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Comments
Does anybody know if there is a way to change the blower settings when using remote start? I notice that whenever I use remote start the blower runs at full speed until I insert and turn the key. I would like to shut this feature off if possible, but I cant seem to find any info on how.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Craig
The remote start feature on that model is even fancier than what you get on base or LS model with remote start because when the remote start mode is initiated the control head checks the inside temperature of the vehicle and then runs the system in one of 3 modes to optimally cool or heat it. When you turn the key the system transitions from this auto start or "AS" mode to whatever your last settings were.
NO, you cannot change this operation.
If you are experiencing some discomfort I would be interested in getting more details because I will pass them back to interested parties.
A few details on fan speed.......
Under most conditions you will find that the blower motor is running at 75% speed during this special "AS" mode. The fan in this vehicle is so powerful it might just seem like it is running at full blast. Only at mild temperatures inside vehicle (70's) will the fan run slower.
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I am still waiting for someone to ask about the rear defog (all models) and heated mirror (LT only) interaction with remote start. Probably needs to get a little colder for those questions to start (LOL)
anyways specific to your question......
If you have an auto HVAC system (LT model). It will go into these special remote start modes even if you had the HVAC system (including the fan speed switch) turned off - it is REALLY smart (LOL)
If you have the non-auto HVAC system (base or LS model) the HVAC system will operate in the mode that the owner last left it in (temperature, A/C and fan speed). So as long as you remember this you will get pretty much same benefit of remote start that LT owner has.
Now that you got me started......a few more items.
First of all on the Rear Defog operation with remote start. It works same for either type of HVAC system.
For the 2004 model year when the outside air temperature is detected at <36 deg F when you activate remote start your vehicle rear defogger will automatically be turned on. On LT model your heated mirrors will also turn on.
When you put key in ignition and turn ON (transition from remote start to normal running) then the rear defogger will turn off and you will need to turn it back on if you still need rear defogger operating.
For the 2005 model year the temperature that the remote start system turns on rear defogger was increased to <60 deg F. There is no way for a 2004 model to have that changed
At this time heated seats DO NOT turn on automatically with remote start (sorry).
IOW, it's OK to leave the fan speed control in one of the "on" positions (on the LS) so that the system will be pumping out warm air after a remote start?
The reason I ask is that when I first learned to drive (several million years ago) it was drummed into me (by my driver ed teacher) that you should always have all electrical accessories turned off at startup in order to avoid excessive battery drain. I also remember something about voltage regulators not being able to protect electrical compononents from voltage spikes during startup...
Do I need to update my thinking on this?
This is not to say stuff can't happen under unusual conditions (like your vehicle getting struck by lightening).
You will still find that many things automatically shut themselves off when you start vehicle due to the way they are "power moded". Helps allow all available power to be used to turn the starter motor on the vehicle. Give it a try on your LS, you will see that the automatic headlights turn off and HVAC blower shuts off when you go into crank.
I'm sure I'm speaking for many of us when I say again,"it's nice to have you around".
Just me interested in helping out our customers where I can. I have worked on the development of this car for so long that I quite enjoy being able to share knowledge I have on it.
I also am involved in the Pontiac G6 and check that forum on Edmunds too but not very much activity yet - at least from a true customer/owner perspective like on these Malibu/Maxx boards. I don't even know that a true owner has posted there yet (other than an Oprah show participant). Since that vehicle has only been in the market about 6 weeks it will take some time I guess. Hope they are as vocal as you folk
Overall, I am much more comfortable driving the Maxx than the 525i. The seats are higher, the controls are easier to operate and work better, and the Epsilon chassis is amazing. If Chevy could just fix the steering feel, this car would be 100% better than the BMW.
Yes, I have the LT model. It's been great for the most part, other than some issues with the paint. It's not so much the discomfort, as I am old fashioned in that when it is cold, I do not turn the heat up until the car reaches close to operating temp. It's a car over from when cars and lubricants weren't made as well as they are today.
The only thing I do dislike is the digital temp setting. I much prefer a dial or a lever, as it allows you to quickly set the temp. For example, in moderately warm days, setting the AC temp to about 68-72 is most comfortable to me. So once the sun goes down, if you dont want the a/c but want fresh air, now warm air starts coming in. So you have to hold the button in while driving, and the gauge changes slowly, about 1 sec per degree. So if you have a wide range, it takes a while, instead of a second with a dial.
It's a minor thing that probably only bothers me anyway.....
But one thing that impresses me a lot about this car is how quickly the heater warms up! After only about 1 to 1 1/2 miles there's actually warm air, both at the floor and windshield outlets. I've never had a car with such a quick warmup.
Between that and the traction control, remote start and front drive -- I'm actually looking forward to an upstate NY winter with this car.
As for the heater: it is amazing how fast warm air will come out on a cold day. I've never seen a car warm up so fast.
While the Maxx isn't a Civic, it will enable your teenage daughter to steer out of accidents, unlike every SUV on the market. There is a lot to be said for smaller cars' maneuverability and accident avoidance
I am not sure how major they consider replacing a rear glass.
Sorry you are having this problem, however since it is getting into colder weather I think it would be good to mention it to them when you are doing the oil change.
Still getting great mileage; in my trip this week to Quebec averaged between 29 and 30. Finally saw my first Maxx in Quebec on this trip. I have used up my five free oil changes dealer gave me when I bought the vehicle; I wonder when they are going to try to sell me service other than regular oil changes. Any recommendations out there on when any kind of maintenance is required, other than oil changes and tire rotations?
I have the same car as you, except in silver. You and your daughter will love it...so stable on the highway, even in blinding rainstorms and crosswinds. I've had mine just two months and it's been a pleasure to drive!
kcram
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Thanks.
This is one of the easiest methods I've seen on a GM vehicle yet, and certainly beats the method I had to use on my non-DIC equipped Chevy Trailblazer (something convoluted- like with engine off, turn key to run position, press and release throttle 3 times in five seconds, watch for light on dash to wink provocatively, etc.. LOL).
The trick with the Malibu DIC is that reseting of
Oil Life is NOT done using the same INFO item that displays the OIL LIFE %.
What you need to do is push the MENU button and the first item you will see is OIL-LIFE RESET. You then press the ENTER button and it will respond back ACKNOWLEDGED.
You can do this yourself.
Thanks again.
http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=parser&act=display&- amp;- amp;tf=/advice/caradviser/oil_change.tmpl
My own routine for many years has been to change around 5,000 miles, but that's based on my driving circumstances.
I was not aware the rear defogger turned on during remote start on the Maxx with manual HVAC. That is just super. I've only done remote start a few times in the morning on the Maxx.
As someone posted earlier, I too am very impressed with how quickly the Maxx warms up. If I just start up and drive, it reaches full operating temp in 1-2 miles. My old car took forever.
This morning, the Maxx was covered in frost. I forgot to remote start. However, I started the engine and had the windshield defrosted in about 4 min. The outside temp on DIC display was about 36F. While waiting to drive away, the DIC even displayed the message "ICE POSSIBLE". Never saw this before. If this is a safety warning, it's a nice touch.
I am a little disappointed though in performance of the electric rear defogger. It takes a long time to clear light frost. After driving 5-7 miles the frost is only starting to cleared near the electric wires. Not sure if this is normal or if something is wrong. Will mention it next time I bring it in.
I also wish the LS came with heated side mirrors. Chevy should make them standard on all cars as a matter of safety. Or at least make them an option when not standard equipment. While I can quickly get the car inside nice and toasty, there is nothing I can do to clear the side mirrors when there is frost, ice, snow.
Anyway, thanks again for all your time and contributions to this forum. Your dedication is much appreciated by all.
Thanks in advance.
The Maxx experience is just plain FUN!
Not the case with sedan which has a rear backglass antenna which might be affected by tints.
I don't know anything about different tints available though.
Tennessee 55-9-107. Motor vehicle windows with tinting, reflecting or sun screen material.
(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person to operate, upon a public highway, street or road, any motor vehicle registered in this state, in which any window, which has a visible light transmittance equal to, but not less than, that specified in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, has been altered, treated or replaced by the affixing, application or installation of any material which:
(A) Has a visible light transmittance of less than thirty-five percent (35%); or ........
[END QUOTE]
In most states SUV's are exempt from the B-pillar back, which is why you see factory suburbans, yukons, etc. with dark rear windows. However, there is no exemption for cars. All windows must have a visible light transmittance of 35% or more.
[QUOTE]
(a) (6) Any vehicle model permitted by federal regulations to be equipped with certain windows tinted so as not to conform to the specifications of subdivision (a)(1)(A) is exempt from subdivision (a)(1)(A) with respect to those certain windows. Likewise, vehicles bearing commercial license plates shall be exempt from the specifications of subdivision (a)(1)(A) for those windows rearward of the front doors. This subsection shall not be construed in any way to exempt the front door windows of any vehicle of any kind from the specifications of subdivision (a)(1)(A).
[END QUOTE]
The section above (a6a) is what covers SUVs.
The tint on my Maxx only transmits 15% of visible light. When I looked at the sample for the 35%, it barely seemed like any tint at all. So much so that it seemed like a waste of money. Though this partiuclar shop does great work at a great price, I should not have settled for a shop that only had two choices.
FWIW, all MAXX ads I've seen, including the one in my wife's November/December 2004 issue of In Style that arrived yesterday, clearly depict the car with an "illegal tint."
At least down here, if you actually are looking for it, almost ALL tint jobs you see on cars are illegal, given the extremely small difference 35% makes. If a car HAD a 35% tint job, you'd have to work to notice.
Your experiences may vary. I'm just offering my observations for others considering this. I'll try and get a picture posted a linked over the weekend.
BTW it will cost me $135 to get the mold spores cleaned off and Simonized. I'm waiting another month or two when a hard frost will kill all the mold coming off the wood mulch here, which unfortunately is inescapable in this woody spot. I'll tell them not to use compound to preserve the clear-coat.
Just a reminder, please "vote" only once for the color you actually have rather than the color you like to help avoid skewing the results. Thanks folks...and thanks again, Pao.