Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a premium mid-size SUV with truck-based capability and a quiet, comfortable ride
Segment:
Mid-size luxury SUV
Platform Sharing:
GM GMT360 platform, shared with Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada and Isuzu Ascender
Key Advantage:
More upscale interior trim and standard V8 availability compared with sibling models
Engine Choice:
Available inline-six or optional 5.3L V8
Comfort Equipment:
Leather seating, dual-zone climate control, premium audio on upper trims
Towing Capability:
Rated for substantial trailer towing when properly equipped
Manual Type:
OEM General Motors owners manual
Coverage Areas:
Operation, safety, instruments and controls, starting and driving, emergency procedures, care, maintenance, technical information
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Compatibility:
Readable and printable on any computer system
Illustrated Table of Contents:
Included
Safety Section:
Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
Instruments and Controls:
Gauges, warning lamps, switches and features
Pre-Driving Checks:
Adjustments and checks before operating the vehicle
Heater and Air Conditioner:
Climate control operation
Audio Systems:
Factory audio system operation
Starting and Driving:
Starting procedures and driving guidance
In Case of Emergency:
Roadside, jump starting, flat tire and towing procedures
Service and Appearance Care:
Care of exterior, interior and surfaces
Maintenance and Do-It-Yourself:
Owner-performed maintenance tasks
Technical and Consumer Information:
Specifications, data and consumer reference details
Index:
Full alphabetical index for quick lookup
Intended User:
Vehicle owner / DIY technician
Procedures Included:
Operating instructions, fluid checks, bulb and fuse replacement, tire changing, scheduled maintenance guidance
Parts Information:
Fluid capacities and specification references in technical information section
Wiring Diagrams:
N/A - not included in an owners manual
Full Service Repair Procedures:
N/A - see a factory service manual for teardown procedures
Maintenance Schedule:
Included
Warning Lamp Explanations:
Included
Child Restraint Guidance:
Included in safety section
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Standard Engine:
4.2L Vortec 4200 inline-six
Performance:
Approximately 275 hp at 6000 rpm, 275 lb-ft of torque
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Optional Engine:
5.3L Vortec 5300 V8
Performance:
Approximately 290 hp
Fuel System:
Sequential fuel injection
Notable Feature:
Displacement-on-demand cylinder deactivation in later applications; standard 4-speed automatic pairing
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A - a single automatic was fitted across the model
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
Features:
Electronically controlled automatic shifting; tow/haul-style operation via powertrain calibration
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113 in (2869 mm)
Length:
Approximately 194.8 in (4948 mm)
Body Style:
5-door mid-size SUV
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,500 lb depending on drivetrain and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult the manual's technical information section for the exact rating for your vehicle
Air Bags:
Dual front supplemental air bags; side-impact air bags available on upper trims
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts with pretensioners; detailed usage guidance in manual
Structure:
Body-on-frame SUV construction
Braking:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available traction control system
Stability:
Available electronic stability control (StabiliTrak)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not stated in the owners manual; see NHTSA/IIHS records for the 2004 model year
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; premium audio with in-dash CD changer available
Optional Audio:
Bose premium sound system on upper trims
OnStar:
GM OnStar telematics system available
Rear Parking Assist:
Available ultrasonic rear park assist
Automatic Climate Control:
Dual-zone electronic climate control available
Memory Seating:
Available driver memory seat and mirror settings
Navigation:
N/A - not offered on the 2004 Rainier
Oil Change:
Follow the Oil Life Monitor indicator or scheduled interval in the maintenance section
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles as recommended in the schedule
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect regularly; replace per maintenance schedule
Spark Plugs:
Replace per long-interval schedule in the manual (approximately 100,000 miles for the 4.2L I6)
Engine Oil:
GM-specified SAE viscosity per manual; 4.2L I6 capacity approximately 7 qt
Coolant:
Dex-Cool long-life coolant
Transmission Fluid:
GM-approved automatic transmission fluid per manual specification
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18-22 gallons depending on configuration
Common Wear Items:
Brakes, tires and suspension bushings are typical wear items for truck-based SUVs
Gauges:
Instrument cluster stepper-motor failures were a known GMT360-era issue
Heating and Cooling:
Inspect hoses and thermostat per schedule
Manufacturer:
General Motors (Buick division)
Model Introduction:
2004 was the Rainier's first model year
Predecessor:
Effectively replaced the Oldsmobile Bravada in GM's lineup after Oldsmobile's closure
Platform:
GMT360 mid-size truck platform shared with TrailBlazer and Envoy
Production Run:
2004 through 2007 model years
Production Location:
Moraine Assembly, Dayton, Ohio, USA
