Pontiac Aztek (2005 year). Manual

Lamps on Reminder

If the driver’s door is opened and you turn the ignition
to OFF while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

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.

A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered. The DRL
system will make your reduced intensity high-beam
headlamps come on in daylight when the following
conditions are met:

•

The ignition is on.

•

The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.

•

The shift lever is not in PARK (P).

When the DRL are on, only your reduced intensity
high-beam headlamps will be on. Your instrument panel
will not be lit up.

When it is dark enough outside, the exterior lamps
will come on automatically. When it is bright enough
outside, the exterior lamps will go out and the DRL will
turn on. Of course, you may still turn on the headlamps
any time you need to.

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

Automatic Headlamp System

When the exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO, and
it is dark enough outside, the headlamps and parking
lamps will, automatically, come on.

The lamps will also come on automatically if the
following conditions are met:

•

The ignition is in ON.

•

The parking brake is released.

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Fog Lamps

The fog lamp button is
located on the exterior
lamp control.

Press the FOG PUSH button to turn the fog lamps on.
To turn off the fog lamps, press the fog lamp button
or turn the ignition off.

If you turn on the fog lamps while the DRL are on, the
parking lamps will turn on automatically.

Your fog lamps will go off when you switch to high
beams. Using your high beams in fog is not
recommended.

Interior Lamps

The interior lamps can be controlled, or automatically
turn on or off under certain conditions. They are
explained in the following text.

Instrument Panel Brightness

This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights. The knob for this feature is located on the
interior lamps control. Press the knob to extend it.
Turn the knob to adjust the instrument panel brightness.
Press the knob in when not in use.

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Interior Lamps Control

The interior lamp control is
located to the left of the
steering column, below the
exterior lamp control.

Turn the interior lamp control to one of the following
positions:

OFF: This position turns the interior lamps off.

DOOR: This position turns on the interior lamps when
any door is opened and when the ignition key is
removed from the ignition.

ON: This position turns the interior lamps on.

Headlamp Exit Delay

The headlamp exit delay feature will keep the headlamps
and parking lamps on at night for 30 seconds if the
following conditions are met:

•

The ignition is turned to OFF.

•

The exterior lamp control is in the AUTO position.

•

It is dark enough outside.

After 30 seconds, the headlamps and parking lamps will
turn off.

The lamps will turn off before 30 seconds have passed
if one of the following occurs:

•

The ignition is turned to ON.

•

The exterior lamp control is turned out of the
AUTO position.

If you would like to program the headlamp exit delay
feature, and your vehicle is equipped with the Driver
Information Center (DIC), see DIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-51.

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Entry Lighting

With entry lighting, the interior of your vehicle will
illuminate for 25 seconds so you can see inside your
vehicle before you enter. To activate entry lighting,
do one of the following:

•

Unlock a door using the key when the interior
lamp control is in the DOOR position and the
ignition is OFF.

•

Press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry
transmitter when the interior lamp control is in
the DOOR position and the ignition is in OFF.

After 25 seconds, the interior lamps will fade out.

The lamps will turn off before 25 seconds have passed
if one of the following occurs:

•

All doors are locked using the key.

•

LOCK is pressed on the remote keyless entry
transmitter.

•

The front of the power door lock switch is pressed.

•

The ignition is turned to ON.

When any door is opened, entry lighting is cancelled.
The interior lamps will stay on while any door or
the liftgate is open, and fade out when all the doors
are closed.

Delayed Lighting

The delayed lighting feature will continue to illuminate
the interior for 25 seconds after all doors have been
closed. The lamps will continue to illuminate when the
following conditions are met:

•

A door is opened then closed.

•

The interior lamp control is in the DOOR position.

•

The ignition is in OFF.

After 25 seconds, the interior lamps will fade out.

The lamps will fade out before 25 seconds have passed
if one of the following occurs:

•

The ignition is turned to ON.

•

LOCK is pressed on the remote keyless entry
transmitter.

•

The front of the power door lock switch is pressed.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can program this feature on or
off. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-51.

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Exit Lighting

With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on for
about 30 seconds whenever you remove the key from
the ignition, if the following conditions are met:

•

The vehicle is in PARK (P).

•

The key is out of the ignition.

•

The interior lamp control is in the DOOR position.

•

All of the doors are closed.

After 30 seconds, the interior lamps will fade out.

The interior lamps will fade out before 30 seconds have
passed if one of the following occurs:

•

The ignition is turned to ON.

•

LOCK is pressed on the remote keyless entry
transmitter.

•

The front of the power door lock switch is pressed.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can program this feature on or
off. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-51.

Perimeter Lighting

The perimeter lighting feature will turn on the headlamps
and parking lamps for 25 seconds when the following
conditions are met:

•

The ignition is turned to OFF.

•

The exterior lamp control is in the AUTO position.

•

UNLOCK is pressed on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.

•

It is dark enough outside.

After 25 seconds, the headlamps and parking lamps will
turn off.

The lamps will turn off before 25 seconds have passed
if one of the following occurs:

•

The ignition is turned to ON.

•

The exterior lamp control is turned from the
AUTO position.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can program this feature on or
off. See “Lock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-51.

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Front Reading Lamps

There are two reading lamps located on the
rearview mirror.

To turn either reading lamp on or off, press the button
located next to each lamp. These lamps will come
on each time you open the doors, if the interior lamp
control is in the ON or DOOR position.

Cargo Lamp

The cargo lamp is located in the rear of the vehicle,
above the liftgate/tailgate opening. It comes on
automatically each time you open the doors, if the
interior lamp control is in the DOOR position.

Battery Run-Down Protection

Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent you from
draining the battery, in case you accidentally leave the
interior or exterior lamps on. If you leave any interior
or exterior lamps on while the ignition is in OFF, they will
automatically turn off after 10 minutes.

If your vehicle has less than 14 miles (24 km) on the
odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps after
only three minutes.

Instrument Panel Switchbank

There is an instrument panel switchbank located below
the comfort controls. It contains switches or blanks
that will vary with the options that are on your vehicle
and a cigarette lighter/accessory power outlet.

You may have the following switches:

•

Liftgate/Tailgate Release. See Liftgate/Tailgate
on page 2-10.

•

Traction Disable. See Traction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-10.

•

Heated Seats. See Heated Seats on page 1-3.

If your vehicle has only two switches, there will also be
a storage bin.

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Accessory Power Outlets

With accessory power outlets you can plug in electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone or CB radio.

There is a single front power outlet located on the floor
console above the climate control system outlets.

There is one rear power outlet located in the rear of the
vehicle on the driver’s side.

To use the outlet, pull the cover down. When not using
it, 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 to
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.

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Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter

If your vehicle has an ashtray and cigarette lighter,
they are located in the glove box.

The ashtray fits into the cupholders. The cigarette
lighter installs into the accessory power outlet in the
instrument panel switchbank.

To use the lighter, 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. Do not
use anything other than the cigarette lighter in the
heating element.

Notice: If you put papers or other flammable items
in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.

Climate Controls

Climate Control System

With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
and ventilation for everyone in the vehicle.

Operation

Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside your vehicle.

To change the current mode, select one of the following:

(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument

panel outlets.

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)

(Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to the

instrument panel outlets, then directs the remaining
air to the floor outlets. Cooler air is directed to the upper
outlets and warmer air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the

floor outlets. Use this mode to send air to the rear of
the vehicle. Keep the area under the front seats free
of objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear of
the vehicle.

The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see “Defogging
and Defrosting” later in this section.

(Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or

counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob to OFF to turn off the fan. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.

(Outside Air): Press this button to turn the

outside air mode on or off. When this mode is on,
outside air will circulate throughout your vehicle, and an
indicator light in the button will come on to let you
know that it is activated. The outside air mode can be
used with all modes, except for the recirculation mode.

(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 help
heat or 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 will
come on. The air-conditioning compressor also comes
on. The recirculation mode can be used with vent
and bi-level modes, but it cannot be used with floor,
defog, defrost or outside air modes.

Temperature Control: Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the air
temperature inside your vehicle.

A/C (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn

the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.

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.

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.

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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,
or 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. 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 air to the windshield

and the floor outlets. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation 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.

(Defrost): Pressing this button directs most of the

air to the windshield and the side window outlets,
with some air directed to the floor outlets. In this mode,
the system will automatically turn off recirculation
and run the air-conditioning compressor, unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing.

Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.

Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.

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 about 10 minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger will only run for about five minutes before
turning off. The defogger can also be turned off
by pressing the button again or by turning off the engine.

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.

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Dual Climate Control System

Your vehicle may have a dual climate control system.
With this system you can, individually, control the
heating, cooling, and ventilation for your vehicles driver
and passengers.

Operation

Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside your vehicle.

To change the current mode, select one of the following:

(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument

panel outlets.

)

(Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to the

instrument panel outlets, then directs the remaining
air to the floor outlets. Cooler air is directed to the upper
outlets and warmer air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the

floor outlets. Use this mode to send air to the rear of the
vehicle. Keep the area under the front seats free of
objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear of
the vehicle.

The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see “Defogging and
Defrosting” later in this section.

(Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or

counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob to OFF to turn off the fan. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.

(Outside Air): Press this button to turn the

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(Recirculation): This mode keeps outside air

Temperature Control: Use the driver’s and
passenger’s temperature levers to, individually, increase
or decrease the air temperature inside your vehicle.

A/C (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn

the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.

Defogging and Defrosting

Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.

(Defog): This mode directs air to the windshield

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(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to the

windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to the floor outlets. In this mode, the system
will automatically turn off recirculation and run the
air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation cannot
be selected while in the defrost mode.

Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.

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.

Outlet Adjustment

Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airflow.

Operation Tips

•

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the flow of air into your vehicle.

•

Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors 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.

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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.

Your vehicle also has a message center that works
along with the warning lights and gages. See Message
Center on page 3-39.

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Speedometer and Odometer

Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada). However, a Canadian
odometer will remain in metric units only.

Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer.

You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to
the mileage total of the old odometer, then that will
be done. If it cannot, then it is set at zero and a label
must be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may toggle the odometer to
display either miles, available only in the United States,
or kilometers. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-47.

Trip Odometer

In addition to the standard odometer, the cluster can
also display a trip odometer. The display can be toggled
between the odometer and the trip odometer by
quickly pressing and releasing the trip/reset button
located to the right of the temperature gage. The trip
odometer will continue to keep track of miles or
kilometers driven even if they are not currently
displayed. A Canadian trip odometer will remain in
metric units only. To reset the trip odometer to zero (0),
push and hold the trip/reset button for at least one
and a half seconds, but less than three seconds. The
trip odometer that is showing in the display will be reset.

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Pontiac Aztek (2005 year). Manual - part 9