Dual Climate Control System
Your vehicle may have a dual climate control system.
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside of your vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, then directs the remaining
air to thefloor outlets. Cooler air is directed to the upper
outlets and warmer air to thefloor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets. Use this mode 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.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see“Defogging and
Defrosting”later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob counterclockwise until it stops to turn
off the fan. The fan must be turned on for the air
conditioning compressor to operate.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on or off. When this mode is on,
outside air will circulate throughout your vehicle. When
this mode is on, an indicator light in the button will
come on to let you know that it is activated. The outside
air mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot
be used with the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):This mode keeps outside air
from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or help
heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
When the button is pressed, an indicator light will
come on. The air-conditioning compressor also comes
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
on. The recirculation mode can be used with vent and
bi-level modes, but it cannot be used withfloor,
defog, defrost or outside air modes.
Temperature Control:Use the driver’s and
passenger’s temperature levers to increase or decrease
the air temperature inside your vehicle.
#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air-conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the coolest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
4. Select A/C.
5. Select the recirculation mode.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate controls system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield
and thefloor outlets. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to thefloor outlets. In this mode, the system
will automatically turn off recirculation and run the
air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation cannot
be selected while in the defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
will come on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
10 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximatelyfive
minutes before turning off. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
Notice:Don’t use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’tbe
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
Your vehicle may have the dual automatic climate
control system. With this system you can control the
heating, cooling and ventilation for your vehicle.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When the driver’s temperature
knob is pressed to select AUTO and the temperature is
set, the system will automatically control the inside
temperature, the air delivery and the fan speed. AUTO
will also appear on the display.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the driver’s temperature knob.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Temperature Control:Use the DRIVER knob to
increase or decrease the air temperature inside your
vehicle. If the front passenger would like the temperature
to be warmer or cooler, use the PASS knob to adjust
the passenger’s temperature.
Air Conditioning:The air-conditioning compressor will
automatically come on when a temperature cooler
than the interior temperature is chosen using the
temperature knobs.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air-conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select the coolest temperature.
4. Select the highest fan speed.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate controls system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
Use the MODE button to select the defog mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield and
thefloor outlets. When you select this mode, the
system turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
Press the defrost button to select defrost.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See“Engine
Exhaust”in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
•Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
•Keep the rear-most windows closed.
•If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See“Climate Controls”in the
Index.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course asa tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction–AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature–A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-108
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-109
Your CDs and DVDs ..................................3-109
Cargo Cover..................................................2-42
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)....................................5-42
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-80
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-80
Cell Phone Storage Area.................................2-38
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-38
Chains, Tires..................................................5-56
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Charging System Indicator Message..................3-46
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Tire Pressure System...................................5-49
Checking Coolant............................................5-20
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems
......................1-76
Chemical Paint Spotting
...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
...............................1-51
Infants and Young Children
...........................1-47
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
..........................1-59Child Restraints (cont.)
Older Children.............................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-63
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-65
Top Strap...................................................1-54
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-56
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-54
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-24
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Video Screen............................................3-110
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Your DVD Player.......................................3-109
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-24
Dual ..........................................................3-27
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-32
Compact Disc Errors
...............................3-71, 3-81
Compact Disc Messages
..................................3-93
Compact Spare Tire
........................................5-77
Compass Variance
..........................................3-54
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2003 - Rendezvous OM
Driving (cont.)
Defensive..................................................... 4-3
Drunken....................................................... 4-4
Environment................................................. 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-40
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-29
Dual Climate Control System............................3-27
DVD
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player..........................3-109
Distortion..................................................3-107
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-93
DVD Messages..............................................3-98
DVD Player....................................................3-96
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-86
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-15
Battery.......................................................5-36
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Compartment Overview................................5-10
Coolant......................................................5-19
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Message..........3-45
Cooling System Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-11
Overheating................................................5-22
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-9
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-14
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-9
Engine Specifications......................................5-93
Entering Programming Mode
....................2-46, 3-57
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen
..........................3-110
Cleaning Your DVD Player
..........................3-109
DVD Distortion
..........................................3-107
Entry Lighting
.................................................3-15
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2003 - Rendezvous OM