2005 CADILLAC STS Owners Manual

AUTO will appear on the display next to the fan, mode
indicators, and recirculation indicator if your vehicle
is equipped with the optional air quality sensor.
1. Press the AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting,
generally, between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool any
faster. If you set the system at the warmest
temperature setting, the system will try to
continuously heat the vehicle and will not adjust the
system down as the vehicle warms up.
In cold weather, the system may start at reduced
fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into your
vehicle until warmer air is available. The system will
start out blowing air at the oor but may change
modes, automatically, as the vehicle warms
up to maintain the chosen temperature setting. The
length of time needed for warm up will depend
on the outside temperature and the length of time
that has elapsed since your vehicle was last driven.
3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then adjust the temperature, if
necessary.
You can switch from English to metric units through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Controls
and Displays on page 3-74.The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may notice water dripping underneath
your vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
Manual Operation
yNz(Mode):Pressing the mode switch and
changing the mode cancels automatic operation and
allows the operator to manually select the air delivery
location. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation.
The outboard air outlets will always receive airow
regardless of the mode selected. SeeOutlet Adjustment
on page 3-56to change this airow 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. 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, and a little air directed to the windshield and
side windows.
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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 allows the operator to manually
select the amount of airow. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
If the airow 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 3-58and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
h(Recirculation):This button controls the air
source for the climate control system. If you are in
AUTO mode, pressing this button once will choose
recirculation. This mode keeps outside air from coming
in the vehicle and recirculates the air in the vehicle.
It can be used to prevent outside air and odors
from entering your vehicle or to help cool the air inside
your vehicle more quickly.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode and
will shut off when defog mode is selected. Both of these
features are designed to limit fogging in your vehicle.
If recirculation is selected during defog mode, it will
automatically turn off after 10 minutes to limit problems
with fogging.In some conditions, 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,
select AUTO to return to automatic climate control
operation or push the recirculation button again to select
outside air.
Pressing this button a second time selects outside air.
:(Outside Air):This mode forces the system
to pull air from outside the vehicle. It can be used to
bring fresh air into the vehicle.
Air Quality Sensor:Your vehicle may be equipped
with an optional air quality sensor to help limit the
climate control system from pulling in some harmful
exhaust fumes from older, poorly running or
diesel-equipped vehicles that are driving near you.
This sensor, when active, will monitor the air quality in
front of your vehicle and switch to air recirculation when
poor quality air is detected outside your vehicle. You
can activate the air quality sensor on your vehicle
(if equipped) by pressing the AUTO button on your
climate control. The word AUTO will be shown in
the center of the climate control display under the
outline shape of a vehicle. When the air quality sensor
senses poor quality air, the recirculation graphic will
be shown as long as the sensor senses poor quality air.
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Under some conditions, the air quality sensor system
will not operate. In cold weather, the system may not be
active (even if the AUTO indication is displayed)
because of concerns of fogging your windows, which
may occur by activating recirculation mode. Also, the air
quality sensor system will not remain in recirculation
mode for extended periods of time that could cause
stuffy or very dry conditions in the vehicle. Following a
poorly running vehicle for an extended period of
time may not keep recirculation active indenitely.
The air quality sensor will not activate due to organic
odors, like skunk, and may not activate on many
chemical-related odors. If you wish to limit these types
of odors, you may choose to manually select
recirculation. Your vehicle may also be equipped with
a charcoal lter that can limit many odors from
being pulled into your vehicle. This lter, like your
engines air cleaner lter, will need to be changed
periodically. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
The air quality sensor system does not protect
against carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see
or smell. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-33.
O(Power Driver’s Temperature):Press the power
button located on the driver’s side of the climate control
panel to turn the entire climate control system on or
off. Turn the knob to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
O(Power Passenger’s Temperature):Press the
power button located on the passenger’s side of
the climate control panel to turn the passenger’s climate
control system on if they wish to have a different
setting than the driver. Turn the knob to increase or
decrease the temperature for the front passenger.
Turning the passenger’s side power button off will not
shut off the climate control system for the passenger.
The system will be set to the same setting as the driver.
{(Ventilated Seat):Press this button (if equipped)
to turn on the ventilated seat for the driver’s or
passenger’s side. SeeHeated and Ventilated Seats
on page 1-4.
J(Heated Seat):Press this button (if equipped) to
turn on the heated seat and seatback for the driver’s or
passenger’s side. SeeHeated and Ventilated Seats
on page 1-4.
^(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. To limit fogging on the windshield,
the air conditioning compressor cannot be in off in
defrost mode.
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Sensors
There is a solar sensor located on the instrument panel,
near the windshield.There is also an interior
temperature sensor
located next to 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 may also be activated, as
necessary. Do not cover the sensors or the automatic
climate control system will not work properly.
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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 and oor outlets with some air supplied to the
outboard panel outlets and side window defogging
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 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, remain in
defog or defrost mode until they clear.
0(Defrost):Pressing the defrost button directs most
of the air to the windshield, with some air directed to
the side windows and outboard panel 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.
This mode may also cause the fan speed and air
temperature to increase.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in ON or during remote start, if programmed.
See “Personal Settings Menu” underVehicle
Personalization on page 2-47for additional information.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to
turn the rear window defogger on or off. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the rear window as possible.
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The rear window defogger will turn off about 10 minutes
after the button is pressed, or if the vehicle’s speed
is above 30 mph (48 km/h), the rear defogger will stay
on continuously. If turned on again, the defogger
will only run for about ve minutes before turning off.
The defogger can also be turned off by pressing
the button again or by turning off the engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors will heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defogger button is on.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet to
change the direction of the airow, either side-to-side or
up and down. Use the thumbwheels to open or close
the outlets to adjust the airow.Turn the thumbwheel to the right to open the outlets
completely and allow the maximum amount of air
to enter your vehicle. Turn the thumbwheel to the left to
close the outlets and minimize the amount of air
entering the vehicle.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at
the highest setting, the passenger compartment
air lter may need to be replaced. For more
information, seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-58.
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Rear Climate Control System
Your vehicle has a rear climate control system. The
base model includes air outlets in the rear of the center
console for cooling and under-seat air outlets for
heating. The temperature, quantity, and air delivery
location is controlled automatically by the front climate
control system.
Some vehicles are equipped with an optional climate
control panel for the rear passenger, located on the back
of the center console.
The left knob controls the temperature of the air to the
rear passengers. Turning the knob to the left will
make the air cooler. Turning the knob to the right will
make the air warmer.
The right knob controls the air delivery to the rear
passengers. Turning the knob all the way to the
left will shut off airow to the rear passengers.Operating with the rear air delivery off may make the
entire vehicle warm or cool less quickly. It may also
increase the air rush sound of the front system.
Y(Vent):This mode directs all the rear passenger
airow to the outlets in the console. This is the normal
position for cool down conditions.
\(Bi-Level):This mode directs airow to the console
outlets and the oor.
[(Floor):This mode directs all of the airow to the
oor. This is the normal position for warm up conditions.
The amount of airow to the rear passengers is
controlled automatically by the front climate control
system, regardless of optional equipment. Airow to the
rear system will be turned off when defrost is selected
on the front climate control panel to direct air to clear the
windshield.
Vehicles equipped with a rear climate control panel,
also, have heated rear seats. There are two buttons,
each with three indicator lights, located between the two
climate control knobs on the rear climate control
panel, to control the rear heated seats. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-7for additional information.
Be sure to keep the area under the front seats clear of
any objects so the air in your vehicle can circulate
effectively.
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Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passenger
compartment air lter. There are two types of lters
available. There is a standard dust lter that traps small
particles including pollen. There is, also, a dust/odor
lter available that traps dust and pollen and also uses
a charcoal element to help reduce many offensive
odors from entering your vehicle. Like your vehicle’s
engine air cleaner/lter, it will need to be changed
periodically. For information on how often to change the
passenger compartment air lter, seeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
Notice:Driving without a passenger compartment
air lter in place can cause water and small
particles, like paper and leaves, to be pulled into
your climate control system which may cause
damage to it. Make sure you always replace the old
lter with a new one.The access panel for the passenger compartment air
lter is located under the hood near the windshield,
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location. SeeDoing Your Own Service
Work on page 5-4for information on doing your
own service work.
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