
Instrument Panel Brightness
The lever for this feature is
located on the overhead
console.
Slide the lever toward the symbol to brighten the lights
or away from it to dim them.
If you slide the lever all the way toward the symbol past
the resistance point, the interior lamps will come on.
To turn them off, slide the lever back toward the
minimum brightness setting.
Entry Lighting
The entry lighting system turns on the reading and
dome lamps and the backlighting to the exterior lamp
control when a door is opened or if you press the remote
keyless entry transmitter unlock button. If activated by
the transmitter, the lighting will remain active for
about 25 seconds. The entry lighting system uses the
light sensor; it must be dark outside in order for the
lamps to turn on. The lamps turn off about 25 seconds
after the last door is closed. They will dim to off if
the ignition key is placed in ON, or immediately
deactivate if the power locks are activated.
Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits dimming of the instrument panel
displays and backlighting during daylight hours when the
key is in the ignition and the headlamps are on. This
feature operates with the light sensor and is fully
automatic. When the light sensor reads darkness outside
and the parking lamps are active, the instrument
panel displays can be adjusted by sliding the instrument
panel brightness lever toward the symbol to brighten
or away from the symbol to dim the lighting.
3-24

Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead
console. These lamps come on automatically when
any door is opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each
lamp to turn it on. Press it again to turn the lamp off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Accessory Power Outlets
With accessory power outlets, you can plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
The front accessory power outlet is located in the
ashtray on the instrument panel below the climate
control system. The outlet will have a cigarette lighter if
your vehicle has this option. Remove the cigarette
lighter to access the outlet.
The rear accessory power outlet is located on the back
of the center console.
The power outlets can be set to be powered all of the
time or to turn off 10 minutes after your vehicle is
shut off. If you desire a change from this setting, see
your dealer for a fuse adjustment.Your vehicle may have a small cap that must be
removed to access the accessory power outlet. If it
does, when not using the outlet be sure to cover it with
the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem see your dealer for additional information
on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
electrical equipment you install.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-25

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.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of
the instrument panel, near the windshield. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
Manual Operation
yNz(Mode):Pressing the mode switch and
changing the mode cancels automatic operation and
places the system in manual mode. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation.
The outboard air outlets will always receive
air ow regardless of the mode selected. SeeOutlet
Adjustment on page 3-31to change this air ow from the
outboard outlets.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
Y(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately half of
the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs most of the remaining air to the oor outlets.
Some air may be directed toward the windshield.
In automatic operation, cooler air is directed to the upper
outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
[(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows), and a little air directed to
the windshield.
The mode switch can also be used to select the defog
mode. Information on defogging and defrosting can
be found later in this section.
yAz(Fan):Press this switch to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Pressing this switch cancels
automatic operation and places the system in manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation.
If the air ow seems low when the fan speed is at
the highest setting, the passenger compartment air lter
may need to be replaced. For more information, see
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-32
andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
h(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 to help
heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
Press this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
The air-conditioning compressor also comes on.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode and will
automatically turn off after 10 minutes when defog is
selected.
3-28

Using recirculation for long periods of time may cause the
air inside your vehicle to become too dry or stuffy. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in your vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
QPWRR(Power/Driver’s Temperature):Press the
PWR button located on the driver’s side of the
climate control panel to turn the entire climate control
system on or off. Press the up or down arrow on
the switch to increase or decrease the temperature
inside your vehicle.
QPWRR(Power/Passenger’s Temperature):Press
the PWR button located on the passenger’s side of
the climate control panel to allow the passenger’s
climate control setting to be different than the driver’s.
Press the up or down arrow on the switch to increase or
decrease the temperature for the front passenger.
A/C OFF (Air Conditioning):Press this button to
manually turn off the air conditioning compressor. Press
AUTO to return to automatic operation or press the
A/C OFF button again.
Sensors
There is a solar sensor located on the instrument panel,
near the windshield.
3-29

There is also an interior
temperature sensor
located to the right of the
steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
These sensors monitor the solar radiation and the air
inside your vehicle, then use the information to maintain
the selected temperature by initiating needed
adjustments to the temperature, the fan speed and the
air delivery system. The system may also supply
cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The
recirculation mode will also be activated, as necessary.
Do not cover the sensors or the automatic climate
control system will not work properly.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 control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog 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.
yNz(Mode):Press this button until defog appears
on the display.
-(Defog):This mode directs the air between the
windshield, oor outlets and side windows. 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 is cancelled when you enter defog
mode. If you select recirculation while in defog mode, it
will be cancelled after 10 minutes.
If you have fogging on the side windows, turn the
thumbwheel on the outboard outlets to the side window
defog position. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31
for more information.
3-30

Instrument Panel Cluster
The 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, how much fuel you’re using and many of the other things you’ll need to know to drive safely
and economically.
CTS (United States version shown, Canada similar)
3-35

Engine Speed Limiter
This feature prevents the engine from operating at too
many revolutions per minute (rpm). When the engine’s
rpms are too high, the throttle is closed to reduce
speed. If this is not sufficient, then the fuel supply to the
engine will be limited. When the rpms return to
normal, the fuel supply will return to normal. This helps
prevent damage to the engine.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds, then it
will ash for several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-50.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
3-38

AF (Alternate Frequency):This menu item allows you
to turn the AF feature on and off. To turn on AF,
press the TUNE/SEL knob once. When AF is on,
an X will be in the box next to AF on the menu.
The X disappears when AF is off.
See “Activating Program Type (PTY) Stations
(RDS and XM™)” underRadio with CD on page 3-89
for more information.
SEEK LOCAL/DISTANT:This feature instructs the
audio system to seek only local radio stations with the
strongest signal or to seek all radio stations with a strong
signal in a large area. Use LOCAL when you are in urban
areas where there are several strong radio station signals
and you want to limit the number of stations to those with
the strongest signals only. Use DISTANT when you are in
rural areas where there are fewer radio station signals
available.
To switch between LOCAL and DISTANT, press the
TUNE/SEL knob. Your choice will be set when you press
BACK and return to the main menu.
9(English/Metric Units):Use this menu item to
adjust the measurement units.
You can choose between ENGLISH UNITS and
METRIC UNITS. To switch between the two, press the
TUNE/SEL knob. Once your choice is displayed,
turn the knob to set your choice and continue scrolling
through the main menu.The measurement units that you choose will be re ected
on all the vehicle system displays, not just the DIC
information. For example, the climate control panel will
display degrees Celsius if you choose METRIC UNITS.
TCS (Traction Control System):You can enable or
disable the traction control system using this menu item.
Press the TUNE/SEL knob to switch between on and off.
You can also turn the traction control system off
using the traction control button located in the glove box,
or by programming one of the steering wheel
controls (1, 2, 3 or 4) or audio system softkeys to
enable/disable the TCS. SeeRecon gurable Steering
Wheel Controls (SWC) (CTS) on page 3-7and
“Con gurable Radio Display Keys” underRadio with CD
on page 3-89for more information.
When you disable the traction control system, the
Traction Suspended message will appear on the DIC and
the traction control system warning light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-65andTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-43for more information.
8(Clock):Use this menu item to set the time on
the clock.
SeeSetting the Time on page 3-88for more information.
3-64