in the form so you'd need to have it on hand first.

bgp1955

Dealership wants me to bring the car in and have it checked and have them do other service then they can say I am a good customer and the district Mgr. will be asked to pay for the repairs. I already take my Rendezvous there & had the intake manafold gasket replaced, that is a know issue with that engine.

bgp1955

Thanks I just posted my complaint.

jim1966

Hi,
The Ohio dealer went to bat for me probably because I bought the Rainier from them brand new and have had all service work done at their facility. I suppose they don't want to alienate a good customer. Try to assemble as many complaints as you can find on internet regarding speedo failures so dealer has ammunition for Zone Rep. I think recalls were issued by GM for Tahoes, Envoys and some other SUV's. I don't know why they have not included the Rainiers. Could be it's because this vehicle is an orphan so there won't be any repeat customers. But then again if you are mad at the Rainier would you ever consider buying an Enclave? It's been a nice vehicle otherwise. Good luck.

richslums

i have a 2004 rainer with a speedometer issue.
my dealer tould me it would be 100 just to look at it
and god knows how much to fix
anyone got any advice?
i bought it at 39,000 miles
now its about 47,000 miles
still in warranty..

jim1966

If you have a warranty they should fix this for free. There is not much trouble-shooting they have to do; they simply need to replace the whole speedometer cluster. These have been failing on other GM SUV's and there have been recalls for those. Don't know yet why the Rainier has not been included. There have been class action suits started in some states where GM has been uncooperative. Assemble as many complaints as you can find on the internet, print them out and take the whole stack to your dealer. Stand your ground, and good luck.

bgp1955

Hi,
The Ohio dealer went to bat for me probably because I have the Rainier services there & have had service work done at their facility on my Rendezvous. I do not think they want to alienate a good customers. Kerry Automotive Group just bought this Buick Dealership & are quite large in Greater Cincinnati. Try to assemble as many complaints as you can find on internet regarding speedo failures so the dealer has ammunition for Zone Rep. I think recalls were issued by GM for Tahoes, Envoys and some other SUV's. I don't know why they have not included the Rainiers. Could be it's because this vehicle is an orphan so there won't be any repeat customers. But then again if you are mad at the Rainier would you ever consider buying an Enclave or any used car. One last thing... I have 38,500 miles, just a little out of warranty. Good luck.

sprice809

My problem seems so minor compared to the speedo problem others are having, but I have a CD stuck in the CD player of my '04 Rainier. It is a single-CD player. When I try to eject the CD, there are a series of clicks, and then a message on the display says: "CHECK CD." The dealer says that they will have to disassemble the dash and send the Radio/CD off to get it repaired. They didn't quote me a price for their part of the process, but said the bench charge at the repair shop is $200 just to look at it. My question is: is there a website or other option that would have a schematic of the dash so I could try to get the Radio/CD out and fix it myself? I have no idea where to even get started with this. Any help would be appreciated!!

thelma1

Hi I have the same problem with my rainer and I took it to the dealer and they said the speed cluster had to be replaced and it would cost me $575. I didn't have them do it because I wanted to contact buick themself. However they claim the it is no a recall as of yet and they could not help me. Your car is still under warranty and they should fix it with no cost to you and my dealer did not charge me a dime to check the car out and as I said I did not let them fix it. I did contact comsumer affairs and I'm waiting to here back from them. I would go back to them and let them know that your car is still under warranty and you should not have to pay anything.Hope things work out, I'll never by another buick though

hmiller2

The outside driver door handle on my 2006 Rainier is very loose and will not open the door. The interior handle is OK and the locking system is working OK. Only 30,000 miles. Is this a DIY repair? What's involved?

kermie

Should be a warranty repair

hmiller2

Took the SUV into the dealership to make the repair/replacement only to find that the replacement handle is not currently available. Supposedly they placed an order and opened a "SPAC" case on it to ensure that when the part does become available, I am on the top of the list. Only time will tell, as it might take "weeks" to get the part.

jblais

Couples months ago I had an electrical tourble with my gage, the Alternator batetries gage was reduicing down to 5 amp. After a scan at Dealer, It appear that my air pump causing this, so I did change the iar pump, 2 weeks after same trouble, Delear says Buick Rainier has 2 iar pump, and the second one is defective also, itès about 600$ each time - Is someone has a solution for me or did someone experimented this trouble ?

For the second time I had the check engine going on, after scan at Dealer the

kermie

This probally is not related to your air pump problem but I had an electrical problem a couple of weeks ago. Got to the corner from the house and it died and the warning message was something about checking the brake system. Would not start until several tries. I took it straight to the shop, not the dealer it's out of warranty.

To make a long story short it was the ignition switch. Apparently, the Rainier switch sends a voltage to the computer and if the computer is happy it sends the start voltage to the starter. When it would not start it was only getting 2 volts out of the switch. Switch was $38.00, trouble shoot $80.00, and about $100 to install the switch.

Joe

tnixon

I have a 2004 Buick Ranier and it has been nothing but plagued with problems! Right now we are dealing with a transfer case issue. The entire car clunks and shudders when reversing or doing sharp turns. We have replaced all teh tires and drained the fluid build up in the transfer case but it is only slightly better. Is this a manufacturers defect?? Please help.

hmiller2

I had a similar problem with my 2006 Rainier, but it was easily repaired with the replacement of relay. In that I have had experience with full-time four wheel drive, Irecognized that the problem was that the all-wheel drive was apparently locked into 4-wheel drive. Sharp turns and attempting to turn while in reverse on dry pavement, while in 4-wheel drive, results in that which you explain. In my case, the replacement of the relay was covered by warranty. Good luck.

buickviggi

I am interested to find out if your transfer case also let loose and leaked transmission fluid all over the road. I was about 300 miles from home on 7/12/08 and my 2004 Buick Rainier started to have a burning oil smell. I drove home on 7/13/08 at which time I found transfer case oil all over the driveway.I got the car to the dealer on 7/14/08 and he stated that the transfer case was leaking all over the undercarriage and has to be rebuilt , so there it has been sitting, or under repair, for the last 3 days. Good thing for the 5 year extended warranty.Was wondering if you also only had only about 27,000 miles on this luxury Buick all wheel drive vehicle. Your transfer case story scared me , as I am hoping not to have the same miserable experience . Up to this point nothing more then an oil change and preventive maintenance in 4 years. Looks like another GM product which only lasts 4 years . Previously had a Pontiac firebird which had a transmission that lasted about 3 years and had to be rebuilt 3 times.You would think I would learn to stay away from GM products. I will now. Good luck with your transfer case woes.

tomh5

I don't mean to try to make anyone feel stupid, but the real solution to your problem will shock you. The rainier is not a piece of junk that only last four years. It is actually a very well made vehicle. I am a master mechanic and this vehicle is well designed and very durable. As for your problem... PUT AIR IN YOUR TIRES!!! That may sound dumb, but the On Demand Smart Track system is very sensitive and low air pressure (as low as 5 lbs.) will soften the tire enough to make the system sense a slip. This slip will cause the All Wheel Drive System to engage (the clunk you are feeling). I'm not kidding. People bring GM On Demand all wheel drive vehicles in to us all the time and 95% of the time this is the problem. The dealerships will never tell you this, but it is the truth. Try it and see!!!

ickyranier

thanks buickviggi for the info. I will monitor this. I have this problem as well as MANY others. My Rainier also has times when it will not start. It is not often, but it will only click when turning the key. It takes exactly 10 minutes from the first try until it will start. Then it may not do it again for two weeks. My most irritating problem though is with the speedometer. Do you have any recommendations for this?

richslums

I have gage problems. My oil gage and speedometer are acting up!!! The speedometer works when it feels like it and recently my oil gage took the same attitude. I check the oil and its good. At first, the oil gage started normal then when i drove it started to lower to the red area. Could air in my tires fix this?? Or is this a stepper motor issue. I live about 5oo miles from the dealer i bought this from so going there wont be an option. Any suggestions??

hmiller2

RE; Message #50. It appears as if you think that you have to return to the original dealer to get Buick service. Even if it is warranty service you can go to any Buick dealer.