GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.


Object Number: 2044178  Size: B2
  1. Display

  2. Fan Control

  3. Power

  4. AUTO

  5. PASS (Passenger Climate Control)

  6. Defrost

  7. Air Delivery Mode Control

  8. Temperature Control and Heated Seat

  9. Air Conditioning

  10. Recirculation/Outside Air

  11. Heated Windshield Washer

  12. Rear Window Defogger

Automatic Operation

AUTO (Automatic): The system automatically controls fan speed, air delivery, and air conditioning in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air delivery mode or fan setting is manually adjusted, the auto indicator turns off and displays will show the selected settings.

  1. Press the AUTO button.
  2. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C).
  3. Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature setting will not cause the system to heat or cool any faster. If the system is set at the warmest temperature setting, it remains in manual mode at that temperature and it will not go into automatic mode.

    To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system delays turning on the fan until warm air is available. The system starts out blowing air at the floor, but can automatically change modes as the vehicle warms up to maintain the chosen temperature setting. The length of time needed for warm up depends on the outside temperature and the length of time that has elapsed since the vehicle was last driven.

  4. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from 10 to 30 minutes. Then adjust the temperature, if necessary.

English can be changed to metric units through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Vehicle Customization.

/ (Temperature Control): The temperature can be adjusted separately for the driver and the passenger. Press to increase or decrease the automatic temperature settings.

PASS (Passenger Climate Control): Press to set a different temperature for the passenger. Then adjust the passenger temperature buttons to a comfortable setting. Pressing the PASS button again automatically sets the passenger's temperature to the driver's setting. Turning the passenger's temperature display off does not shut the passenger's climate control system off.

Manual Operation

(Power): Press to turn the climate control system on or off. When the climate control system is turned off the air inlet defaults to outside air.

(Fan Control): Press the buttons to increase or decrease the fan speed. Pressing either button cancels automatic operation and the system goes into manual mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. The blower may reduce during an Onstar® session to limit background noise. If the airflow seems low when the fan speed is at the highest setting, the passenger compartment air filter might need to be replaced. For more information, see Passenger Compartment Air Filter and Scheduled Maintenance.

(Air Delivery Mode Control): Press the buttons to change the direction of the airflow. The current mode appears in the display screen. Changing the mode cancels the automatic operation and the system goes into manual mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. The outboard air outlets always receive some airflow in every mode, except defrost. To change the current mode, select one of the following:

(Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.

(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets. In automatic operation, cooler air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some air directed to the windshield and outboard outlets.

(Defog): This mode clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, floor and side window outlets. When this mode is selected, the system turns off recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing. If recirculation is selected while in defog mode, it is cancelled after 10 minutes.

(Defrost): This mode clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield, with some air directed to the side windows. In this mode, the system automatically turns off recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing. This mode can also cause the fan speed and air temperature to increase.

(Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning system on or off and override the automatic system. When in AUTO, the air conditioning compressor comes on automatically, as needed. 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/Outside Air): Press this button to switch between recirculation and outside air modes. The indicator light comes on to show which mode is being used. The recirculation 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. Press the auto button to have the system select the best air delivery mode for the temperature setting. Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode and automatically turns off 10 minutes after defog is selected. This helps to limit window fogging in the vehicle. Using recirculation for long periods of time could cause the air inside the vehicle to become too dry or stuffy. To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle has cooled, select outside air or press the auto button. The outside air mode pulls fresh air from outside the vehicle. Outside air is always selected in defrost mode to prevent fogging.

Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog or frost from the rear window. It only works when the ignition is in ON/RUN.

(Rear Window Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off.

The rear window defogger stays on for about 15 minutes, before turning off if the vehicle is moving at a slower speed. At higher speeds, the rear window defogger may stay on continuously. With each additional press, the defogger runs for about 10 minutes. The defogger can also be turned off by turning off the engine.

The heated outside rearview mirrors turn on when the rear window defogger button is on and helps to clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror. See Outside Heated Mirrors.

Notice: Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the front windshield and rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear window defogger grid and affect your radio's ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.

Heated and Ventilated Seats: Press to heat or ventilate the seat. See Heated and Ventilated Seats.

(Heated Windshield Washer, If Equipped): For more information, see Windshield Washer.

Remote Start Climate Control Operation: For vehicles with remote vehicle start feature and it is activated, the climate control system heats and cools the inside of the vehicle using the previous settings of the system before the vehicle was turned off. See Remote Vehicle Start. The windshield defroster and/or rear window defogger turn on if it is cold outside. If the vehicle has heated seats, they turn on if the temperature inside the vehicle is cooler than 54°F (12.5°C) or if the outside temperature is cooler than 48°F (9°C).

Sensors


Object Number: 829326  Size: A2

The solar sensor located on the instrument panel, near the windshield, monitors the solar heat.


Object Number: 1744492  Size: A2

The interior temperature sensor located on the instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel, measures the temperature of the air inside the vehicle.

The climate control system uses the information from these sensors to adjust the fan speed and the air delivery, in order to maintain the selected temperature. The system may also supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated, as necessary.

Do not cover the sensors or the automatic climate control system will not work properly.