light GMC SONOMA 2004 Owner's Guide

The main components of your vehicle’s instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-20for
more information.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-22for more information.
C. Electronic Transfer Case Switch. See “Transfer
Case” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 5-46
for more information.
D. Lamp Controls. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-11
for more information.
E. Fog Lamp Button. See “Fog Lamps” underExterior
Lamps on page 3-11for more information.
F. Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25for
more information.
G. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-6for more
information.H. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-5for more information.
I. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-17for more information.
J. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-18for more information.
K. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-16for more information.
L. Heated Outside Rearview Mirror Button (If
Equipped). SeeOutside Heated Mirrors on
page 2-32for more information.
M. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-35
for more information.
N. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-33for more
information.
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To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself
when you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows
flash more quickly than normal, a signal bulb may
be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn
signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal
a turn, check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-95and for burned-out bulbs.
If you have a trailer towing option with added wiring for
the trailer lamps, a different turn signal flasher is
used. With this flasher installed, the signal indicator will
flash even if a turn signal bulb is burned out. Check
the front and rear turn signal lamps regularly to make
sure they are working.
Turn Signal On Chime
If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
(1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the
turn signal. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal
lever to the off position.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull the multifunction lever all the way toward
you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this indicator light on
the instrument panel
cluster will also be on.
Flash-to-Pass Feature
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
It works even if your headlamps are in the automatic
position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, but not
so far that you hear a click.
If your headlamps are in the automatic position or on
low beam, your high-beam headlamps will turn on.
They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you
and the high-beam indicator on the instrument panel
cluster will come on. Release the lever to return
to normal operation.
3-7

Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may want to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t use
cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal.
•Move the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your
cruise control set speed memory is erased.
Exterior Lamps
The control on the driver’s side of the instrument panel
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has three positions:
9(Off):Turn the exterior lamps control all the way
counterclockwise to turn off the lamps and put the
system in automatic headlamp mode.
3-11

;(Parking Lamps):Turning the exterior lamps
control to this position turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
•Sidemarker Lamps
•Taillamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
O(Headlamps):Turning the exterior lamps control to
this position turns on the headlamps, together with
the previously listed lamps and lights.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the
top of the instrument panel under the radio speaker grill.
Be sure it is not covered or the system will be on
whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on your headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
automatic headlamp system will only be affected when
the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting
longer than the delay.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is off.
Then start your vehicle. The automatic headlamp
system will stay off until you release the parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
You may be able to turn off your automatic headlamp
system. See “Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)” later
in this section for more information.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness Control” underInterior Lamps
on page 3-15.
3-12

Lamps On Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on, the driver’s door
is opened and your ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY. To turn the chime off, turn the control
counterclockwise or turn the instrument panel brightness
thumbwheel down to the fully dimmed position. In the
automatic mode, the headlamps turn off once the ignition
key is in OFF.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.The DRL system will make your headlamps come on
at reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
•The ignition is on,
•the exterior lamp control is in OFF,
•the sensor detects daytime light,
•an automatic transmission is not in PARK (P), and
•the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be
on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular headlamps.
The DRL system on some vehicles may turn off
temporarily while the turn signals are activated.
To idle an automatic transmission vehicle with the DRL
off, put the transmission in PARK (P). To idle a
manual transmission vehicle with the DRL off, set the
parking brake. The DRL will stay off until you shift out of
PARK (P) or release the parking brake.
The following does not apply to vehicles sold in Canada.
3-13

When necessary, you may turn off the automatic
headlamp system and the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) feature by following the steps below:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Press the DOME OVERRIDE button four times
within six seconds. After the fourth press of the
button, a chime will sound informing you that
the system is off. The system will revert back to the
automatic on mode when the ignition is turned to
OFF and then to RUN again.
3. To return to the automatic mode, push the DOME
OVERRIDE button four times within six seconds (a
chime will sound), or turn the ignition to OFF
and then to RUN again.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.Fog Lamps
Your vehicle may be equipped with fog lamps. Use your
fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions.
Your parking lamps or headlamps must be on for
your fog lamps to work.
The fog lamp button is located on the instrument panel
near the lamp control.
Press the button to turn the fog lamps on. Press the
button again to turn them off. A light will glow in
the button when the fog lamps are on.
Fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high-beams go off, the
fog lamps will come on again.
3-14

Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
It is located on the driver’s side of your instrument panel
next to the exterior lamps control.
Turn the thumbwheel up to make your instrument panel
lights brighter or down to dim them. Turn the thumbwheel
all the way up to turn on the interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
Your vehicle is equipped with an entry lighting feature.
When any door is opened, the dome lamps will
come on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is in the out
position. If your vehicle is equipped with remote keyless
entry and all the doors are closed, or the front door
handles are lifted and released, the lamps will stay on
for a short period of time and will turn off automatically.
If you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to
unlock the vehicle, the interior lights will come on for a
short time whether or not the DOME OVERRIDE
button is in the out position.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition to help you
see while exiting the vehicle. These lights will stay on
for a short period of time and then will go out, if the
DOME OVERRIDE button is in the out position.
Front Map Lamps
If your vehicle has front map lamps, they are located in
the overhead console. The front map lights that are
located on the inside rearview mirror will automatically
come on for approximately 40 seconds when the
doors are unlocked with the remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped) or until the ignition key is turned
to RUN or ACCESSORY. The lamps will also stay on
for approximately 40 seconds after you exit the vehicle,
unless you lock the doors with the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
You can also turn the lamps on and off by pressing the
switch near each lamp.
3-15

Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may be equipped with an ashtray and
cigarette lighter.
Pull the front ashtray door down to open it.
Notice:If you put papers or other ammable items
in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in the
ashtray.
To remove the front ashtray, pull the bin upward.
To use the lighter, press it in all the way, and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
3-17

A/C (Air Conditioning):Turn the knob to the A/C
position to turn the air-conditioning system on or
off. When the system is on, this setting cools and
dehumidifies the air entering your vehicle and directs it
through the floor outlets as well as the instrument
panel outlets.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning):This mode
recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so
it cools quickly. It directs most of the air through the
instrument panel outlets and a small amount through the
floor outlets.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select the coolest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air-conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield and side windows.
Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog
or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost
mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. For best results, clear all snow and ice
from the windshield before defrosting.
-(Defog):This mode can be used on cool, humid
days to keep the windshield and side windows clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with only a
little air directed to the floor outlets. When you select this
mode, the system runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
3-19

Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly–and even dangerous. So please get to know your
warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
3-21