2000 CHEVROLET VENTURE heater

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-7 Keyless Entry System (Option)
2
-14 Multifunction Alarm Locks and
Lighting Choices
2
-24 Sliding Door
2
-26 Power Sliding Door (Option)
2
-32 Liftgate
2
-33 Theft
2
-34 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-36 PASS-Key
III
2
-38 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-38 Ignition Positions
2
-40 Starting Your Engine
2
-41 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-42 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-47 Parking Brake
2
-48 Shifting Into PARK (P)2
-50 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-51 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-51 Engine Exhaust
2
-52 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-53 Windows
2
-55 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-62 Exterior Lamps
2
-63 Interior Lamps
2
-68 Storage Compartments
2
-79 Accessory Inflator System (Option)
2
-82 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-83 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-84 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-88 Warning Lights, Gages, Messages
and Indicators
2
-96 Message Center
2
-102 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

2-41
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed,
see the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0
F (-18
C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

2-42 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you're in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.

3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you.
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it clockwise (toward
the red area) for warmer air. Turn it counterclockwise
(toward the blue area) for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob is used to select and determine the
direction of the air flowing into the vehicle.
UPPER: This setting directs outside air through
the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs outside air into
your vehicle in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward
your upper body through the front instrument panel
outlets, while warmed air is directed through the heater
ducts at your feet.
LOWER: This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. This setting is also used to send
air to the rear of the vehicle. Keep the area under the
front seats free of objects that could obstruct airflow to
the rear of the vehicle.

3-4
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle's engine compartment when it is idling or
after it has been turned off. This is normal.
Heating
Turn the temperature knob clockwise (toward the red
area) to warm the air.
In the LOWER setting, outside air will be brought in
and sent through the floor outlets. The heater works best
if you keep your windows closed while using it.
The BI
-LEVEL setting is designed for use on sunny
days when the air is only moderately warm or cool.
On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your
upper body, but your lower body may not be warm
enough. For the best results, turn the temperature
control knob to the middle position, and then adjust it
for comfort.If you have the optional engine coolant heater and use it
during cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or lower, your heating
system will provide heat more quickly because the
engine coolant is already warmed. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
To rapidly defrost the windshield, turn the temperature
control knob all the way clockwise (to the red area) and
turn the mode knob to DEFROST. Adjust the fan to the
highest speed.
To keep the windshield clear and bring in heated air
through the heater ducts, turn the mode knob
to DEFOG.
When the temperature outside is above freezing, the air
conditioner compressor will run in these settings to help
remove moisture from the air.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents located on the top of the instrument panel. For
additional side window defogging, turn the mode knob
to the BI
-LEVEL setting and adjust the fan to the
highest speed. Aim the side vents on the instrument
panel toward the side windows. For increased airflow to
the side vents, close the center vents.

3-7
Turn the temperature knob counterclockwise (to the blue
area) for cooler air, or clockwise (to the red area) for
warmer air.
To maintain a comfortable temperature in the rear, use
either rear fan control to adjust the force of air coming
through the rear outlets.
Select the desired climate control mode using the
directional controls on the instrument panel (see ªMode
Knobº earlier in this section). The mode you choose will
regulate both the front and rear climate control systems.Rear Air Vents
To maximize airflow through the rear heater outlet, place
the left bucket seat in the second row in the forward
position (see ªAdjusting Rear Seatsº in the Index).
The vent behind the left rear seat is the cold air return
vent. Be sure to keep it free of obstructions.
Keep the area around the base of the center instrument
panel console, between and under, the front seats free of
objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear.

3-8 Ventilation System
Your vehicle's flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the fan is running.
Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the
direction and amount of airflow inside the vehicle. Push
the outlet up or down to direct the airflow to your
preference. Increase or reduce the amount of airflow by
opening and closing the louvers. Opening and closing
the louvers will also direct airflow from side to side.
The air
-flow through the vents can be shut off
completely by turning the thumbwheel next to each
outlet all the way down. You can also stop outside air
from entering by turning the fan to OFF and pushing the
RECIRCULATION button.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). This will
allow the heater and defroster to work much better,
reducing the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
fan knob to ª5º, the highest setting, 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 area around the base of the center
instrument panel console and the air path under the
front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate
throughout your vehicle.

In cold weather, operating the system in the
OUTSIDE AIR mode will improve the time it takes
to warm the vehicle.

4-29
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
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 headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.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.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground will damage drivetrain components.