air condition CHEVROLET IMPALA 2000 8.G Owners Manual

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2-68
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.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

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Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly.
See ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index. It will take a few
driving trips to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
ªFuelº in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start
-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration
or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go
away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be detected
by the system and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or may
begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could
prevent you from getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
CHECK ENGINE light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on
-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does
not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.

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2-72 Modes
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message appears
when you are driving, there
is a problem with your
traction control system and
your vehicle is in need
of service.
When this message is displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin. The message will stay on for
60 seconds and then go out. Four chimes will also be
heard. Adjust your driving accordingly.BATTERY
When the vehicle is
started this message
will be displayed for
three seconds.
If the message is displayed when the engine is running,
you may have a problem with your charging system.
If there is a problem with the charging system, four
chimes will sound when the message comes on. The
battery display will also stay on while the key is in ON
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 on 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.

3-
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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
-2 Manual Single Zone Climate Control
3
-4 Dual ComforTemp Climate Control
(If Equipped)
3
-6 Air Conditioning
3
-6 Heating
3
-6 Ventilation
3
-6 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-7 Rear Window Defogger
3
-8 Ventilation System
3
-9 Audio Systems
3
-9 Setting the Clock for Systems
without Radio Data System
3
-9 Setting the Clock for Systems
with Radio Data System
3
-10 AM-FM Stereo
3
-12 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic
Tone Control (If Equipped)3
-21 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
with Radio Data System (RDS) and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-27 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System
(RDS) and Automatic Tone Control
(If Equipped)
3
-35 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-35 Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
RDS Radios
3
-35 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-36 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-37 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-38 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-39 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-39 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-40 Backglass Antenna
3
-40 Vehicle Customization Settings

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DEFOG: 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). Air inlet will also be
automatically set to outside air. The RECIRCULATION
button will not be selectable 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 40
F (4
C). The air
inlet will also be automatically set to outside air. The
RECIRCULATION button will not be selectable in
this mode.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to force the
system to use outside air. This button is usable with all
of the mode settings. An indicator on the button will
light up when this button is selected.
RECIRCULATION: Press this button to limit
the amount of fresh air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle. This button is usable in UPPER, LOWER and
BI
-LEVEL modes. An indicator on the button will light
up when this button is selected. The system will default
back to the outside air setting, so you will have to
reselect this setting every time you restart your vehicle.
A/C:Press this button to turn the air conditioning
on and off. The system will cool and dehumidify the air
inside the vehicle when the A/C light is on.

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Mode Knob
The knob on the right side of the control panel has
several settings to control the direction of airflow:
UPPER: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV: This setting directs air two ways.
Half of the air is directed through the instrument panel
outlets. Most of the remaining air is directed through the
floor vents and a little to the windshield defroster and
side window outlets.
LOWER: This setting sends most of the air
through the ducts near the floor. The remaining air
comes out of the defroster and side window outlets.
DEFOG: 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). Air inlet will also be
automatically set to outside air. The RECIRCULATION
button will not be selectable 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 40
F (4
C).
The air inlet will also be automatically set to outside air.
The RECIRCULATION button will not be selectable
in this mode.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to force the
system to use outside air. This button is usable in all of
the mode settings. An indicator on the button will light
up when this button is selected.
RECIRCULATION: Press this button to limit
the amount of fresh air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle. This button is usable in UPPER, LOWER and
BI
-LEVEL modes. An indictor on the button will light
up when this button is selected.
A/C: Press this button to turn the air conditioning
on and off. The system will cool and dehumidify the air
inside the vehicle when the A/C light is on.

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3-6 Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
For quick cool
-down on very hot days, turn the mode
knob on the control panel to UPPER, push the A/C
button on, push the RECIRCULATION button on and
move the temperature levers all the way in the blue area.
If this setting is used for long periods of time, the air in
your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, turn the mode knob on
the control panel to UPPER, push the A/C button on,
push the OUTSIDE AIR button on and move the
temperature levers all the way in the blue area. The
system will bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can turn the mode knob on the control panel to
BI
-LEV, push the A/C button on and move the
temperature levers to a comfortable setting.
Heating
On cold days, turn the mode knob on the control panel
to LOWER, push the OUTSIDE AIR button on and
move the temperature levers all the way in the red area.
The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to
the floor ducts.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, turn the mode knob on the control
panel to UPPER, push the A/C button off, push the
OUTSIDE AIR button on and move the temperature
levers to a comfortable setting. Your vehicle also has
the flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use
DEFROST with the temperature indicators turned all the
way in the red area. To warm passengers while keeping
the windows clear, use DEFOG.

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3-8 Ventilation System
Adjust the direction
of airflow by moving
the vents.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
fan is running and the OUTSIDE AIR button is pushed.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan is adjusted to
the highest setting, regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter (if equipped) may need to
be replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet 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, adjust the
mode knob to LOWER and the fan to the highest
speed for a few seconds before driving off. This
helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture
and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.

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Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light about a hot engine on your instrument panel. See
ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and ªHot Coolant
Temperatureº in the Index. You also have a low coolant
light on your instrument panel. See ªLow Coolant
Levelº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The low coolant may come on and the
temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition
exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss and change the oil.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.

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5-12 If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:

Climb a long hill on a hot day.

Stop after high
-speed driving.

Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
.If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn't come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you're parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the
vehicle until it cools down. Also, see ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº listed previously
in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.