air condition CHEVROLET IMPALA 2001 8.G Owners Manual

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
SteeringDriving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock
Radio/Cassette Player/CD PlayerRadio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Steering Wheel Controls (Option)
Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your VehicleEngine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck
Problems on the Road
iii
Section
3
Section
4
Section
5
Your Driving and the Road

2-85
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.

2-86
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.

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
-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
3
-9 Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio
Data System
3
-10 AM-FM Stereo
3
-13 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic
Tone Control (If Equipped)3
-22 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic
Tone Control (Option)
3
-31 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System
(RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (Option)
3
-41 Theft-Deterrent Feature Non-RDS Radios
3
-41 Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios
(If Equipped)
3
-42 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-43 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-43 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-44 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-45 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-45 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-46 Backglass Antenna
3
-46 Vehicle Customization Settings
3
-46 Chime Level Adjustment

3-3
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.
The RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected
in this mode.
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). The air inlet
will also be automatically set to outside air. The
RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected 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 cannot be selected
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 outside air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle. This button is usable in UPPER 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.
While in the RECIRCULATION mode the system
may cause fogging of the windows when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select either the
DEFOG or DEFROST mode and increase the fan
speed. To avoid refogging of the windows, use the
OUTSIDE AIR setting.
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 and the fan are on.

3-5
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.
The RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected
in this mode.
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). The air inlet
will also be automatically set to outside air. The
RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected 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 cannot be selected
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 outside air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle. This button is usable in UPPER and BI
-LEVEL
modes. An indictor 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.
While in the RECIRCULATION mode the system
may cause fogging of the windows when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select either the
DEFOG or DEFROST mode and increase the fan
speed. To avoid refogging of the windows, use the
OUTSIDE AIR setting.
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 and the fan are on.

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 control(s) all the way into 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 control all the way into 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.
To remedy this you can turn the mode knob on the
control panel to BI
-LEV. Push the A/C button on and
move the temperature control 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 control 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
control(s) 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 control(s) all the way
in the red area. To warm passengers while keeping the
windows clear, use DEFOG. For more information,
see ªRecirculationº in the Index.

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.

5-9
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº and ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in
the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light about a hot engine on your instrument panel
cluster. See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and
ªHot Coolant Temperature Messageº in the Index.
You also have a low coolant light on your instrument
panel cluster. See ªLow Coolant Level Messageº 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 light 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.

5-11
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº in the Index.
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.