2002 GMC SONOMA instrument panel

2-64
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System

2-65
The main components of your vehicle's instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Vents
B. Instrument Panel Cluster
C. Electronic Transfer Case Switch (If Equipped)
D. Lamp Controls
E. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped)
F. Brake Release
G. Passenger Air Bag Off Switch (If Equipped)H. Ashtray
I. Comfort Controls
J. Accessory Power Outlets (If Equipped)
K. Heated Outside Rearview Mirror Button
(If Equipped)
L. Audio System
M. Glove Box

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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast you're
going, about how much fuel you've used, and many other things you'll need to know to drive safely and economically.
Base level cluster United States, Canada similar

2-70 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag
modules, the wiring, the passenger air bag suppression
circuit and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº
in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

3-3
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
OFF: This setting turns the system off. Some outside air
will still enter the vehicle whenever the vehicle is
moving forward. If the air entering your vehicle is
warmer than desired, turn the temperature knob fully
counterclockwise and turn the mode knob to vent mode.
(Vent): This setting directs most of the air through
the instrument panel outlets and a small amount through
the floor outlets.
(Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor
outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets.
(Floor): This setting directs most of the air
through the floor outlets and some air through the
windshield defroster outlets.
(Blend): Airflow is divided equally between the
floor outlet and the windshield defroster outlets.
(DEFROST): This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets and some through the
floor outlets.
Optional Climate Control System
Fan Control
The knob on the left side of the climate control system
panel operates the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn
the knob clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it
counterclockwise.

3-4
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
relative temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
area of your vehicle. Turn the knob clockwise toward
the red area for warmer air. Turn the knob
counterclockwise toward the blue area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery and settings for
air conditioning.
OFF: This setting turns the system off. Some outside air
will still enter the vehicle whenever the vehicle is
moving forward.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning): This setting
provides maximum cooling with the least amount of
work. MAX A/C recirculates much of the air inside your
vehicle so it cools quickly. This setting directs most of
the air through the instrument panel vents and a small
amount through the floor vents.A/C (Air Conditioning): This setting cools the air
entering your vehicle and directs most of the air through
the instrument panel vents and a small amount through
the floor vents.
(Bi-Level): This setting cools the air entering your
vehicle and directs it through the heater floor outlets as
well as the instrument panel outlets.
(Vent): This setting directs most of the air through
the instrument panel outlets and a small amount through
the floor outlets. The air conditioning compressor is not
working when the other modes are selected.
(Floor): This setting directs most of the air
through the floor outlets and some air through the
windshield defroster outlets.
(Blend): Airflow is divided equally between the
floor outlet and the windshield defroster outlets.
(Defrost): This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets and some through the
floor outlets.

3-5 Air Conditioning (If Equipped)
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air 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.
For quick cool
-down on very hot days, use MAX A/C
with the temperature knob turned counterclockwise.
This setting should be used to keep odors and/or dust
from entering the vehicle. For normal cooling on hot
days, use A/C with the temperature knob turned
counterclockwise.
On cool but sunny days, use bi
-level to deliver warm
air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets.
If you have the VORTEC 4300 V6 engine, when the air
conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice slight
changes in your vehicle's engine speed and power. This
is normal because the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to keep the desired temperature.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, use the floor outlets with
the temperature knob turned clockwise. Blend is useful
in cool weather when you have fog or ice on the
windshield or side windows.
If you use the optional engine coolant heater before
starting your engine, your heating system will produce
warmer air faster to heat the passenger compartment in
cold weather. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in the Index.

3-6 Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use blend to keep the windshield
and side windows clear.
Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield
quickly in extreme humid or cold conditions. Turn the
temperature knob clockwise and turn the fan control
toward high.
If you have the heated outside mirror feature, you can
use it to defog or defrost your outside mirrors. For more
information, see ªHeated Outside Mirrorsº in the Index.
Ventilation System
Your vehicle's ventilation system supplies outside air to
the inside of your vehicle when it is moving. When the
vehicle is not moving, you can get outside air to flow
through by selecting any mode and any fan speed.
You will find air outlets in the center and on the sides of
your instrument panel.
You can direct the airflow side
-to-side by moving the
thumbwheel located in the center of the vent. The vent
can be tilted up and down also. To control the amount of
airflow through the outlets, move the thumbwheel below
the vent.