air condition CHEVROLET TAHOE 1996 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When should an air bag inflate?
The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” 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, side
impacts
or rear 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
the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one
indication of this.
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 “Off-Road
Driving” in the Index for more tips on off-road driving.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity,
the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is
suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing
system triggers a chemical reaction
of the sodium azide
sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen
gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and
related hardware are all part of the air bag module
packed inside the steering wheel.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel.
The air bag supplements the protection provided by
safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not
help you in many types of collisions, including
rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily
because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag.
Air bags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in
moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
The air bag affects how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts
of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
GM dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a service, manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
For up to two minutes after the ignition key is
turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape,
or yellow connectors. They are probably part of
the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do
so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Q.’ If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the
front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bag from
working properly?
A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is
attached
to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic
structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the
air bags from working properly in a crash.
What if I add a snow plow? Will it keep the air
bag from working properly?
A: We’ve designed our air bag systems to work
properly under a wide range
of conditions,
including snow plowing with vehicles equipped
with the optional Snow Plow Prep Package
(RPO VYU). But don’t change or defeat the snow
plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can
damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it
may cause an air bag inflation.
1-34

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks
the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The
light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag
module, the wiring and the diagnostic module. For
more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag”
in the Index.
AIR
BAG
You will see this light flash
for a few seconds when you
turn your ignition to
RUN
or START. Then the light
should
go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you
start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you
are driving, your air bag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
Charging System Warning Light
I-+I
The charging system
warning light should come
on briefly when you turn on
the ignition, before starting
the engine, as a check to
show you it is working.
After the engine starts, the light should
go out. If it stays
on or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with your charging system. It could indicate a
problem with the alternator drive belt, or some other
charging system problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this light
on, it
helps to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
2-59

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine
Soon Light) (Gasoline Engine)
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD I1 (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. (In Canada, OBD
I1 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE
SOON
light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated
by the system before any problem is apparent, which
may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system
is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
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 is 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.
2-63

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
‘ Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
0 If 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 “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is.safe to do
so,
stop the vehicle. Put your vehicle -in PARK (P). Turn the
‘key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine.
If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On
Steady” 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 I
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you just put
fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off
or improperly installed. This will
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips 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.
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. It
will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
2-64

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction
of air delivery. The control knob
can
be placed in any position between any two mode
settings to blend the flow of air.
+e
/J VENT This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
+’ VENT/HEAT Use this setting to divide airflow
between the floor outlets and instrument panel outlets.
+No HEATER: This setting directs air through the
floor outlets.
+fl DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward the windshield.
.+.
w.
DEFROST This setting directs air toward
the windshield.
Optional Climate Control System
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the heating system control
panel controls the fan speed. The
knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, move the knob toward
HI.
To decrease airflow, move it toward LO. To turn the
fan off, move the knob to
OFF. If you have the air
conditioner on, moving
the fan knob to OFF also turns
off the
A/C compressor.
3-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control pane-1 lets you select
the relative temperature of the air flowing into the
passenger area of your vehicle. This knob will allow you
to adj.ust the relative air temperature independently of
the function knob setting, Move the knob clockwise
toward the red area for warmer air. Move 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. The control knob
can be placed in any position between any two mode
settings to blend the flow of air.
+e
# VENT This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
+’ VENTMEAT Use this setting to divide airflow.
between the floor outlets and instrument panel outlets.
+e
HEATER: This setting directs air through the
floor outlets.
+# DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward the windshield.
9 DEFROST This setting directs air toward
the windshield.
w.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
(Suburban)
’
If your vehicle has either or both of these systems, you
can increase and decrease the airflow at the rear vents.
Depending on the system
you have and the setting
selected,
you can send cooled or heated air to the rear of
the vehicle.
Rear Air Conditioning (Without Rear Heater)
If your vehicle has rear air conditioning (without rear
heater), the controls are located above the front and
second seats. The front and rear overhead controls let
you increase and decrease the airflow at the rear vents.
To operate the rear air conditioning system, the front air
conditioning system must be on. With the front air
conditioning system off, the rear system controls can be
used to circulate air in the rear of the vehicle.
3-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Heater (Without Rear Air Conditioning)
If you have a rear heater
(without rear air
conditioning), the control
switch is located on the
instrument panel.
To increase and decrease the flow of heated air to the
rear floor vents, move the switch marked REAR HEAT
to the blower speed you want.
The knob has three speed positions. To increase the flow
of heated air, move the switch toward HIGH. To
decrease the
flow of heated air, move it toward LOW. To
turn the fan off, move the switch to OFF.
Rear Air Conditioning and Rear Heater
If your vehicle has the rear air conditioning and rear
heater system combination, controls are provided to
regulate temperature, location and speed
of the airflow.
To adjust the air temperature, turn the temperature knob
on the right of the control panel.
For warmer air, turn the knob clockwise toward the red,
and for cooler air, turn the knob counterclockwise.
3-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To regulate the airflow location, adjust the center knob
on the control panel. Turn the knob clockwise for floor
vent airflow or counterclockwise for headliner vent
airflow. Generally, the upper vents are used for air
conditioning and the floor vents for heating. The control
knob can
be set to any blend setting.
To adjust the aifflow speed, turn the fan control knob
on the left side of the control panel to the desired
blower setting.
To activate the rear control, move the fan knob on the
front control
to REAR CNTL.
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 recirculation button, between the fan and temperature
knobs, 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 the 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 after the vehicle reaches a comfortable
interior temperature. When the right knob on the control
panel is between HEATER and DEFROST, the
recirculation feature will not function.
The A/C button, between the temperature and mode
knobs, allows the air coming into your vehicle to be
cooled. This setting is useful for normal cooling on hot
days. When
you use A/C with the recirculation button
pushed in, turn off recirculation as soon as the vehicle
reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
The
rear control works just like the front control. It will
allow second seat passengers to adjust the controls as
they desire.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine With the A/C on, move the temperature knob to MAX
for maximum cooling. This setting also puts the system
in the recirculation mode and helps to maximize your air
conditioner’s performance and your vehicle’s fuel
economy. This setting also cools the air the fastest. After
the vehicle’s interior reaches a comfortable temperature,
move the temperature knob clockwise to place the air
conditioning system in the normal mode.
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, use the HEATER or
VENT/HEAT setting with the temperature knob in the
red area.
If you use the engine coolant heater before starting your
engine (in cold weather (20°F (-8OC) or lower), your
heating system will produce warmer air faster, to heat
the passenger compartment in cold weather.
The use of an engine coolant heater also 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. For more information, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index. Ventilation System
For mild outside temperature when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Air will flow through the
instrument panel outlets.
Your vehicle’s ventilation system supplies outside
air to the inside
of your vehicle when it is moving.
With the side windows closed, air will flow into the
front air inlet grilles, through the vehicle, and out the
air exhaust valves.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running, unless you have the
recirculation button pushed in. For more information
on
the recirculation button, see “Air Conditioning” earlier
in this section.
- .. G 3-7