Page 241 of 450

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-7
indicator will change. The
passenger temperature will not be
displayed.
When returning to bi-level, vent,
or floor mode, the previous
temperature settings displays in
place of any change made while in
defrost mode.
Air Conditioning
#(Air Conditioning):Press to
turn the air conditioning (A/C) on
and off. An indicator light comes on
when A/C is on.
The A/C does not work when the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F). If
#is pressed the indicator
flashes three times and turns off to
show that the A/C mode is not
available. If the A/C is on and the
outside temperature drops below a
temperature which is too cool for air
conditioning to be effective, the A/C
indicator turns off to show that the
A/C mode has been canceled. On hot days, open the windows
briefly to let hot inside air escape.
This helps reduce the time it takes
for the interior of the vehicle to
cool down.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
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 comes on when
recirculation is on. When the engine
is turned off, the recirculation mode
automatically turns off and must be
re‐selected when the engine is
turned on again.
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 mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrosting
modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator flashes
three times and turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
While in recirculation mode the
windows can fog when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed.
REAR:
Press to turn the rear
heating and air conditioning on or
off. See Rear Climate Control
System (Rear Climate Control Only)
on page 8‑9 orRear Climate Control
System (Rear Climate with Rear
Seat Audio) on page 8‑10.
Page 242 of 450

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-8 Climate Controls
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
1(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window
defogger stays on for about
10 minutes, before turning off. The
defogger also turns off when the
engine is turned off. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are
clear.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, fog or frost is
cleared from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog
button is pressed.
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.
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the
defrost grille in the middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the solar
heat. Do not cover the solar sensor
or the system will not work properly.
The interior temperature sensor
located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering column,
measures the temperature of the air
inside the vehicle.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor located behind
the front grille. This sensor reads
the outside air temperature and
helps maintain the temperature
inside the vehicle. Any cover on the
front of the vehicle could cause a
false reading in the displayed
temperature.
Page 243 of 450

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-9
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the temperature, fan
speed, and 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.Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate
Control Only)
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console. The system can also be
controlled with the front controls.Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to turn the
rear climate control system on or
off. An indicator comes on when the
rear system is on. The system also
turns on if any of the rear controls
are adjusted.
Mimic Mode:
This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.
Page 244 of 450

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-10 Climate Controls
Independent Mode:This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.
Fan Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turn the
knob to
9to turn the fan off.
Temperature Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the airflow
temperature.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
to the desired mode to change the
airflow direction.
H (Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.
) (Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets,
as well as the overhead outlets.
6 (Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate with Rear
Seat Audio)
A. Fan Control
B. Air Delivery Mode Control
C. Temperature Control
For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console. Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to turn the
rear climate control system on or
off. The system also turns on if any
of the rear controls, except
C, are
pressed. An indicator comes on
when the rear system is on.
The system can also be turned off,
by pressing and holding
C.
Page 245 of 450

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-11
Mimic Mode:This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.
Independent Mode: This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.
DandC(Fan Control): Press the
fan up or down buttons to increase
or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control: Press +
or −to increase or decrease the
air temperature. The temperature
settings will display in
0‐12 increments, going from the
coolest (0) to the warmest (12)
setting.
N(Air Delivery Mode Control):
Press to manually change the
direction of the airflow. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display.
H(Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.
Air Vents
Use the slider switch in the center of
the outlet, to change the direction of
the airflow. Use the thumbwheel
near the outlet to control the amount
of airflow or to shut off the airflow.
Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
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.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Page 246 of 450
Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-12 Climate Controls
.Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
.If fogging reoccurs while in vent
or bi-level modes with mild
temperature throughout the
vehicle, turn on the air
conditioner to reduce windshield
fogging.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen,
and other airborne irritants from
outside air and inside air when in
recirculation mode.To find out what type of replacement
filter to use, see
Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11‑13.
1. Open the glove box.
2. Twist the compartment retainers (A) and pull outward to
remove.
3. Lower the instrument panel compartment assembly (B)
beyond the stops.
Page 247 of 450
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-13
4. If needed, unsnap theinstrument panel compartment
assembly (B) from the
instrument panel. When
reinstalling, be sure the
instrument panel compartment
dampener arm is aligned
properly to the dampener gear
assembly.
5. Squeeze the housing cover (A)
tabs to remove.
6. Remove the old air filter from the passenger compartment air filter
housing (B). 7. Install the new air filter.
8. Replace the housing cover.
9. If removed, reinstall the
instrument panel compartment
assembly.
10. Reinstall the compartment retainers.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Page 248 of 450
Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-14 Climate Controls
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