GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Climate Control System with Air-Conditioning


Object Number: 1559739  Size: B3
(Fan Control Switch): This center switch sets the fan speed. Select the force of air you want by moving the switch. The fan control switch also controls the operation of the A/C Recirculate buttons. If you move the switch to "O" position, the fan, A/C, will not operate. If airflow seems very low when the fan knob is turned to the highest setting, regardless of the mode setting, your passenger compartment air filter may need to be replaced. Refer to Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement in this book.

Knob Controls

The left knob changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. The right knob allows you to select the mode and the path of air flow through the various outlets in the system. You can position the knobs between settings to vary the air flow from the different outlets.

Temperature Knob

Turn the knob to change the temperature of the air flowing from the system. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the temperature (red area). Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the temperature (blue area).

(Panel): : This setting directs air through the instrument panel outlets.

(Panel/Floor): : This setting directs air in two ways. The air is directed through the instrument panel outlets and through the floor outlets.

(Floor): : This setting will send air through the heater outlets and the rear floor outlets.

(Defrost/Floor): : This setting sends half of the air to the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side window outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below 40°F (-4°C). This will help dehumidify the air going to the windshield. The air inlet will also be automatically set to outside air. The "Recirculate" button cannot be selected in this mode.

( Defrost): : This setting directs most of the air through the defroster and side window vents. Some of the air also goes to the floor ducts. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below 0°F (-4°C). This will help dehumidify the air going to the windshield. The air inlet will also be automatically set to outside air. outlets onto the windshield and past the front side windows. Use this setting if windows are fogged or icy. This setting will also help defog the front side windows. Set the control knob to defrost and set the temperature to full hot (far to the right). To quickly clear the windows, put the fan control switch to high and push the A/C button (if equipped). An indicator light will go on.

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.

Air Conditioning and Recirculate Buttons

A/C): Air conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as the fan switch is on. When the button is pushed, the indicator light will come on. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it will take the inside of your vehicle to cool down. Your Saturn's air-conditioning may shut off for short periods of time when the engine is under extreme load (steep grades or passing). This is done in order to provide maximum engine performance.

RECIRCULATE: This switch controls the air source (inside or outside) for all modes except Defrost and Defrost/Floor. When this button is pushed (an indicator light will light), the interior air the various air modes. When this button is pushed (an indicator light will light), the interior air is recirculated through the climate control system. This cools the air more quickly and is helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your vehicle. When Defrost or Defrost/Floor is selected, only outside air is used even though the Recirculate light may remain lit. . Use of Recirculate in cold weather is not recommended and can result in window fogging. In cold or humid weather, outside air is the best for clearing the windows.


Object Number: 1559741  Size: B3

Push the "Snowflake" and "Recirculate" buttons. This provides maximum cooling or quick cool down on very hot days. When these buttons are pushed, indicator lights will light. These settings recirculate and cool the inside air. This is the most efficient way to operate in A/C mode. In cold or humid weather, outside air is the best for clearing the windows.

Rear Window Defogger

Your Saturn has rear window defogger. Those lines you can see across the rear window are the lines of the heater that warms the glass.


Object Number: 1559742  Size: B3

You'll find the control switch on the center of the instrument panel in the area of the heater and air conditioning controls.

To run the defogger, push the switch. Your defogger switch has an indicator light that will glow.

Your defogger will stay on for 15 minutes unless the ignition is turned to either the accessory "ACC" or "LOCK" position or the defogger switch is turned off by pressing the switch again before the 15 minute time period has passed.

To run the defogger for more than 15 minutes, wait until the defogger turns off, and then push the switch again. The defogger will be on for 7 1/2 more minutes.

Your defogger is designed to clear condensation on the inside or outside of the rear window. If there is ice on the outside of the rear window, you may need to scrape it off.

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.