GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

If your vehicle has this system, you can automatically control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your vehicle.


Object Number: 1333416  Size: B2

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 will control the inside temperature and air delivery.

Use the steps below to place the entire system in automatic mode:

  1. Place the fan knob and the mode knob to AUTO.
  2. The display will now show the current set temperature. When auto is selected, the air conditioning operation and air inlet will be automatically controlled. The air conditioning compressor will run when the outside temperature is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to outside air. If it's hot outside, the air inlet may automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help quickly cool down your vehicle.

  3. Set the temperature.
  4. To find your comfort setting, start with an initial temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate. Press the up or down arrow temperature buttons to adjust the temperature setting as necessary. If you choose the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the system will remain at the maximum cooling setting. If you choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) the system will remain at the maximum heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting will not cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.

    Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor regulates air temperature based on sun load, and also turns on your headlamps.

    Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the lower right side of the climate control faceplate. This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed for proper regulation.

    To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather, the system will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available. The length of delay depends on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob will override this delay and change the fan to a selected speed.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate control display will initially show "AS" in place of the temperature to indicate the remote start has been activated. The system will automatically regulate the temperature according to the following:

    • If inside air temperature is below 72°F (22°C), the system will automatically adjust to the following settings: highest fan speed, defrost mode, recirculation, and the full heat position.
    • If inside air temperature is above 79°F (26°C) the system will automatically adjust to the following settings: highest fan speed, panel mode, recirculation, and full cold position.
    • If inside air temperature is between 72°F (22°C) and 79°F (26°C), the system will adjust automatically to the following settings: medium fan speed , panel mode, recirculation, and the full cold position.

The climate control will change back to manual operation by turning on the vehicle with the key.

Manual Operation

You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or fan speed.

(Off): Select this position on the fan knob to turn off the entire climate control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the floor. This direction can be changed by changing the mode position. The temperature can also be adjusted using either the up or down arrow temperature buttons.

(Fan): The knob with the fan symbol allows you to manually adjust the fan speed.

(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument panel outlets.

(Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the floor outlets with some air directed to the side window outlets and windshield..

The right knob can also be used to select defog or defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting can be found later in this section.

(Outside Air): Press the right side of this button to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed, an indicator light will come on to let you know that it is activated. The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button will cancel the recirculation mode.

(Recirculation): Press the left side of the button to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be recirculated through the climate control system and the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather. When the button is pressed, an indicator light above the button will come on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation indicator light will blink three times if you try to use recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in. Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort, since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air conditioning compressor is not engaged. Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system will revert to the auto recirculation function. If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or floor, the light on the button will flash three times and go out to let you know this is not allowed. This is to prevent window fogging. When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause fogging of the vehicle's windows. To clear the fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is on. You will want to allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help dehumidify the air.

Temperature Control: Press the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.

(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the air conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the button will illuminate when the air conditioning is on.

When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode, the system will run the air conditioning automatically to cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.

On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best.

On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press the temperature buttons to the desired setting.

In AUTO mode the system will cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system will maximize its performance by using recirculation as necessary.

Heating: On cold days when using manual operation of the automatic system, choose floor mode to deliver air to the floor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, push the temperature buttons to the desired setting. If you want to use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature buttons. The heater works best if you keep the windows closed while using it.

Defogging and Defrosting

You can use either defog or front defrost to clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture. Use the front defrost button to defrost the front windshield.

(Defog): Use this setting to clear the windows of fog or moisture. Turn the mode knob to this position to select this setting. This setting will deliver air to the floor and windshield outlets.

(Defrost): Turn the mode knob to this position to defrost the windshield. The system will automatically control the fan speed if you select defrost from AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, your air conditioning compressor will automatically run to help dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air conditioning indicator light will blink three times if you try to turn off the compressor while in this mode.

Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.

(Rear): Press this button to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light above the button will come on to let you know that the rear window defogger is activated.

If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger will turn off about 15 minutes after the button is pressed. If you need additional warming time, press the button again.

If your vehicle's speed is maintained above 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger will remain on once the button is pressed.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear defogger will automatically be turned on if it is cold outside. The indicator light will not be on. When the vehicle transitions out of remote start mode the rear defogger will turn off.

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.