SATURN L-SERIES 2004 Owners Manual

Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The thumbwheel for this
feature is located on the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering column.
Turn the thumbwheel up to brighten the lights or down
to dim them.
Entry Lighting
If the dome lamp is in the DOOR position, the lamps
inside your vehicle will come on when any door is
opened. In addition, the light will come on when the
remote keyless entry unlock button is pressed. It will stay
on for 20 seconds or until a door is opened. After the door
is opened the light will remain on and stay on for
20 seconds after the doors are closed, or until you put the
key in the ignition and turn the key to RUN. The light will
then gradually dim until it is no longer lit.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamp switch has three positions.
ON:The lamp will stay on as long as the switch is in
this position.
DOOR:The lamp will come on when a door is opened.
See “Entry Lighting” for more information.
OFF:The lamp will not come on as long as the switch
is in this position.
Map Lamps
Your vehicle may have map lamps on the rearview
mirror. Press the button next to the lamp to turn it on
and off.
3-15
ProCarManuals.com

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes.
Accessory Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlets are located in the front
and rear of the center console.
To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
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 the accessory power outlet.
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
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.
3-16
ProCarManuals.com

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have an ashtray and cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, just push 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.
To remove the ashtray, lift it straight up. To reinstall it,
press the ashtray down rmly until it is fully seated.
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.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
3-17
ProCarManuals.com

Operation
To change the current mode, turn the right knob to
select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and then directs most of
the remaining air to the oor outlets. Some air may be
directed toward the side windows.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
A(Fan):Turn the knob in the center of the system
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease
the fan speed. The fan must be on to run the
air-conditioning compressor.Temperature Control:Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
?(Recirculation):This mode keeps outside air from
coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside
air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help cool
the air inside your vehicle more quickly. Press this button
to turn the recirculation mode on or off. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The air-conditioning
compressor comes on. The recirculation mode can be
used with vent, bi-level, or oor modes, but it cannot be
used with the defog or defrost modes. When you switch
to the defog or defrost modes the system will
automatically move from recirculation to outside air.
When you move the mode knob back to another mode,
the system will move back into recirculation. When the
car is turned off and back on the system will default to
outside air automatically.
3-18
ProCarManuals.com

AC (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed,
an indicator light above the button will come on to let
you know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
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 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 choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. 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.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and half to the oor outlets with a small
amount directed to the side windows. When you select
this mode, the system turns off recirculation
automatically and runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield with some air directed to the oor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force outside
air into your vehicle and run the air-conditioning
compressor. Recirculation cannot be selected while in
the defrost mode.
3-19
ProCarManuals.com

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the
button will come on to let your know that the rear
window defogger is activated. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately seven
minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be
turned off by pressing the button again or by turning off
the engine.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the mirrors
will also heat when the rear defogger is on. SeeOutside
Heated Mirrors on page 2-39for more information.
Notice:Don’t use anything 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. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can control the
heating, cooling and ventilation in your vehicle
automatically.
3-20
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Operation
To switch the temperature display from degrees
Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius, press and hold the
AUTO, ECON, and MODE buttons at the same time.
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is active
the system will control the inside temperature, the air
delivery, and the fan speed.
OFF:Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Put the fan knob on AUTO and press the AUTO
button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current set temperature, delivery mode
and fan speed.
When auto is selected, the air conditioning operation
and air inlet will be automatically controlled. The
air conditioning compressor will run when as
necessary. The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down your vehicle. The light on the
button will illuminate in recirculation.2. Set the temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 71°F (22°C)
temperature setting and allow about two to three
minutes for the system to regulate. Turn the
temperature knob to adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If you choose the temperature setting
of 60°F (15°C) the system will remain at the
maximum cooling setting. If you choose the
temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) the system will
remain at the maximum heat setting. Choosing either
maximum setting will not cause the vehicle to heat or
cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This
sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on your headlamps. See
“Sensor” later in this section for more information.
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
engine coolant temperature. Pressing the fan switch
will override this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
3-21
ProCarManuals.com

Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or fan
speed.
OFF:Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle.
A(Fan):The knob with the fan symbol allows you to
manually adjust the fan speed. Turn it clockwise and
counterclockwise to increase and decrease the fan
speed. If the fan knob is on AUTO the system will
automatically control the fan speed.
MODE:Press this button to manually change the
direction of the airow in your vehicle; keep pressing the
button until the desired mode appears on the display.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):This setting will deliver air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This setting will deliver warmer air to the
oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.
6(Floor):This setting will deliver air to the oor
outlets.
For information on the defog and defrost modes see
“Defogging and Defrosting“ later in this section.
?(Recirculation):Press this button to limit the
amount of outside air entering your vehicle. The light on
the recirculation button will glow. This is helpful when you
are trying to limit odors entering your vehicle and for
maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather.
Press this button again to allow outside air to enter the
vehicle. The light on the recirculation button will go off.
If you select recirculation while in defrost or defog, the
system will not switch to that mode. This is to prevent
fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or front defrost. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically to help dehumidify
the air.
ECON:Pressing this button will disable the air
conditioning compressor. A/C OFF will be displayed on
the screen. Press the button again to allow for
automatic operation of the air conditioning compressor.
3-22
ProCarManuals.com

Sensor
A sensor located on top of
the instrument panel is
used by the automatic
climate control system to
adjust the automatic
operation of the system.
Do not cover this sensor.
Defogging and Defrosting
You can use either defog or front defrost to clear fog or
frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode to
clear the windows of fog or moisture. Use the front
defrost button to defrost the front windshield.
-(Defog):Use this setting to clear the windows of fog
or moisture. Press the mode button to select this
setting. This setting will deliver air to the oor and
windshield outlets. The air conditioning compressor will
automatically run to help dehumidify the air and dry
the windshield.
0(Defrost):Press the front defrost button to defrost
the windshield and side windows. The air conditioning
compressor will automatically run to help dehumidify the
air and dry the windshield. To turn defrost off, press
the AUTO or MODE button.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button
will come on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If you need
additional warming time, press the button again.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated mirrors this
button will activate them.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to clear
the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
3-23
ProCarManuals.com

Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passenger
compartment air lter. It is located underneath the hood
just below the windshield wiper arm on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
The lter traps most of the pollen from air entering the
Climate Control System. Like your engine’s air
cleaner/lter, it may need to be changed periodically to
insure system performance. For information on how
often to change the passenger compartment air
lter, seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.For the type of lter to use, seeNormal Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-13.
To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Open the hood. Locate the passenger compartment
air ler access panel.
2. Peel back the hood weatherstrip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to center.
3. Use a tool to open the passenger compartment air
lter access door.
4. Remove any leaves or other debris from the
lter area.
3-24
ProCarManuals.com