Page 169 of 448

9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
If the knob is set on “0” (zero), some outside air will
still enter the vehicle and will be directed according to
the position of the mode knob.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and floor and side window outlets. Cooler
air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to
the floor outlets.
[(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets.
Recirculation cannot be selected while in floor mode
because this could cause the interior window to fog.
/(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the floor, windshield,
and side window outlets. When this mode is selected,
the system runs the air conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is near freezing or below.
Recirculation is not available in this mode.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and
side window outlets. When this mode is selected, the
system runs the air conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is near, or below freezing.
Recirculation is not available in this mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light on the button comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on.
The fan control must be on to use the air conditioning.
There might be 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.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light on the button comes
on to show that the recirculation mode is on. This mode
recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle.
4-17
Page 170 of 448

The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor/defog,
defrost, or defogging modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator will flash or not come on.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheel on the outlets to change the
direction of the air flow.
Lift up or push down on the thumbwheel located in the
center of the outlet to direct the air up or down, or
slide the thumbwheel to the left or right to direct the
airflow from side-to-side.
Operation Tips
•
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into the vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors 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 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 might be or there
is a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there might be or there 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
could 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.
4-18
Page 171 of 448
Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going,
about how much fuel has been used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.
United States automatic transmission 2.9L version shown,
Canada, manual transmission, 3.7L and 5.3L similar
4-19
Page 172 of 448

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both miles per
hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running by pressing the trip information stem.
See “Odometer” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4-33for more information.
If the cluster is replaced the new one will automatically
detect and update the vehicle’s accumulated mileage.
Trip Odometer
The vehicle has a trip odometer that indicates how far
the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was
last set to zero.
See “Trip Odometer” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4-33for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
4-20
Page 173 of 448

Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several
seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt,
unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for several
seconds, then flashes for
several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor
the light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
For vehicles equipped with the 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.
The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument
panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and
then flashes 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.
4-21
Page 174 of 448

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 2-64.
The airbag readiness light
flashes for a few seconds
when the engine is started.
If the light does not come
on then, have it fixed
immediately.{WARNING:
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
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
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 4-37for
more information.
4-22
Page 175 of 448

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
If the vehicle has one of the passenger airbag status
indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then the
vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right
front passenger position. The passenger airbag status
indicator is on the instrument panel. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 2-73for important safety
information.
In addition, if the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, the label
on the vehicle’s sun visors refer to “ADVANCED
AIRBAGS”.
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. 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 airbag.If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be
a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-22
for more information, including important safety
information. United States
Canada
4-23
Page 176 of 448

Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-37for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an
up-shift light.
When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 3-23for
more information.
4-24