dumb question on climate control
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
From: independence missouri
dumb question on climate control
I have had my 2001 c5 for about 2 years now and I hate to admit am still trying to master the auto settings on the heater/ac. When I put it in the auto mode the A/C indicator light is always on. I don't drive it in cold weather but some mornings it will be in the high 50's and the A/C indicator is still on, does this mean the air conditioning compressor is always running in the auto mode or do I have something messed up in the settings. Like I admitted I am still struggling with the climate control. Seats, mirrors radio are a breeze.
Thanks for any advice.
Thanks for any advice.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
LOL! GM engineered the DEFAULT settings in the HVAC system to start in defrost mode. If your cars memory is defaulting to the factory presets, the AC Mode will be on.
If you have a dual zone system and you have the MEMORY functions, you need to set the memory settings.
If you read the OWNERS MANUAL, it explains ALL the features that you can set to a MEMORY SETTING.
Unlock the car with your FOB-1
Set the:
Radio stations, volume, HVAC settings, seat position, HUD settings, ect to something that YOU DESIRE. If you set it to AC OFF, it should be off at start up.
Press and HOLD the MEM-1 memory setting until the little yellow light flashes. If you are the only one that drives your car, set the FOB-2 and MEM-2 to the SAME settings. Just incase you grab the wrong fob!
NOW, each time you unlock your car and get in and turn the ignition on, every memory function will return to what you set it to.
If you have a dual zone system and you have the MEMORY functions, you need to set the memory settings.
If you read the OWNERS MANUAL, it explains ALL the features that you can set to a MEMORY SETTING.
Unlock the car with your FOB-1
Set the:
Radio stations, volume, HVAC settings, seat position, HUD settings, ect to something that YOU DESIRE. If you set it to AC OFF, it should be off at start up.
Press and HOLD the MEM-1 memory setting until the little yellow light flashes. If you are the only one that drives your car, set the FOB-2 and MEM-2 to the SAME settings. Just incase you grab the wrong fob!
NOW, each time you unlock your car and get in and turn the ignition on, every memory function will return to what you set it to.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Every time your BATTERY goes LOW or you disconnect the battery, the DEFAULT SETTINGS will return! 
ALSO,, If you have a weak (old battery) when you cold crank the engine, battery voltage can drop low enough to cause the DEFAULT settings to return..
ALSO,, If you have a weak (old battery) when you cold crank the engine, battery voltage can drop low enough to cause the DEFAULT settings to return..
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Jun 3, 2016 at 11:26 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Just slowly select your desired cabin temperature and leave it alone. It knows what it's doing. You'll just **** it off messing with the functions.
The A/C light doesn't mean A/C is active - just that A/C is possible.
It's really a very good system. Just leave it alone.
The A/C light doesn't mean A/C is active - just that A/C is possible.
It's really a very good system. Just leave it alone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Just slowly select your desired cabin temperature and leave it alone. It knows what it's doing. You'll just **** it off messing with the functions.
The A/C light doesn't mean A/C is active - just that A/C is possible.
It's really a very good system. Just leave it alone.
The A/C light doesn't mean A/C is active - just that A/C is possible.
It's really a very good system. Just leave it alone.
I always wait for the guage sweep to complete before starts and use restraint and move slowly when making HVAC adjustments...
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