🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Rainier

Model Years Covered:

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Platform:

GMT360/370

Vin Decode Prefix:

1G (General Motors)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Positioning:

Positioned as a more refined and comfortable alternative to sportier SUVs, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.

Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Unique Selling Points:

Smooth ride quality, upscale interior appointments, powerful inline-six and V8 engine options, and robust towing capability.

Benefit:

Enables DIY repairs, saves money on dealership service, provides expert knowledge for efficient maintenance and troubleshooting.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Overhaul Rebuilding:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Sunroof:

Yes

Timing Belt Replacement:

Yes

Trouble Codes:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Yes

Computer Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts:

Yes

Engine Performance:

Yes

Front End Alignment:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Transmission Removal Installation:

Yes

Air Conditioning Service:

Yes

Transmission In Car Servicing:

Yes

Computer Diagnostic Codes:

Yes

Firing Orders:

Yes

Factory Maintenance Schedules:

Yes

Serpentine Belt Routings:

Yes

U Joint Cv Joint Service:

Yes

Vacuum Diagrams:

Yes

Total Pages:

9000+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (I6, V8), Transmission (4L60-E, 4L70-E), Drivetrain (RWD, AWD)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front: Independent Short-Long Arm; Rear: Solid Axle), Brakes (Front: Disc; Rear: Disc, ABS), Steering (Power Rack and Pinion)

Electrical:

Complete Wiring Diagrams for all systems, Ignition System, Charging System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Control, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM)

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Glass, Sunroof System

Maintenance:

Factory Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid), Filter Replacements, Belt Inspections/Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pinpoint Tests, Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts, Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Servicing/Overhaul, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for all repair tasks.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

Original Adobe PDF, Perfect Quality

Searchability:

Fully Searchable by Keyword

Printable:

Printable (Entire Manual or Selected Pages)

Zoom Capability:

Zoom In/Out on Diagrams and Illustrations

Binding:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Inline 6 Cylinder:

4.2L (4157cc) Vortec Atlas I6 (LL8); 275 hp @ 5600 rpm; 275 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm. Features DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection.

V8 Cylinder:

5.3L (5328cc) Vortec V8 (LM4/LH6); 285-290 hp @ 5200-5300 rpm; 325-330 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm. Features OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, active fuel management (on some models/years), sequential fuel injection.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (4L60-E)

Transmission Type V8:

4-speed automatic (4L70-E - often with enhanced features for V8)

Transmission Features:

Electronic Controls, Tow/Haul mode

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113 inches

Length:

Approx. 192-194 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,600 lbs (with appropriate equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4-star (typically for 2WD and AWD models, verify specific year)

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Generally rated 'Good' in frontal offset tests, but some side impact ratings may vary. Manual would provide detailed specs.

Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak (optional on some models)

Passive Safety:

Front Airbags, Side-Impact Airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), Seatbelt Pretensioners, Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional Bose premium audio system, CD player, available rear-seat entertainment system. Basic infotainment for its era.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear Park Assist (optional), Cruise Control. Limited advanced driver assistance systems by modern standards.

Connectivity Options:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB integration in early models; later models might have limited options. OnStar capability available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil viscosity).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 45,000-60,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations, especially for towing.

Coolant Change:

Initial change at 5 years/100,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter with Dex-Cool coolant.

Engine Oil Type I6:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher) for 4.2L I6. Dexos 1 or equivalent may be acceptable for newer formulations if meeting GM specifications.

Engine Oil Type V8:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher) for 5.3L V8. Dexos 1 or equivalent may be acceptable for newer formulations if meeting GM specifications.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III-H / Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346801 (or equivalent specification) - Orange Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant

Common Problems:

Front hub bearing failure, rear main seal leaks (especially on V8), ignition coil failure, fuel pump issues, differential pinion seal leaks, body control module (BCM) problems, exhaust manifold cracks (common on V8).

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick, founded in 1899, has a long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and a degree of luxury within the American automotive landscape.

Rainier Introduction:

The Buick Rainier was introduced for the 2004 model year as a badge-engineered version of GM's GMT360 platform SUVs, including the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. It aimed to fill a niche for a more comfort-oriented, luxurious SUV in Buick's lineup.

Manufacturing Plant:

Moraine, Ohio (GM's Moraine facility, shared with other GMT360 SUVs)

Discontinuation:

The Buick Rainier was discontinued after the 2007 model year due to GM's restructuring and the phasing out of its truck and SUV lines.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Ratings:

While the Rainier didn't receive major industry awards as a standalone model, it benefited from the positive reception of its platform mates. Its focus on comfort and quiet ride was often noted in reviews.