climate control CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2009 User Guide

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 are on, such as: 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,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. 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 3-64.Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, and reading lamps
if they are left on for more than 10 minutes when
the ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone.
There are two under the climate controls, one inside the
center oor console, one on the rear of the center
oor console and one accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the protective
cap. When not in use, always cover the accessory
power outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlets are powered, even with
the ignition off. Continuing to use accessory power
outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/OFF may cause the
vehicle’s battery to run down.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off the vehicle.
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Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. REAR
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode
Control
E. Air ConditioningF. Driver and
Passenger
Temperature
Controls
G. Rear Window
DefoggerTemperature Control:Move the thumbwheels up or
down to increase or decrease the temperature on
the driver’s side or the passenger side of the vehicle for
the dual zone system.9(Fan Control):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.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the airow direction inside
the vehicle. By positioning the knob between two
modes, a combination of those modes is selected.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air is directed towards the
windshield and side window outlets. Cooler air is directed
to the upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with some
of the air directed to the windshield, side window, and
second row oor outlets. In this mode, the system
automatically selects outside air. Recirculation cannot
be selected when in Floor Mode.
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-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield, oor outlets, and side window vents. In this
mode, 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.
0(Defrost):The defrost mode is used to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. Air is directed to
the windshield and side window vents, with some directed
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.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on. The air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as
the fan switch is on.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
h(Recirculation):Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on or off. An indicator light comes on
to show that recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defrost,
or defogging modes. If recirculation is selected while in
one of those modes, the indicator ashes three times and
turns off. 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 the fan speed. The recirculation mode
can also be turned off by turning off the engine.
REAR:Press to turn the rear heating and air
conditioning on. SeeRear Air Conditioning and Heating
System on page 3-31orRear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and Electronic Climate Controls
on page 3-32for more information.
3-23

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 system
automatically turns off several minutes after it has been
activated. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle until all
the windows are clear.
For vehicles with 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 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 the vehicle 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 the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. The vehicle also has
a ow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
If this vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
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A. Fan Control
B. AUTO
C. Defrost
D. Recirculation
E. REAR
F. Air Delivery Mode
Control
G. Driver Temperature
ControlH. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window
Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS
M. Passenger
Temperature
Control
O(On/Off):Press to turn the climate control system on
or off. Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to
the oor. This direction can be changed by pressing the
mode button. Recirculation can be selected once you
have selected vent or bi-level mode. The temperature can
also be adjusted using either temperature button. If the
air delivery mode or temperature settings are adjusted
with the system off, the display illuminates briey to show
the settings and then returns to off. The system can be
turned back on by pressing either
O,D,C,#, the
defrost or the AUTO button.
Driver and Passenger Side Temperature
Control
The driver and passenger side temperature buttons are
used to adjust the temperature of the air coming
through the system on the driver or passenger’s side of
the vehicle. The temperature can be adjusted even if
the system is turned off. This is possible since outside
air always ows through the system as the vehicle
is moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode.
See “Recirculation” later in this section.
Press the + or−buttons to increase or decrease the
cabin temperature. The driver side or passenger
side temperature display shows the temperature setting
decreasing or increasing.
3-25

#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
(A/C) compressor on and off. An indicator light comes on
to show that the air conditioning is on.
If this button is pressed when the air conditioning
compressor is unavailable, the indicator ashes three
times and then turns off. 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 air
conditioning light turns off to show that the air
conditioning mode has been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This helps to reduce the time it takes
for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is
normal.@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that
the recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defog,
or defrost modes. If recirculation is selected with one of
those modes, the indicator light ashes three times and
then turns off. The air conditioning compressor also
comes 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 the fan speed.
The recirculation mode can also be turned off by turning
off the ignition.
REAR:For vehicles with the rear heat and air
conditioning controls. Press to turn the rear climate
control system on or off. SeeRear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and Electronic Climate Controls on
page 3-32.
3-28

The interior temperature sensors located in the headliner
above the driver side seat and if equipped, in the
headliner above the second row seats measure 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.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the 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 the windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, press
the fan up button to the maximum fan level
before driving. This helps clear the intake ducts of
snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of the window.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
the vehicle.
Adding outside equipment to the front of the
vehicle, such as hood-air deectors, may affect the
performance of the heating and air conditioning
system. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
3-30

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System
For vehicles with this system, the rear controls are three
knobs located in the headliner. The system can also be
controlled with the front controls.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
REAR:Press the REAR button on the front climate
control system to turn the rear climate control system on
or off. An indicator comes on when the rear system is
on. SeeClimate Control System on page 3-22or
Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24.
The rear system can also be turned off by turning
the rear fan knob to the
9position.Mimic Mode:This mode matches the rear climate
control to the front climate control airow settings.
It comes on when REAR is pressed the rst time.
Independent Mode:This mode directs rear seating
airow according to the settings of the rear controls. It
comes on when any rear control is adjusted.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the airow
temperature into the passenger area.
Fan Control:Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow.
H(Vent):Air is directed through the headliner
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is directed through the oor and
headliner outlets. The rear system oor outlets
are located directly behind the second row seats. The
ow can be divided between vent and oor outlets
depending upon where the knob is placed between the
settings.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets. The rear
system oor outlets are located directly behind the
second row seats.
3-31

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System and Electronic Climate
Controls
For vehicles with the rear heat and air conditioning
controls, they are integrated with the rear seat audio
controls located in the center console. The system can
be controlled from the front controls as well as the
rear controls.
A. Fan Control
B. Air Delivery Mode Control
C. Temperature ControlREAR:Press the REAR button on the front climate
control system to turn the rear climate control system on
or off. An indicator comes on when the rear system is on.
The rear climate control system can also be turned off by
pressing and holding theCbutton. To turn the system on
from the rear seats, press any rear climate control button,
except the
Cbutton.
Mimic Mode:This mode matches the rear climate
control to the front climate control airow settings. It
comes on when REAR is pressed the rst time.
Independent Mode:This mode directs rear seating
airow according to the settings of the rear controls.
To turn the system on from the rear, press any
rear climate control button, except the
Cbutton.
Rear Climate Control with Rear Seat Audio Controls
3-32

Automatic Operation, If Equipped.
AUTO:Press the air delivery mode button until this
setting is selected to control the inside temperature, air
delivery, and fan speed. AUTO appears in the display
when automatic operation is active.
+/−(Increase/Decrease Temperature):Press the
+or−buttons to increase or decrease the cabin
temperature. The rear control temperature display will
show the temperature setting increasing or decreasing.
The display only indicates climate control functions when
the system is in rear independent mode.
Manual Operation
DC(Fan Control):Press these buttons on the rear
seat audio control panel to increase or decrease
the airow. Pressing the fan up button when the system
is off will turn the system on. The air delivery mode
will remain under automatic control.
+/−(Temperature Control):Press these buttons to
adjust the temperature of the air owing into the
passenger area. Press the + button for warmer air and
press the−button for cooler air.
N(Air Delivery Mode Control):Press the mode
button to change the direction of the airow in the
vehicle. Repeatedly press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display. Multiple presses will cycle
through the delivery selections.
3-33