3-5
Mode Knobs -- Automatic Operation
When the system is set in AUTO mode, sensors will
control the air delivery mode. Air will come primarily
from the floor or instrument panel outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield to prevent fogging.
When the system is in AUTO, the air conditioning light
will turn on, and the recirculation and outside air lights
will turn off. With the system in full automatic control
(both the fan and mode knobs in AUTO), you still
have the ability to override any function. However,
continually overriding the outside air or the air
conditioning compressor will limit the ability of the
system to cool the vehicle quickly.
If you press a button for a function which is not available,
the light next to that button will flash three times to alert
you that it's not available.
To find your comfort zone, start with the 74F (23C)
setting and allow about 20 minutes for the system to
adjust the temperature. Then set the temperature higher
or lower if necessary. The system will maintain the set
temperature.With the automatic mode, the air conditioning compressor
automatically cycles when needed to cool the air. In cold
weather, when the system senses the need for heat, the
airflow will be directed out of the floor outlets. As the
interior temperature approaches a desired setting, the fan
speed will decrease. To maintain interior comfort, the
airflow will adjust between the instrument panel outlets
and floor outlets. On bright sunny days in cool weather,
the airflow may come out of the instrument panel and the
floor outlets to maintain comfort and prevent stuffiness.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the outside air temperature,
engine coolant temperature or the time since the engine
was last started. As the coolant warms up, the fan speed
will gradually increase and air will flow from the floor
outlets, with some airflow to the windshield to prevent
fogging under most normal conditions.
Be careful not to put anything over the solar sensor
located near the center of the instrument panel.
This sensor is used by the automatic system to
regulate temperature.
3-6 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
air inside escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
The A/C mode allows the air coming into your vehicle
to be cooled. This mode is useful for normal cooling
on hot days.
Use A/C with recirculation on to allow the air inside
your vehicle to be recirculated. This mode will help to
maximize your air conditioner's performance and your
vehicle's fuel economy. This mode also cools the air the
fastest and can be used to keep unwanted odors and/or
dust from entering the vehicle.
When using the air conditioner, in manual mode, turn
off the recirculation mode and use the outside air mode
after the vehicle reaches a comfortable interior
temperature. When the right knob on the control panel
is between floor and defrost, the recirculation feature
will not function. This helps reduce window fogging.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger compartment
air filter which filters outside air entering the vehicle.
For information on replacing the filter see ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filterº in the Index.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, when using manual mode,
use the floor or bi
-level mode with the temperature knob
in the red area.
On cold days, approximately 32F (
-0C) or lower,
you may experience differences in how the transmission
shifts until the engine is warm. This feature automatically
reduces the time it takes for the engine to reach normal
operating temperature and shortens the time it takes the
heater to reach full output.
If you use the engine coolant heater before starting
your engine in cold weather, 20F (
-8C) or lower,
the heating system will produce warmer air faster to
heat the passenger compartment.
The use of an engine coolant heater also reduces the
time it takes for the engine to reach normal operating
temperature. For more information, see ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
3-7 Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use defog to keep the windshield
and side windows clear. Use defrost to remove fog or ice
from the windshield in extremely humid or cold conditions.
Use defrost with the temperature knob toward the red area
and the fan knob turned all the way clockwise.
Rear Window Defogger
Do not remove the rear window with the rear defogger on.
You may see a discharge spark coming from the latch area
if you remove the rear window with the rear defogger on.
The lines running across the rear window are the
defogger grid. The lines warm the glass.
To turn on the rear
window defogger,
press this button located
below the mode knob.The rear window defogger will only work if the ignition
is in RUN. For best results, clear the window of as much
snow or ice as possible first.
The defogger will shut itself off after several minutes.
If you need additional warming time, press the button
again. You can turn the defogger off at any time by
pressing the button.
Your vehicle is equipped with heated outside mirrors.
The rear window defogger button will also activate the
heated outside mirrors.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
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.
3-8 Ventilation System
Your vehicle has air outlets
in the center and on the
sides of the instrument
panel. There are also two
outlets located on the back
of the center console for the
rear seat passengers.
You can move the louvers from side
-to-side and
up and down to direct the flow of air. The driver's and
passenger's side outlets can be closed.The two outlets, located on the rear of the center
console, can also be closed. Turn the thumbwheel to the
left to shut off air flow or to the right to allow air flow.
When you close an outlet, it will increase the flow of air
coming out of any outlets that are open. The center
outlet, located on the instrument panel, does not
completely shut off airflow.
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use outside air to direct outside air
through your vehicle.
Your vehicle's ventilation system supplies outside air to
the inside of your vehicle when it is moving. With the
side windows closed, air will flow into the front air inlet
grilles, through the vehicle, and out the air exhaust valves.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running, unless you have the
recirculation mode active. For more information on the
recirculation button, see ªAir Conditioningº earlier in
this section.
3-9
Ventilation 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, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
fan knob all the way to the right for a few moments
before driving. 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.
The use of non
-GM approved hood air deflectors
may adversely affect the performance of the heating
and air conditioning system.
Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all of its controls to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your
audio system even after the ignition is turned off.
See ªRetained Accessory Powerº in the Index.
4-47 Truck Camper Loading Information
Your vehicle was neither designed nor intended to carry
a slide
-in type camper.
NOTICE:
Adding a slide-in camper or similar equipment
to your vehicle can damage it, and the repairs
wouldn't be covered by warranty. Don't install
a slide
-in camper or similar equipment on
your vehicle.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension comes as
a part of the Road Sensing Suspension. See ªRSSº in
the Index for more information.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well as
better handling under a variety of passenger and
loading conditions. An air compressor connected to
the rear shocks will raise or lower the rear of the
vehicle to maintain proper vehicle height. The system
is activated when the ignition key is turned to RUN
and will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for
up to 10 minutes after the ignition key has been turned
to OFF. You may hear the air compressor operating
when the height is being adjusted.
If a weight
-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inflate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
5-9
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service
if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index. If you
want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel cluster. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. In addition, you will
find a LOW COOLANT, CHECK COOLANT TEMP,
ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the message center on the
instrument panel. See ªMessage Centerº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to
a safe place in an emergency. Driving extended miles
(km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
5-19
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan.
When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and
the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high outside temperatures,
the fan speed increases as the clutch more fully engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch
partially disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a
few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a skid and may require the same correction you'd use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.