climate control GMC ACADIA 2008 User Guide

Reading Lamps
The vehicle has reading lamps that also act as the
dome lamp. Press the button to turn them on and off.
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 put the charge back in.
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 loads are on: 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 increase
engine 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 or Service Battery Charging System. 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 3-66.
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If You Cannot See the HUD Image
When the Ignition Is On
Is anything covering the HUD lens?
Is the HUD dimmer setting bright enough?
Is the HUD image adjusted to the proper height?
Are you wearing polarized sunglasses?
Still no HUD image? Check the fuse in the
instrument panel fuse block. SeeInstrument
Panel Fuse Block on page 5-100.
If the HUD Image Is Not Clear
Is the HUD image too bright?
Are the windshield and HUD lens clean?
If the HUD image is not correct, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Keep in mind that the windshield is part of the
HUD system.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle may have four accessory power outlets.
They are located on the instrument panel below
the climate controls, inside the front center console
storage bin, at the rear of the center console, and in
the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in
use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
turn off electrical equipment when not in use
and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
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The indicator light does not come on when the ignition
is in LOCK/OFF or if no equipment is plugged into
the outlet.
If you try to connect equipment using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection
circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator
light turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item
and plug it back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-27. The power restarts
when equipment using 150 watts or less is plugged
into the outlet and a system fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and may not work properly if
these items are plugged into the power outlet:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage such
as: compressor-driven refrigerators and electric
power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable
power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
SeeHigh Voltage Devices and Wiring on page 5-99.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
defrost, defog, and ventilation of the vehicle.
Manual Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to turn the
front system off.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature of the air owing from the system.
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For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Select the vent mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
6. Close the windows after the hot air has escaped.
7. Once the vehicle’s interior temperature is below
the outside temperature, select recirculation
mode for better cooling.
This helps to reduce the time it takes for the vehicle
to cool down. It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently.
Using recirculation for long periods of time may
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the inside of
the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you might notice a small amount of water
dripping underneath the front center and right rear
of the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from the windshield. Turn the right knob
clockwise to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
This mode directs air to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is less than 40°F (4°C). The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defog mode. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
0(Defrost):The defrost mode is used to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. This mode
directs most of the air to the windshield and side window
vents and some to the oor vents. In this mode, the
system will automatically force outside air into your
vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is less than 40°F (4°C). Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
3-28

AUX (Auxiliary):Press this button to turn the
rear heating and air conditioning on. SeeRear Air
Conditioning and Heating System on page 3-36or
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls on page 3-38.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button on the
right knob to turn the rear window defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger stays on about 10 minutes
after the button is pressed, before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button
again or by turning off the engine. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirror when the rear window defog button is pressed.
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 your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar to
the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in your vehicle
can be controlled with this system. Your vehicle also
has a ow-through ventilation system described later
in this section.
Different temperature settings can be selected for the
driver and all passengers.
Display Function
Each time the temperature, mode, or fan control buttons
are pressed the display shows that function along with
the inside temperature setting. The display automatically
reverts back to the outside temperature display after a
short delay.
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2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 73°F (22°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Use the driver’s or
passenger’s temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C), the system
remains at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C),
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Do not cover the solar 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 vehicle’s headlamps. For more information
on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air 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. Press the fan switch to override this delay
and change the fan to a selected speed.
O(On/Off):Press this button to turn off the climate
control system. Outside air still enters the vehicle, and
is directed to the oor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. Recirculation can only
be selected in vent or bi-level mode. The temperature
can also be adjusted using either temperature button.If you adjust the air delivery mode or temperature
settings with the system off, the display comes on
briey to show the settings and then turns off. Press the
on/off button or the up down arrows on the fan switch,
the defrost button, AUTO button, or the air conditioning
button to turn the system on when it is off.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
DC(Fan):The buttons with the fan symbols let you
manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up arrow
to increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease
fan speed.
Pressing a fan button while the system is off will turn
the system on. Pressing a fan button while in automatic
control places the fan under manual control. The fan
setting remains displayed, the word AUTO is no longer
displayed, and the AUTO button indicator light turns
off. The air delivery mode remains in automatic control.
yNz(Mode):Press the mode up and down
buttons to manually change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle. Repeatedly press the button until the
desired mode appears on the display. Pressing a mode
button while the system is off will change air delivery
mode without turning the system on. Pressing one
of these buttons while in automatic control to place
the mode under manual control.
3-31

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.The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the
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.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to
clear fog or frost from your windshield.
Use the mode up and down arrows to select the defog
mode. Use the defrost button to select the defrost mode.
-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
This mode directs air to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. When this mode is selected,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is close to freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
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To clear fog from the rear seat side windows, select the
bi-level mode on the rear climate control system and
direct the headliner outlets toward the side windows.
0(Defrost):Press this button to remove fog or
frost from the windshield more quickly. This mode
directs most of the air to the windshield and side window
vents and some to the oor vents. In this mode, the
system automatically forces outside air into the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor
runs automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
While in defrost mode, if the PASS button is pressed,
the PASS button indicator will ash three times to
let you know that the passenger climate control system
cannot be activated. If the passenger temperature
buttons are adjusted while in defrost mode, the driver
temperature indicator will change. The passenger
temperature will not be displayed.
AUX (Auxiliary):Press this button to turn the
rear heating and air conditioning on. SeeRear Air
Conditioning and Heating System on page 3-36or
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls on page 3-38.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to
turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear
window defogger stays on for about 10 minutes after
the button is pressed, before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by pressing the button again
or by turning off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle
until all the windows are clear.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,
the mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost 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.
3-35

Outlet Adjustment
Use the slider switch in the center of the outlet,
to change the direction of the air ow. Use the
thumbwheel near the outlet to control the amount
of air ow or to shut off the airow completely.
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 ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
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.
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System
If your vehicle has this system, the rear controls are
three knobs located on the rear of the center console.
The system can be controlled from the front controls
as well as the rear controls.
To turn the system on, press the AUX button on the
front climate control system, an indicator will be
lit. Pressing the AUX button the rst time will turn the
rear system on in a mimic mode. In this mode, the
airow in the rear will be approximately the same
direction, temperature, and fan speed as the front.
Pressing the AUX button again will turn the rear system
and the indicator off.
If the rear controls are adjusted, the system turns
on in a rear independent mode. Airow in the rear
will then be directed according to the settings of the
rear controls. The rear system can be turned off
by pressing the AUX button on the front climate control
system and the indicator will turn off. The system
can be turned back on, by adjusting any of the rear
air conditioning control knobs.
3-36

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System and Electronic Climate
Controls
If your vehicle has this rear climate control system
there are rear seat audio controls located in the
center console.
The rear system can be controlled through the AUX
button on the front climate control panel. Press the
AUX button to turn the rear climate control system on
or off. An indicator light in the AUX button comes
on when the rear climate control system is on. The
direction, temperature, and speed of the airow for
the rear of the vehicle will be the same as those set
for the front of the vehicle.
Use the controls located in the rear of the front console,
to independently control the air ow for the rear of
the vehicle separately from that of the front of the
vehicle. To turn the system on, press any of the rear
air conditioning control buttons, except the
Cbutton.
To turn the system off, press and hold the
Cbutton.
Manual Operation
DC(Fan):The fan buttons on the rear seat audio
control panel let you manually adjust the fan speed.
Press
Dto increase airow andCto decrease airow.
+/−(Increase/Decrease Temperature):These
buttons select the temperature of the air owing into
the rear passenger area. Press the + button for
warmer air and press the−button for cooler air. The
temperature settings will display in 0-12 increments,
going from the coolest (0) to the warmest (12) setting.Rear Climate Control with Rear Seat Audio Controls
3-38