2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual - Page 145

FRONT DEFROSTER: This position directs most of the airflow through the window defroster vent. Some of the air goes to the floor outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle. Mode Buttons : Press A/C to operate the air conditioner compressor. The indicator light will glow when the button is pressed to indicate that the air conditioning system has been turned on. The fan knob must be set to a speed for the air conditioning to operate. OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to force the system to use 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. Press it again to turn off the recirculation. Pressing the RECIRCULATION button will cancel the OUTSIDE AIR button. RECIRCULATION is not available when the DEFOG or FRONT DEFROSTER mode is selected, or when the fan is off. When RECIRCULATION is selected, the air conditioning compressor will run automatically to help dry the air in the vehicle. Air Conditioning The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. For normal cooling on hot days, use UPPER with the temperature knob in the blue area and the A/C indicator light glowing. On very 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, which should help fuel economy. On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough. You can use BI-LEVEL with the temperature knob in the middle and the A/C indicator light glowing. The system directs slightly warmer air to your lower body. 3-3