Page 225 of 392
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 225
4
Page 226 of 392

NOTE:Regardless of the type of operation, when a
temperature knob is set to the full clockwise or full
counterclockwise position, the system will deliver full
hot or full cold air out of the ducts, respectively.
The operator can override the AUTO mode setting and
select the direction of the air by rotating the right mode
knob to one of the following positions. When the Mode is
set to any position other than AUTO, the automatic
control of air temperature is disabled. The user must
adjust the temperature knobs to obtain the desired tem-
perature.
•Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles. Some airflow is delivered to
the floor while in defrost so that comfort can be
maintained.NOTE:The defrost mode is not automatically selected.
It must be manually selected, when desired.
•Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air
is also directed to the front door windows
through the side window demister grilles. Some air-
flow is delivered to the floor while in defrost so that
comfort can be maintained.
•Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating
area through vents under the front seats. Some airflow
is delivered to defrost while in floor mode, so that
comfort can be maintained.
•Bi-Level
Air flows both through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and those located on the floor.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 227 of 392

Air flows through the registers in the back of the
center console, and under the front seats to the rear
seat passengers. These registers can be closed to block
airflow. The center console outlets deliver conditioned
air while the floor outlets deliver heated air.
•Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the in-
strument panel. Air flows through the registers in
the back of the center console to the rear seat passen-
gers. These registers can be closed to block airflow.
Depress this button to turn on and off the air
conditioning during manual operation only. Con-
ditioned outside air is then directed through the
outlets selected on the mode control dial. The button
includes an LED that illuminates when manual operation
is selected.
NOTE:To manually control the air conditioning the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated side mirrors (if
equipped). An LED in the button will illuminate indicat-
ing that the rear window defroster is ON. The defroster
automatically turns off after approximately 10 minutes of
operation for the first push of the button, and will turn
off after approximately 5 minutes for the second push of
the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4
Page 228 of 392

This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. The button includes an
LED that illuminates, which indicates that the recircula-
tion mode is active. You may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the “Recirculate” icon button to return to
outside air. Some temp./humidity conditions will cause
captured interior air to condense on windows and ham-
per visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
“Recirculate” to be selected while in the defrost or
defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use the recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
NOTE:Refer to the “Operating Tips” chart (for Manual
A/C Control) in this section for suggested control set-
tings in different weather conditions.
228 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 229 of 392

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost, and
turning on the high blower. The Defrost/Floor mode can
be used to maintain a clear windshield and provide
sufficient heating. If side window fogging becomes a
problem increase blower speed. Vehicle windows tend to
fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
4
Page 230 of 392
Page 231 of 392
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................234
▫Normal Starting......................234
▫Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F (–29°C) . . 235
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................235
▫After Starting........................236
Transmission Shifting....................236
▫5–Speed Automatic Transmission..........236
▫Gear Ranges.........................237
▫Rocking The Vehicle...................238AutoStick............................239
▫AutoStick Operation...................240
▫AutoStick General Information............241
Parking Brake.........................241
Anti-Lock Brake System..................243
Power Steering........................246
Tire Safety Information...................247
▫Tire Markings........................247
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........251
5
Page 232 of 392

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........252
Tires — General Information...............256
▫Run Flat Tires........................256
▫Tire Pressure.........................257
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................258
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation....260
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................261
▫Tire Spinning........................261
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................262
▫Life Of Tire.........................262
▫Replacement Tires.....................263
▫Alignment And Balance.................264
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........265▫Premium System......................265
▫General Information...................268
Tire Rotation Recommendations............268
Fuel Requirements......................268
▫Spark Knock.........................268
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................269
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............269
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................270
▫Materials Added To Fuel................270
▫Fuel System Cautions..................270
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............271
Fuel Tank Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............272
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............273
232 STARTING AND OPERATING