Operation
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if vehicle has one, to provide
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant the engine uses that provides
heat to warm the inside of the vehicle. For more
information, seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-25.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan must
be on to run the air-conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the current air ow mode.
Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air will be directed toward
the side windows.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and oor
outlets, with some air directed to the side windows. When
this mode is selected, the system automatically turns off
recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The air-conditioning compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning indicator light
turns off when defog is selected. If the air-conditioning
button is pressed while in defog mode, the indicator light
will turn on. If the button is pressed again, the light will
turn off. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode quickly clears the windshield
of fog or frost. Air is directed to the windshield with some
air directed to the oor vents. In this mode, outside air is
pulled into the vehicle. The air-conditioning compressor
will not run unless the outside temperature is at or below
freezing. The air-conditioning compressor operates
although the indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning
indicator light turns off when defrost is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed while in defrost mode,
the indicator light turns on. If the button is pressed again,
the light turns off. Recirculation cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
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Do not to cover the sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on the intensity of
the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower right
side of the climate control faceplate, as this regulates
the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends
on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan
knob overrides this delay and changes the fan to
the selected speed.
Manual Operation
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still
enters the vehicle. The air ow direction and temperature
can be adjusted.
x/wTemperature Control:Press the arrows to
increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the air ow
in the vehicle.Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. The system automatically controls
the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode.
If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the
air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the
compressor is turned off while in this mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press turn the air conditioning
on and off. An indicator light turns on to show the air
conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode, the
system runs the air conditioning automatically to cool and
dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
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On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed for
the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm air
to the oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.
To warm or cool the air delivered, press the temperature
buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidi es the air
inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system
maximizes its performance by using recirculation as
necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation
of the automatic system, use oor mode to deliver air
to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
press
xorwto the desired temperature setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
press
xorwto adjust the temperature.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show it is on. Air from
outside the vehicle will circulate throughout the vehicle.
The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing this
button cancels the recirculation mode.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light above the button comes on to
show it is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you
try to use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot
function.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with the oor,
defrost, or defog modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator ashes three times and turns
off to indicate that this is not allowed. This is to prevent
window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time can cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help
dehumidify the air.
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Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the rear
window defogger is on.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the
button again.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
For vehicles with heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-37.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with remote start, when it is activated the
climate control system heats and cools the inside of the
vehicle using the previous system settings before the
vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will
remain active during a remote start. However, the climate
control buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned
on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate control system
will not operate during remote start.
With the automatic climate control system, the
climate control displays “RS” in place of the temperature
to indicate that remote start is activated. For best
performance, turn both the fan and mode knobs to AUTO.
If the temperature is cold enough and the mode knob is
set to AUTO, the system begins in defrost to clear the
windows. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
Outlet Adjustment
There are four main air outlets on the instrument panel.
Move the lever located in the center of each outlet
side-to-side or up and down, to change the direction and
amount of air ow in the vehicle. The center thumbwheel
does not control the main outlets.
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Rear Seat Air Outlet
For vehicles with this feature, the rear seat air outlet is
located in the center of the instrument panel above
the two main center outlets.
Use the thumbwheel in the center of the outlet to turn
the air ow on or off.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Do not use non-GM approved hood de ectors as
they could adversely affect the performance of
the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on brie y when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows fast the vehicle is going, how
much fuel the vehicle has used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.
United States version shown, Canada Similar
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Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger
to buckle their safety belt. This only occurs if the
passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-65for more information. The
passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument
panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and
then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning light and
chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such
as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on page 1-56.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is started.
If the light does not come
on then, have it xed
immediately.
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{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
in ate in a crash, or they could even in ate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-45
for more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65for important
safety information. The instrument panel has a
passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and
off, for several seconds as a system check. If you are
using remote start to start the vehicle from a distance, if
equipped, you may not see the system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator will light either
ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know
the status of the right front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbags.United States
Canada
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