Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-30.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-27.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-27.
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Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-7
Headlamps..................................................4-10
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-10
Headlamps Off in Park..................................4-10
Delayed Headlamps......................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-11
Fog Lamps ..................................................4-12
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-13
Dome Lamps ...............................................4-13
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................4-13
Parade Dimming...........................................4-13
Reading Lamps............................................4-13Electric Power Management...........................4-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-14
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Automatic Climate Control System...................4-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-26
Trip Odometer..............................................4-26
Tachometer................................................
.4-26
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................4-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-29
Charging System Light..................................4-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-31
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light........................................................4-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......4-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-33
Section 4 Instrument Panel
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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 bring the charge back up.
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 are on, such as: 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 increaseengine 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, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW
BATTERY. 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 4-42.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The battery run-down feature is designed to protect the
vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or dome
lamp) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system automatically shuts
the lamp off after 20 minutes. This prevents draining
of the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
•Open any door.
•Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
button.
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Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation
C. Temperature
Control
D. Outside AirE. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
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 3-22.
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 airflow 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 floor outlets. Some air will be directed toward
the side windows.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets with
some air directed to the windshield and side window
outlets.
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-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor
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 floor 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.To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select
0.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show it is on.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned off
is normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
air conditioning system operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
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Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that 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. Press
:to cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show that it 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. 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 outside air mode. When
switching to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside
air. When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on,
the system defaults to outside air automatically.
Only use recirculation mode when it is needed for
comfort, since window fogging can occur.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven minutes before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by turning off the engine.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 3-34.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
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Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control knobs to
activate the automatic system. When automatic
operation is active the system controls the inside
temperature and air delivery.
To place the system in automatic mode do the following:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the
AUTO position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet
may automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate.
Press
worxto adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If the temperature is set at 60°F
(15°C) the system remains at the maximum cooling
setting. If the temperature is set at 90°F (32°C)
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting does not
cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.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 airflow 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 airflow
in the vehicle.
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Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the flow of air into the vehicle.
•Do not use non-GM approved hood deflectors 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 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.
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