If the battery continues to discharge, even with the
engine idling at a higher rpm setting, some electrical
loads will automatically be reduced. When this occurs,
the rear window defogger may take slightly longer
to clear the glass, the heated seats may not get as warm
as they usually do and the climate control fan may cut
back to a lower speed. For more battery saving
information, see “Battery Saver Active Message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-75.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up
or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-75.
3-39
Automatic Operation
AUTO9(Automatic Fan):When this position is
selected on the fan control, the system adjusts the fan
speed. If the OnStar
®system is activated when this
position is selected, the climate control fan speed
will lower.
AUTO (Automatic Mode):
1. Turn the fan control to the AUTO position.
2. Turn the mode control to the AUTO position.
3. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting
between 68°F (21°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature
setting will not cause the system to heat or cool any
faster. In cold weather, the system will start at
reduced fan speeds to avoid blowing cold air into
the vehicle until warmer air is available. The system
starts 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 to warm the interior depends
on the outside temperature and temperature of
the vehicle.
4. Wait 20 to 30 minutes for the system to stabilize in
order for the system to regulate automatically. Then
adjust the temperature as necessary to nd your
comfort setting.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.
After the vehicle is started, the display will show the
interior temperature settings and the outside
temperature.
If the AUTO position is selected on the fan or mode
control, the system automatically controls the air
conditioning compressor. The A/C compressor will run
automatically even at cool outside temperatures in order
to dehumidify the air. The A/C indicator light is lit
when the system is operating automatically, even at
near freezing outside temperatures. Press the A/C
button on the fan control to turn off the A/C. For
improved window clearing performance in defog or
defrost modes, the A/C compressor runs automatically.
h(AUTO RECIRCULATION):If the AUTO position is
selected on either the fan or mode control, the system
automatically controls the air inlet to supply fresh outside
air or recirculate the interior air to cool the car faster.
The indicator light on the recirculation button will light
whenever the system switches to recirculation. You may
force outside air by pressing the recirculation button when
the light is lit. For vehicles without rear climate controls,
press the outside air button to force outside air. The next
time AUTO fan or mode is selected, the air inlet will reset
back to AUTO operation.
3-43
Manual Operation
9(Fan):Turn the left control knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the fan speed. Turning this
control completely counterclockwise will turn on the
automatic fan operation. Turning this control to the
“O” position will turn the climate control system off.
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. SeePassenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 3-51.
9(Off):Turn the left control knob to this position to
turn the entire climate control system off. Outside air
still enters the vehicle and is directed to the oor.
The air ow direction and temperature can be adjusted,
as indicated below.
If the temperature is adjusted while the system is off,
the display will light to show the current settings.
Mode Control:Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the current air ow mode.
AUTO:Turn the control to this position to turn on
the automatic delivery mode operation.
F(Vent):Turn the control to this mode to direct air to
the instrument panel outlets.
*(Bi-Level):Turn the control to this mode to direct
approximately half of the air to the instrument panel
outlets and 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.
7(Floor):Turn the control to this mode to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to
the side window outlets and the windshield.
If recirculation is selected, it only stays on for
three minutes to reduce windshield fogging.
The mode control can also be used to select the oor/
defog mode. In this mode, the system automatically
uses outside air. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to allow outside
air to come into the vehicle. Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on or off. When the button is pressed,
the indicator light comes on. Pressing the recirculation
button will cancel this mode.
3-44
?(Recirculation):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. An indicator light below the
button comes on to show that this mode is activated.
This mode can be used to prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle or to help cool the air inside
the vehicle more quickly. This mode cannot be selected
while in the defog or defrost modes. If you try to
select the recirculation mode, the indicator light ashes
three times and turns off.
Operation in this mode during periods of high humidity
and cool outside temperatures may result in increased
window fogging. If window fogging is experienced, select
the defrost mode.
wx(Driver’s Temperature Controls):Press these
buttons next to the fan control to manually increase
or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
wx(Passenger’s Temperature Controls):Press
these buttons next to the mode control to manually
increase or decrease the temperature for the front
passenger. If the passenger’s climate control system is
off, pressing one of these buttons turns it on.PASS (Passenger’s Climate Control):Press this
button to turn the passenger’s climate control systems
on or off. When the passenger’s climate control
system is on, the passenger’s temperature setting is
displayed. The temperature selected by the front
passenger also controls the rear system air temperature
unless the rear seat passengers select their own
comfort setting.
If the PASS button is pressed to turn the passenger
temperature setting off, the driver’s temperature
knob will control the temperature for the entire vehicle.
AUX:If your vehicle has a rear climate control
system, press this button to turn the rear climate control
fan on for automatic operation. After the AUX button
is pressed, the indicator light comes on. Press the button
again to turn the auxiliary fan off. SeeRear Climate
Control System on page 3-49.#(Air Conditioning):Press the center of the left
control knob to override the automatic system and turn
the air conditioning system on or off. When in AUTO,
the air conditioning compressor comes on automatically,
as necessary.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water may drip underneath
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
3-45
In order to prevent false temperature readings at
startup, the displayed temperature will not change
until the following occurs:
Vehicle speed is above 10 mph (16 km/h)
for 5 minutes.
Vehicle speed is above 32 mph (51 km/h)
for 2 and a half minutes.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the
air delivery mode. The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The
recirculation mode will also be used as needed to
maintain cool outlet temperatures.
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 oor/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.
W(Floor/Defog):Turn the control to this mode to
direct approximately half of the air to the oor outlets
and the remaining air is directed to the side window
outlets and to the windshield. 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 oor/defog mode.
0(Defrost):Turn the control to this mode to direct
most of the air to the windshield and the side window
outlets. In this mode, the system automatically turns off
recirculation and runs 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.
For professional vehicles, air will be allowed to ow
through the rear outlets. For quicker defrost, press the
AUX button on the front climate control system so
that the light is not lit.
3-47
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-19.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light will
come on when the fog
lamps are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-36for more information.
Lights On Reminder
This light comes on
whenever the parking
lamps are on.
SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-32for more information.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on
whenever you set your
cruise control.
The light will go out when the cruise control is turned
off. SeeCruise Control on page 3-16andAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-19for more information.
3-68
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is
cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt
can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
your upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should
be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause stains
to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.
When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
speci cally designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.Notice:If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on your
vehicle, use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space.
Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety
instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening
your vehicle’s doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.
Your dealer/retailer has a product for cleaning your
vehicle’s glass. Should it become necessary, you can
also obtain a product from your dealer/retailer to remove
odors from your vehicle’s upholstery.
5-90
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key®III+...........................................2-21
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-65
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-64
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-63
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-37
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-32
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-37F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-97
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-13
Flat Tire........................................................5-78
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-79
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-87
Floor Mats.....................................................2-60
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-36
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-68
Footwell Lamps..............................................3-38
Forward Collision Alert (FAC) System................3-10
Front Storage Area.........................................2-59
5