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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.
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, or 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 the oor 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.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to
the windshield and the side window outlets, with
some air directed to the oor outlets. In this mode,
the system will automatically turns 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.
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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, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive
safely and economically. The indicator warning lights and gages are explained on the following pages.
United States up-level shown, United States base-level and Canadian similar
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light in the
United States or Check Engine Light in
Canada
Your vehicle has a computer which monitors
operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE
SOON or check engine light comes on to indicate
that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This mayprevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
This system is also designed to assist your service
technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle
with this light on, after awhile, your emission
controls may not work as well, your fuel
economy may not be as good, and your engine
may not run as smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Modi cations made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modi cations to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 354.
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This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A mis re condition has
been detected. A mis re increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possibleIf the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 359.
The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the
light off.
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Did you just drive through a deep puddle of
water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The
condition will usually be corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 356. Poor fuel
quality will cause your engine not to run as
efficiently as designed. You may notice this as
stalling after start-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, mis ring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is
warmed up.) This will be detected by the system
and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order
to help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON or check engine light is
on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that
critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
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This can happen if you have recently replaced your
battery or if your battery has run down. The
diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during normal driving.
This may take several days of routine driving. If you
have done this and your vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness,
your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Fuel Gage
When the indicator nears empty, you still have a
little fuel left, but you should get more soon.If your fuel is low, the warning message in the
message center will come on. SeeLow Fuel
Warning Message on page 232.
Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you
have left when the ignition is on.
Here are four things that some owners ask about.
All these things are normal and do not indicate
that anything is wrong with the fuel gage.
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
It takes a little more (or less) fuel to ll up
than the gage reads. For example, the
gage reads half full, but it took more (or less)
than half of the tank’s capacity to ll it.
The gage pointer may move while cornering,
braking or speeding up.
The gage may not indicate empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Message Center
The message center is located at the top of the
instrument panel cluster in between the tachometer
and speedometer. It gives you important safety
and maintenance facts.
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Low Fuel Warning Message
If your fuel is low, the warning message will come
on and stay on until you add fuel.
If the warning message is still on after adding fuel,
you need to reset the warning message. To
reset the warning message, turn the ignition off
and then back on. If the message stays on,
see your dealer.
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message
If your brake uid is low, the warning message will
come on and stay on until you add brake uid.
The brake system warning light will also be
illuminated.
If this message appears, the brakes need
attention. You should have your vehicle serviced
immediately. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 219andBrakes on page 389.
If the warning message is still on after adding
uid, you may need to reset the warning message.
To reset the warning message, turn the ignition
off and then back on. If the message stays on, see
your dealer right away.
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DIC Controls and Displays
When the ignition is turned to ON or START, the
DIC will display the following:
BUICK:BUICK will be displayed for three
seconds.
DRIVER #:This message will be displayed for
another three seconds after BUICK appears in the
display. The driver number corresponds to the
numbers, 1 or 2, on the back of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters. This display lets
the driver know which driver’s RKE transmitter
is being used and the driver’s customization
features.
The DIC controls are
located to the left of the
steering column on
the instrument panel.The DIC will be in the last mode displayed when
the engine was turned off. To select a different
mode, press MODE. The display will cycle through
its options at each press of MODE.
MODE:This button lets you cycle through the
options on the display.
SET:This button is used to select and set the
options to your preference.
The DIC will always display the compass reading
and the outside temperature. If the temperature
is below 38°F (3°C), the temperature reading will
toggle between displaying the temperature and
the word ICE for two minutes.
AVG ECONOMY (Average Economy):Average
fuel economy is viewed as a long term
approximation of your overall driving conditions.
To learn the average fuel economy from a
new starting point, press and hold the SET button
while the average fuel economy is displayed on
the DIC. The average fuel economy will set
to zero.
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