air condition OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 2001 Owners Manual

Table of Contents (cont'd)
Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
SteeringDriving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Operating Your Vehicle Off Paved Roads
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 (If Equipped)
Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your VehicleEngine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck
Problems on the Road Your Driving and the Road Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Section
3
Section
4
Section
5
iii
ProCarManuals.com

1-24
CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
air bag, the bag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into that person.
The path of an inflating air bag must be kept
clear. Don't put anything between an occupant
and an air bag, and don't attach or put anything
on the steering wheel hub or on or near any
other air bag covering.
When should an air bag inflate?
An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near
-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system's designed
ªthreshold level.º 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 how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal
or near
-frontal impacts.
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 ªOff
-Road
Drivingº in the Index for more tips on off
-road driving.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of
the right front passenger.
ProCarManuals.com

2-47
Driver Information System
This system displays the outside air temperature, compass
direction and trip information in the overhead console.
US/MET: The US/MET (United States/metric) button
allows you to switch the display between the English
and metric system.
MODE: The MODE button can be used to toggle
between three modes of operation: OFF, COMP/TEMP
and TRIP.COMP/TEMP: This display provides the outside
temperature and one of eight compass readings to
indicate the direction the vehicle is facing.
Before you turn on the ignition and move the vehicle,
the temperature indicated will be the last outside
temperature recorded with the ignition on. If the outside
temperature is 37
F (3
C) or lower, the display
will toggle between the word ªICEº and the current
temperature every eight seconds. This is a warning to
the driver that road conditions may be icy, and that
appropriate precautions should be taken.
The compass is self
-calibrating, so it does not need
to be manually set. However, if ªCº (Calibration) is
displayed, the compass will need to be calibrated. You
may also place the compass in a non
-calibrated mode by
pressing and holding the MODE and US/MET buttons
simultaneously while in the COMP/TEMP mode. After
about 10 seconds, the compass will display ªCº and
you can release the buttons. Drive the vehicle in a
complete 360 degree circle three times at a speed of less
than 5 mph (8 km/h), and the compass will function
normally. Once the calibration is complete, the display
will return to a compass reading.
ProCarManuals.com

2-69 Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system light
will come on briefly when
you turn on the ignition,
but the engine is not
running, as a check to
show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with the charging system. It could indicate that
you have problems with a generator drive belt, or
another electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition
is on (in RUN), this gage
shows your battery's state
of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between
the low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power
at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.
ProCarManuals.com

2-73
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.
ProCarManuals.com

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 Electronic Climate Control
3
-5 Air Conditioning
3
-5 Heating
3
-5 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-6 Rear Window Defogger
3
-7 Ventilation System
3
-8 Audio Systems
3
-8 Setting the Clock
3
-8AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Automatic
Tone Control3
-15 Console-Mounted CD Changer
(If Equipped)
3
-18 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-20 Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(If Equipped)
3
-21 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-21 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-22 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-23 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-23 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-23 Fixed Mast Antenna
ProCarManuals.com

3-3
Mode Knob - Automatic Operation
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery. When the system is
set for automatic operation, sensors will control the air
delivery mode. Air will come primarily from the floor or
instrument panel outlets, with some air directed to the
windshield to prevent fogging.
When the system is in AUTO mode, the air conditioning
light will turn on, and the recirculation and outside air
lights turn off. With the system in full auto control
(both the fan and mode knobs in AUTO), you still
have the ability to override any function. However,
continually overriding the outside air or the A/C
compressor will limit the ability of the system to cool
the vehicle quickly.
If you push a button for a function which is not available,
the light next to that button will flash three times to alert
you that it's not available.
To find your comfort zone, start with the 74
F (23
C)
setting and allow about 20 minutes for the system to
adjust the temperature if necessary.
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 thefloor outlets. As the interior temperature approaches a
desired setting, the fan 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.
If your vehicle is sitting out on a warm day and you
have the fan set on AUTO, the air will first flow out of
the floor air outlets for a few seconds. That is normal.
This is to expel hot air from the air outlets. As the
air is cooled, the airflow will move through the air
conditioning outlets.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

3-4
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 operations
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.
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. 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. 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.
ProCarManuals.com

3-5
A/C: Press this button to turn the air conditioning
on and off. The system will cool and dehumidify the air
inside the vehicle.
Air conditioning will be automatically disabled when the
outside temperature drops below a level at which air
conditioning is effective.
Remember that in order for the automatic system to
perform well, it needs A/C to provide cooling performance.
Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air 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.
For quick cool
-down on very hot days, the A/C button
should be on and the OUTSIDE AIR button should
not be active.
On cool but sunny days, use BI
-LEVEL A/C to deliver
warm air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets.When the air conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice
slight changes in your vehicle's engine speed and power.
This is normal because the system is designed to cycle
the compressor on and off to keep the desired temperature.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, use HEATER with the
temperature knob turned to the right. BLEND is useful
in cool weather when you have fog or ice on the
windshield or side windows.
If you use the optional engine coolant heater before
starting your engine, your heating system will produce
warmer air faster to heat the passenger compartment in
cold weather. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use BLEND to keep the
windshield and side windows clear.
Use DEFROST to remove fog or ice from the
windshield quickly in extreme humid or cold conditions.
Turn the temperature knob to the right and turn the fan
control toward high.
ProCarManuals.com

3-16
Once you have loaded the discs in the magazine,
slide open the door of the compact disc (CD) changer.
Push the magazine into the changer in the direction of
the arrow marked on top of the magazine.
Close the door by sliding it all the way forward.
When the CD magazine is loaded, the changer will
begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will
continue for up to one and a half minutes, depending
on the number of discs loaded.
To eject the magazine from the player, slide the CD
changer door all the way open, then press EJECT.
Remember to keep the door closed whenever possible
to keep dirt and dust from getting inside the changer.
All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio
buttons except for ejecting the magazine. Whenever a
CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, the
compact disc symbol (CDC) will appear on the radio
display. If the CD changer is checking the magazine for
CDs, the (CDC) symbol will flash on the display until
the changer is ready to play. When a CD begins playing,
a disc and track number will be displayed. The disc
numbers are listed on the front of the magazine.Compact Disc Errors
If ªEº and a number appear on the display, an error has
occurred and the compact disc temporarily cannot play.
The CD changer will send an error message to the
receiver to indicate:

E34: CD Changer Door Open

E35: CD Changer Cartridge Empty
If the error occurred while trying to play a CD in the
compact disc player or changer, the following conditions
may have caused the error:

The road is too rough. The disc should play when
the road is smoother.

The disc is dirty, scratched, wet or upside down.

The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour
and try again.

The CD changer door is open. Completely close
the door to restore normal operation.

An empty magazine is inserted in the CD changer.
Try the magazine again with a disc loaded in one of
the slots.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio
displays an error number, write it down and provide it
to your dealer when reporting the problem.
ProCarManuals.com