I’
Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
w Climate Control System
With this system, you can control the
ventilation and heating
in your vehicle.
Your vehicle also has the flow-through
ventilation system described later
in this
section.
. . . 102
# : The left control knob sets the fan
speed. To select the force of air you want,
turn the knob. The fan is always running
unless the mode control is moved to
OFF.
Temperature Control: The center
control regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.
Mode Control: The right control knob
:hanges the functions of your system.
’(rr (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny
days. This setting brings
in the outside ai
but directs it
in two ways. The cool air is
directed to the upper portion
of your bod
through the instrument panel outlets, but
slightly warmer air is directed through th
heater ducts and defroster vents. At time:
this temperature difference may be more
apparent than others.
(rr (Vent): Use when outside
temperatures are mild, and little heating
or cooling
is needed. Air flow is through
the instrument panel outlets. Set the
center control knob to the temperature
desired.
A.
A.
p(rr (Heater): This setting directs air
ihrough the heater ducts toward your feet
and the floor, and some through the
windshield defroster vents.
[f you have the optional engine coolant
heater (engine block heater) and use it
during cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
lower, your heating system
will more
quickly provide heat because the engine
coolant is already warm.ed. See “Engine
Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)’’
in the Index.
%?a FrJ (Blend): This setting divides air flow
equally between the heater ducts and the
windshield defroster vents.
(Defrost): This setting directs most
air through the windshield defroster vents,
and some through the heater ducts.
Defogging Windows
To defog the windshield, turn all three
control knobs to the far right.
ProCarManuals.com
Air Conditioning
System (OPTION)
The air conditioner and heater work best
if you keep your windaws closed while
using them. Your vehicle also has the
flow-through ventilation system
described later
in this section.
% : The left control knob sets the fan
speed. To select the force of air you want,
turn the knob. The fan is always running
unless the mode control is moved to
OFF.
Temperature Control: The center
control regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.
Mode Control: The right knob changes
the functions of your system.
A.ir Conditioning
Your system has three air conditioner
settings. Before using your air conditioner
on
very hot days, open the windows long
enough to let hot inside air escape. This
reduces the amount of work your air
conditioner’s compressor will have to do,
which should help fuel economy.
MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This
setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle
SO it maximizes your air
conditioner’s performance and your
vehicle’s fuel economy. The air
is directed
out through the instrument panel vents.
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days.
This setting cools outside air and directs
it
through the instrument panel outlets.
he
lH (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny
days. This setting brings
in the outside air,
but directs
it in two ways. The cool air is
directed to the upper portion of your body
through the instrument panel outlets, but
slightly warmer air is directed through the
heater ducts and defroster vents. At times
this temperature difference may be more
apparent than others.
The air conditioner compressor operates
in five air conditioning positions when the
outside temperature is higher than about
40°F (4.5”C).
The five positions for air conditioniqg are
MAX (Maximum), NORM (Normal.), B/L
(Bi-Level), ;j’ VENT and
%@ (Defrost). .. ._.
1. . ;>. w >%:
Ventilation
Use when outside temperatures are mild,
and little heating or cooling
is needed.
Turn the right knob toH (Vent). Air
flow is directed through the instrument
panel outlets. Set the center knob to the
temperature desired.
i.
IOS...
ProCarManuals.com
Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
I Heating
Turning the right control knob to
(Heater) and the center control knob
clockwise
will send heated air through the
heater ducts toward your feet and the
floor, and some through the defroster
vents.
I ;j’ (Vent) and wo (Heater) are
economical positions because the air
conditioner compressor doesn’t
run in
these two settings. This reduces engine
load, resulting
in improved fuel economy.
If either setting fails to keep you
comfortable, or causes your windows to
fog up, turn
the right control knob to one
of the air conditioning positions, or to
%-$ (Defrost).
If you have the optional engine coolant
heater (engine block heater) and use
it
during cold weather, 0” F (- 18 O C) or
lower, your heating system
will more
quickly provide heat because the engine
coolant is already warmed. See “Engine
Coolant Heater” (Engine Block Heater)
the Index.
%?a pjd (Blend): This setting,divides air flow
Zqually between the heater ducts and the
windshield defroster vents.
Defrosting
Thew (Defrost) setting directs most air
through the defroster vents, and some
through the heater ducts.
Defogging Windows with
Air Conditioning System
To defog the windshield, turn all three
control knobs to the far right.
To defog the side windows, turn the right
control knob to pi (Bi-Level) and the
fan control knob to HIGH. Aim the side
vents toward the side windows. For
increased air flow to the side vents, close
the center vents.
A0
. . . IO4
ProCarManuals.com
1
1
tl
a
f
U
0
Y
('
C
0
tl
'OPTION)
The rear window defogger uses a
varming grid to remove fog from the rear
vindow. Press the defogger switch. The
ndicator light
will glow. If your vehicle is
raveling under
45 mph (70 km/h), the
ear window defogger will turn off
utomatically after about
10 minutes of
lse. If
you press the switch again after the
irst cycle is over, the defogger
will come
In for additional 5 minutes each time. If
'our vehicle is traveling over
45 mph
70 km/h), the defogger will operate
ontinuously.
You can turn the defogger
iff by turning off the ignition or pressing
?e switch again.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle licenst
across the defogger grid on the rear
window.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or
something else sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If
you do, you
could cut or damage the warming
grid, and the repairs wouldn't be
covered by your warranty.
Flow-Through Ventilation
System
Your Pontiac's flow-through ventilation
system supplies outside air into the
vehicle when
it is moving. Outside air
will also enter the vehicle when the heater
or the air conditioning fan is running.
105...
ProCarManuals.com
Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
:/ow-Through Ventilation
;ystem
(CONK)
entilation Tips
Keep the hood and front air inlet free
of ice, snow, or any other obstruction
(such as leaves). The heater and
defroster
will work far better, reducin
the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather,
turn the fan control knob to
HIGH for a few moments before
driving off. This helps clear the intake
ducts of snow and moisture, and
reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats
clear of objects. This helps air to
circulate throughout your vehicle.
Audio Systems
The following pages describe the audio
systems available for your Pontiac, and
how to get the best performance from
them. Please read about the system
in
your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com
At the entrance there is usually a ramp
that leads to the freeway. If you have a
clear view of the freeway as you drive
along
the entrance ramp, you should
begin to check traffic. Try to determine
where you expect
to blend with the flow.
Try to merge into the gap at close
to the
prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance
over your shoulder as often as necessary.
Try to blend smoothly with the traffic
flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your
speed to the posted limit or to the
prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the
right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your
mirrors. Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance
quickly over your shoulder to make sure
there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind”
spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway,
make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway,
move to the proper lane well
in advance.
If you-miss your exit do not; under any
circumstances, stop and back
up. Drive on
to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your
speedometer, not to your sense of motion.
After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a
Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well
rested. If
you must start when you’re not
fresh
-- such as after a day’s work --
don’t plan to make too many miles that
first part of the journey. Wear comfortable
clothing and shoes you can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If
you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s
ready to go. If it needs service, have it
done before starting out. .Of course, you’ll
find experienced and able service experts
in Pontiac dealerships all across North
America. They’ll be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the
reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good
shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil. Other Fluids: Have
you checked all levels?
Lights:’
Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a
safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance
driving?
Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the
weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
133...
ProCarManuals.com
Your Driving and the Road
If You’re Caught in a
Blizzard (CONT.)
you. If you have no blankets or extra
clothing, make body insulators from
newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
floor mats
-- anything you can wrap around yourself
or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but
be careful. Run your engine only as long as you
must. This saves fuel. When you run the
engine, make
it go a little faster than just
idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.
This uses less fuel for the heat that you
get and it keeps the battery charged. You
will need a well-charged battery to restart
the vehicle, and possibly for signaling
later on with your headlights.
Let the
heater run for awhile.
Then, shut the engine off and close the
window almost all the way to preserve the
heat. Start the engine again and repeat this
only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you
can.
To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous
exercises every half hour or
so until help
comes.
.. 138
ProCarManuals.com
If No Steam 1s Coming
From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when you:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
0 Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
[f you get the overheat warning with no
sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it
off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the
highest fan speed and open the
window as necessary.
3. Try to keep your engine under load (in
a drive gear where the engine runs
slower).
If you no longer have the overheat
warning,
you can drive. Just to be safe,
drive slower for about ten minutes.
If the
warning doesn't come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.
[f there's still no sign of steam, you can
idle the engine for two or three minutes
while you're parked, to see
if the warning
stops. But then, if you still have the
warning, TURN
OFF THE ENGINE
4ND GET EVERYONE OUT
OF THE
VEHICLE until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to
get service help right away.
Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood,
here's what you'll see:
(A) Coolant surge tank with pressure cap
(B) Electric engine fan ii" , I .. i I. i. 4:. .;I'
.r': 5.
157...
ProCarManuals.com