window GMC SIERRA 2001 Owner's Guide

2-81
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Switch
B. Lamp Controls
C. Air Outlets
D. Automatic Transfer Case (If Equipped)/Electronic
Transfer Case (If Equipped)/Traction Assist
System (If Equipped)
E. Multifunction Lever
F. Instrument Cluster
G. Gearshift Lever (Automatic Transmission)
H. Tow/Haul Selector Switch
I. Audio System
J. Comfort Control SystemK. Glove Box
L. Passenger Air Bag Off Switch
M. Manual Selectable Ride Control (If Equipped)
N. Ashtray
O. Storage Area or Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)
P. Rear Window Defogger Switch (If Equipped)
Q. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlets
R. Parking Brake Release
S. Tilt Lever (If Equipped)
T. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block
U. Hood Release
V. Instrument Panel Fuse Block

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 Standard Comfort Controls
3
-3 Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort
Controls (If Equipped)
3
-5 Electronic Climate Control System
(If Equipped)
3
-12 Air Conditioning
3
-13 Heating
3
-13 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-13 Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)
3
-14 Ventilation System
3
-16 Audio Systems
3
-16 Setting the Clock for Systems with
SET Button
3
-16 Setting the Clock for Systems with HR and
MN Buttons3
-16 AM-FM Stereo
3
-18 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
(If Equipped)
3
-20 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-25 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-29 Remote Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)
3
-30 Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
3
-32 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-33 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-34 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-35 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-35 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-35 Fixed Mast Antenna

3-2
Comfort Controls
Standard 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 setting directs the air through the
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: Air is delivered through the heater
floor outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets.
The air flow can be divided between VENT and
HEATER depending upon where the knob is placed
between the settings.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the
warmed air through the heater floor outlets, and the rest
of the air is divided between the windshield defroster
outlets and the side window defroster outlets.
BLEND: Airflow is delivered through the heater
floor outlets, the windshield defroster outlets and the
side window defroster outlets. The air flow can be
divided between HEATER and DEFROST depending
upon where the knob is placed between the settings.
DEFROST: This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets, side window defroster
outlets and some through the heater outlets.

3-3 Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort
Controls (If Equipped)
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.
PANEL: This setting directs the air through the
instrument panel outlets and the center floor console
(if equipped).
BI-LEVEL: Air is delivered through the
instrument panel outlets and center floor console outlets
(if equipped) as well as the heater floor outlets. The air
flow can be divided between PANEL and HEATER
depending upon where the knob is placed between the
settings. 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 (if equipped)
and warmer air to come out of the heater floor outlets.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the
warmed air through the heater floor outlets and center
floor console outlets (if equipped), 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.

3-4
BLEND: Airflow is delivered through the heater
floor outlets, center floor console outlets (if equipped),
the windshield defroster outlets and the side window
defroster outlets. The air flow can be divided between
HEATER and DEFROST depending upon where
the knob is placed between the settings. The air
conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify the
air to prevent window fogging.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster outlets, side window
defroster outlets and some air through the heater outlets
and center floor console outlets (if equipped). If air from
the center floor console outlets is not desired or more
defroster performance is desired, turn the vents off at
the console. When in the DEFROST mode, the air
conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify the
air to prevent window fogging.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to direct
the system to use outside air.
Pressing the OUTSIDE AIR button will cancel the
RECIRCULATION button.
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 or attempting to quickly cool
down the interior. Pressing RECIRCULATION will
recirculate air continuously.
RECIRCULATION is used when the fan control is OFF
to limit odors, outside air and dust from entering your
vehicle. All button lights will go off. The last setting
selected will activate when the blower is turned back on.
Pressing the RECIRCULATION button will cancel
the OUTSIDE AIR button. To return to normal
operation and to prevent stale air, be sure to return
the OUTSIDE AIR.
Between HEATER and BLEND mode, outside air is forced
to reduce window fogging. If the RECIRCULATION
button is pressed, the LED indicator will flash three
times indicating that forced outside air is activated and
RECIRCULATION is not available.

3-7
With the automatic setting, the air conditioning
compressor automatically cycles when needed to cool the
air. In cold weather, when the system senses the need for
heat, the airflow will be directed out of the floor outlets.
As the interior temperature approaches a desired setting,
the blower speed will decrease. To maintain interior
comfort, the airflow will adjust between the instrument
panel air outlets and floor outlets. On bright sunny days
in cool weather, the airflow may come out of the air
conditioning and floor outlets (bi
-level mode) to
maintain comfort and prevent stuffiness.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the outside air
temperature, engine coolant temperature or the time since
the engine was last started. As the coolant warms up, the
fan speed will gradually increase and air will flow from
the heater outlets, with some airflow to the windshield
to prevent fogging under most normal conditions.
Be careful not to put anything over the solar sensor
located around the center of the instrument panel.
This sensor is used by the automatic system to
regulate temperature.Mode Knob
-- Manual Operation
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
You can choose to set the climate control system
yourself, or let the system work for you by placing the
system in AUTO mode. See ªMode Knob
-- Automatic
Operationº earlier in this section.
PANEL: This setting directs most of the air
through the instrument panel outlets and a small amount
through the floor outlets.
BI-LEVEL: Air is delivered through the heater
floor outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the
warmed air through the heater floor outlets and some
air through the windshield defroster outlets.
BLEND: Airflow is divided equally between the
heater floor outlet and the windshield defroster outlets.
The air conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify
the air to prevent window fogging.

3-8
DEFROST: This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets and some through the
heater outlets. The air conditioning compressor may run
to dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to force the
system to use outside air. Press it again to close off the
outside air.
Pressing the OUTSIDE AIR button will cancel the
RECIRCULATION button.
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 or attempting to quickly cool down the interior.
In the AUTO mode, the system will use recirculation
as necessary to cool the air. Pressing the recirculation
button will change the operation to a manual mode and
the air will recirculate non
-stop. Press this button again
to turn off the recirculation feature.RECIRCULATION may be selected with the fan control
in OFF to limit odors, outside air and dust from entering
your vehicle.
Pressing the RECIRCULATION button will cancel the
OUTSIDE AIR button.
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.
When in AUTO, the A/C is automatically engaged
when necessary.
Air conditioning will be automatically disabled when
the outside temperature drops below a level which
air conditioning is ineffective.
Remember that in order for the automatic system to perform
well, it needs A/C to provide cooling performance.

3-12 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 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 the RECIRCULATION
button 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 to reduce window fogging.
The A/C button, 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 A/C with the RECIRCULATION button
pushed in, turn off recirculation as soon as the vehicle
reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
Maximum air conditioning performance is obtained by
pressing the A/C button, the RECIRCULATION button
and turning the temperature knob fully counterclockwise
to the blue area. This setting also cools air the fastest.
After the vehicle's interior reaches a comfortable
temperature, press the OUTSIDE AIR button to
place the air conditioning system in the normal mode.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has air conditioning, it is equipped with
a passenger compartment air filter, which filters outside
air entering the vehicle. For information on replacing
the filter see ªPassenger Compartment Air Filterº in
the Index.

3-13 Heating
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.
On cold days, approximately 32
F (
-0
C) or lower,
if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission,
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 DEFOG to keep the
windshield and side windows clear. Use DEFROST to
remove fog or ice from the windshield in extremely
humid or cold conditions. Use DEFROST with the
temperature knob toward the red area and the fan
control turned all the way to the right.
Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)
If you see lines running across the rear window, you
have a rear window defogger. The lines warm the glass.
To turn on the rear window
defogger, press this button
next to the fan knob.
The rear window
defogger will only work
if the ignition is in RUN.
For best results, clear the
window of as much snow
or ice as possible.

3-14
The defogger will shut itself off after several minutes.
If you need additional warming time, press the button
again. You can turn the defogger off at any time by
pressing the button.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated outside mirrors,
the rear window defogger button will also activate the
heated outside mirrors.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
across the defogger grid on the rear window.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures 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 ªAir Conditioningº earlier in this section.