air conditioning GMC SIERRA 1500 2006 Owners Manual

h(Recirculation):The recirculation mode is used to
recirculate the air inside of your vehicle. Use this mode to
help prevent outside odors and/or dust from entering your
vehicle or to help cool the air inside of your vehicle more
quickly. Press this button to turn the recirculation mode
on or off. The light on the recirculation button will
illuminate. Recirculation cannot be used in oor, defog
or defrost modes. An indicator on the button will light
up, ash three times and turn off when recirculation is
selected in these modes. The air-conditioning
compressor will also come on when this mode is
activated. While in recirculation mode the windows may
fog when the weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost mode and increase fan
speed.
Temperature Control
Driver’s Side:The lever on the left side of the climate
control panel is used to raise or lower the temperature on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. This lever also adjusts the
temperature to the center console outlets (if equipped).
Passenger’s Side:The lever on the right side of the
climate control panel is used to raise or lower the
temperature on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light will come on and the system
will begin to cool and dehumidify the air inside of your
vehicle. You may notice a slight change in engine
performance when the air conditioning compressor
shuts off and turns on again. 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 choose from
to clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the defog
mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm
the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or
frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select one of the following
modes:
-(Defog):This mode directs the air to the oor
outlets, windshield and the side window outlets.
The air conditioning compressor will run automatically
to dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging. The
recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defog mode.
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1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with only a little
air directed to the oor outlets. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically to dehumidify the air to
prevent window fogging. The recirculation mode cannot
be selected while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
If your vehicle has this feature, the lines you see on the
rear window warm the glass. The rear window defogger
uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.
If your vehicle has a sliding rear window, you will not
have a rear window defogger; however, your vehicle will
still have a mirror button to activate the heated outside
rearview mirrors, if equipped.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated. This button will also activate the heated
mirrors, if equipped.
The rear window defogger will automatically turn off
several minutes after the button is pressed. Pressing the
button while the defogger is running can also turn off the
defogger.
W(Mirror):If your vehicle does not have a rear
defogger and is equipped with heated mirrors, your
vehicle will have this button to activate the heated
mirrors.
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.
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Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature,
the air delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current driver’s set temperature, delivery
mode and fan speed. Press the AUTO button again
within ve seconds to display the passenger’s set
temperature.
If the driver and passenger’s temperature settings
are not the same, the opposite side temperature
setting will be displayed for an additional
ve seconds. To make the passenger’s
temperature the same as the driver’s press and
hold the AUTO button for about four seconds.
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. The light on the
button will illuminate in recirculation.2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Turn the driver’s or
passenger’s side temperature knob 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.
To avoid blowing cold air 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. Pressing the fan switch will
override this delay and change the fan to a selected
speed.
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9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle, and
will be directed to the oor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either temperature knob. Press the up
or down arrows on the fan switch, the defrost button, the
AUTO button, or the air conditioning button to turn the
system on when it is off.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
w9x(Fan):The switch with the fan symbol allows
you to manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up arrow
to increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease
fan speed.
Pressing this button when the system is off will turn the
system on.
C(Mode):Press this button to manually change the
direction of the airow in your vehicle; repeatedly press
the button until the desired mode appears on the display.
If you press the mode button to select an air delivery
mode, the display will change to show you the selected
air mode delivery. The display will then show the current
status of the system. When the system is turned off, the
display will go blank after displaying the current status of
the system.
H(Panel):This setting will deliver air to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This setting will deliver warmer air to the
oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.
6(Floor):This setting will deliver air to the oor
outlets.
-(Defog):See “Defogging and Defrosting” later in
this section.
@(Recirculation):Press this button to limit the
amount of outside air entering your vehicle. The light on
the recirculation button will glow. This is helpful when you
are trying to limit odors entering your vehicle and for
maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather.
Press this button again to allow outside air to enter the
vehicle. The light on the recirculation button will go off.
Pressing this button also cancels the auto recirculation
feature. To resume the auto recirculation function, press
the AUTO button. Each time the vehicle is started, the
system will revert to the auto recirculation function.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or oor,
the light in the button will ash and then go out to let you
know that this is not allowed. This is normal and helps to
prevent fogging.
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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 front defrost.
You may also notice that the A/C compressor will run
while in recirculation mode. This is normal and helps to
prevent fogging.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle, and
will be directed to the oor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either temperature knob. Press the up
or down arrows on the fan switch, the defrost button, the
AUTO button, or the air conditioning button to turn the
system on when it is off.
Display
If you press the mode button to select an air delivery
mode, the display will change to show you the selected
air delivery mode. After ten seconds, the display will
change to show the driver temperature setting and the
selected mode.
If you press the up or down arrows on the fan switch,
the display will change to show the selected fan speed.
After ten seconds, the display will change to show
the driver temperature setting and the selected mode.
Whenever you press AUTO, the display will change
to show the following:
The current driver’s set temperature and an arrow
for ve seconds
The current passenger’s set temperature setting
and an arrow for ve seconds
The automatic air delivery mode and fan speed
If the driver’s and passenger’s temperature settings are
the same when AUTO is pressed, the temperature setting
and both arrows will be displayed for ve seconds along
with the automatic air delivery mode and fan speed. After
the ve second update, the display will change to show
the temperature setting, both arrows and AUTO.
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Air Conditioning
#
(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning (A/C) compressor on and off. The snowake
symbol will appear on the display when the A/C is on and
will turn off when the air conditioning is off.
Pressing this button when the outside temperature is too
cool for air conditioning will make the snowake symbol
ash three times and then turn off to let you know the air
conditioning mode is not available. If the air conditioning
is on and the outside temperature drops below a
temperature which is too cool for air conditioning to be
effective, the snowake symbol will turn off to let you
know the air conditioning mode has been canceled.
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. If you select
A/C off while in front defrost, defog or recirculation,
the A/C snowake symbol will turn off, but the A/C
compressor will still run to help prevent fogging.
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 oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets. To
warm or cool the air delivered, turn the temperature knob
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.
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. Press the mode button to select
this setting. This setting will deliver air to the oor
and windshield outlets.
0(Front Defrost):Press the front defrost button 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.
3-29

Rear Window Defogger
If your vehicle has this feature, the lines you see on the
rear window warm the glass. The rear window defogger
uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.
If your vehicle has a sliding rear window, you will not
have a rear window defogger; however, your vehicle will
still have a mirror button to activate the heated outside
rearview mirrors, if equipped.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated. This button will also activate the heated
mirrors, if equipped.
The rear window defogger will automatically turn off
several minutes after the button is pressed. Pressing the
button while the defogger is running can also turn off the
defogger.
W(Mirror):If your vehicle does not have a rear
defogger and is equipped with heated mirrors, your
vehicle will have this button to activate them.
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.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of your instrument panel to direct the airow.
Operation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice, snow,
or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The
heater and defroster will work far better, reducing
the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
fan knob all the way to the right for a few moments
before driving. This helps clear the intake ducts of
snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of your window.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your
vehicle.
Adding outside equipment to the front of your
vehicle, such as hood-air deectors, may affect the
performance of the heating and air conditioning
system. Check with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
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DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s door is not fully closed, this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop
and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles and
close the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If the
message is still on, or if the engine coolant temperature
gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over when it is
safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-43for more information. Stop the vehicle and
let the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few minutes, or
NEUTRAL with the parking brake set for manual
transmissions, to allow the coolant to reach a safe
temperature. This message will clear when the coolant
temperature drops to safe operating temperature.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37for more information.
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine has
cooled to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-51,
Fuel Gage on page 3-51, andFuel on page 5-5.
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Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle is equipped with a clutched engine cooling
fan, when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you
may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and
should not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or
making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans,
you may hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
your air conditioning system, the fans change to high
speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
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Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-79.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor
vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the
Tire Identication Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-48.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-48.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-48.
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