air condition GMC SIERRA 2002 Owner's Manual

1-25
CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don't put
anything between an occupant and an air bag,
and don't attach or put anything on the steering
wheel hub or on or near any other air bag
covering.
When should an air bag inflate?
An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near
-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system's designed
ªthreshold level.º If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn't move or deform, the threshold level is
about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your
vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such
as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher.The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation
would not help the occupant.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because of the damage
to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and
how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or
near
-frontal impacts.
The air bag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off
-road usage.
Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain.
As always, wear your safety belt. See ªOff
-Road
Drivingº in the Index for more tips on off
-road driving.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the
right front passenger.

1-28
This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if
the person in the right front passenger's position is a
member of a passenger risk group identified by the
national government as follows:
Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the
front seat because:

my vehicle has no rear seat;

my vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate
a rear
-facing infant seat; or

the infant has a medical condition which, according
to the infant's physician, makes it necessary for the
infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can
constantly monitor the child's condition.
Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the
front seat because:

my vehicle has no rear seat;

although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear
seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12
sometimes must ride in the front because no space is
available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or

the child has a medical condition which, according
to the child's physician, makes it necessary for the
child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can
constantly monitor the child's condition.Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical
condition which, according to his or her physician:

causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk
for the passenger; and

makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag
in a crash greater than the potential harm from
turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger,
even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in
a crash.
CAUTION:
If the right front passenger's air bag is turned off
for a person who isn't in a risk group identified
by the national government, that person won't
have the extra protection of an air bag. In a
crash, the air bag wouldn't be able to inflate and
help protect the person sitting there. Don't turn
off the passenger's air bag unless the person
sitting there is in a risk group.

2-73
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:

Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed.

Avoiding hard accelerations.

Avoiding steep uphill grades.

If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see ªIf the Light Is On Steadyº following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see ªIf the Light
Is On Steadyº following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.

2-77
Here are some situations you may experience with
your fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem
with the fuel gage.

At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.

It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to
fill the tank.

The gage goes back to empty when you turn off
the ignition.
Message Center
The message center is located on the left side of the
instrument panel cluster. It gives you important safety
and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on,
the entire center lights up for just a few seconds.
As needed, the message center will display one of the
following messages. The message center is capable
of alternating among different messages if needed.
Battery
If this message is displayed
when the engine is running,
you may have a problem
with your charging system.
The battery display will also stay on while the key is in
RUN until the engine is started.
If the message stays on after starting the engine it could
indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or some
other charging system problem. Have it checked right
away. Driving with this message displayed could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this message
displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories,
such as the radio and the air conditioner.

2-79 Low Coolant
This message is displayed
when the cooling system is
low on coolant.
The engine may overheat. See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.
Check Coolant Temp
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets hot.
Check the coolant temperature gage and the coolant
level. See ªEngine Coolantº and ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index.
Engine Overheated
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot.
This message will be displayed after the air conditioning
system has automatically turned off for the engine
coolant protection mode. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index for further information.
Reduced Engine Power
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot
and the engine further
enters the engine coolant
protection mode.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index for
further information.

3-
3-1
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle.
Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-4 Air Conditioning
3
-5 Heating
3
-5 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-6 Rear Window Defogger
3
-7 Ventilation System
3
-8 Audio Systems
3
-8 Setting the Clock for Systems with HR and
MIN Buttons
3
-9AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control3
-13 Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
3
-16 Compact Disc Changer
3
-19 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-21 Audio Steering Wheel Controls
3
-22 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-22 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-23 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-24 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-24 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-24 Fixed Mast Antenna

3-2
Comfort Controls
Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort
Controls
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the control panel adjusts the
fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob clockwise.
To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. To turn
the fan off, turn the knob to OFF.Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger area.
Turn the knob clockwise toward the red area for warmer
air. Turn the knob counterclockwise toward the blue area
for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
(Vent): This mode directs the air through the
instrument panel outlets and the center floor console
outlets.
(Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the
instrument panel outlets and center floor console outlets,
as well as the floor outlets. The air flow can be divided
between panel and floor depending upon where the knob
is placed. Pressing the A/C button while in this mode
causes cooler air to come out of the instrument panel
outlets and center floor console outlets and warmer air
to come out of the floor outlets.

3-3
(Floor): This mode directs most of the air through
the floor outlets and center floor console outlets, as well
as some air through the windshield defroster outlets and
side window defroster outlets. If air from the center
floor console outlets is not desired, turn the vents off at
the console.
(Defog): Airflow is delivered through the floor
outlets, center floor console outlets, the windshield
defroster outlets and the side window defroster outlets.
The air flow can be divided between floor and defrost
depending upon where the knob is placed. When in
blend mode, the air conditioning compressor may run
to assist in dehumidifying the air and limit window
fogging.
(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster outlets with airflow
also delivered from the side window and the floor
outlets. When in defrost mode, the air conditioning
compressor may run to assist in dehumidifying the air
and limit window fogging.Mode Buttons
(Outside Air): This mode should be used for
normal system operation and directs the system to use
outside air. Using outside air will limit stale air odors
and help to prevent excessively humid interior air
(from wet boots or clothing or maximum passenger
loads) from being redirected onto windows.
Pressing the outside air button will cancel the
recirculation button.
(Recirculation): This mode limits the amount of
outside air entering the vehicle to a very small amount.
This will be helpful to limit odors entering the vehicle
and will assist in reaching comfort in very hot
temperature conditions. Pressing recirculation will cause
the system to recirculate interior air continuously and
may cause the vehicle windows to fog if the passenger
compartment floor is excessively wet.
Pressing the recirculation button will cancel outside air
operation. To return to normal system operation and to
prevent stale passenger compartment air, be sure to
return to the outside air position.

3-4
Recirculation will not be available in floor, blend, or
defrost modes. This helps reduce window fogging.
If the recirculation button is pressed in these modes,
the LED indicator for recirculation will flash three times
indicating that outside air is activated and recirculation
is not available.
If the air conditioning system is activated and system
demand is high in situations such as city traffic, idling,
or very hot weather, the system will automatically
switch from outside air to recirculation. The LED
indicator will not change. After demand on the system
is reduced, the system will return to outside air.
A/C (Air Conditioning): This button is used to
control the air conditioning compressor. Turning the
system on will allow air to be cooled and dehumidified
inside the vehicle.
Air conditioning will be automatically disabled when
the outside air temperature drops below a level at which
air conditioning is effective.
Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
air inside 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.
The A/C button, located below the mode knob, allows
the air coming into your vehicle to be cooled. This
setting is useful for normal cooling on hot days. When
you use air conditioning with the recirculation button
pressed, turn off recirculation as soon as the vehicle
reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
Using air conditioning with the recirculation mode
active allows the air inside your vehicle to be
recirculated. This setting helps to maximize your air
conditioner's performance and your vehicle's fuel
economy. This setting also cools air the fastest and can
be used to keep unwanted odors and/or dust from
entering the vehicle. When using the air conditioner,
turn off recirculation and use outside air after the vehicle
reaches a comfortable interior temperature. When the
right knob on the control panel is between floor and
defrost, recirculation will not function to reduce window
fogging.

3-5 Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, use the floor or bi
-level
modes with the temperature knob in the red area.
On cold days, approximately 32
F (
-0
C) or lower you
may experience differences in how the transmission
shifts until the engine is warm. This feature
automatically reduces the time it takes for the engine to
reach normal operating temperature and shortens the
time it takes the heater to reach full output.
If you use the engine coolant heater before starting your
engine in cold weather, 20
F (
-8
C) or lower, the
heating system will produce warmer air faster to heat the
passenger compartment.
The use of an engine coolant heater also reduces the
time it takes for the engine to reach normal operating
temperature. For more information, see ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use blend mode to keep the
windshield and side windows clear. Use defrost mode to
remove fog or ice from the windshield in extremely
humid or cold conditions. Use defrost mode with the
temperature knob toward the red area and the fan knob
turned all the way clockwise.