the air inside of the vehicle. You may notice a
slight change in engine performance when the
air conditioning compressor shuts off and turns
on again. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of
high humidity (moisture) condensing on the
cool window glass. This can be minimized if the
climate control system is used properly. There
are two modes to choose from 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 clockwise or counterclockwise
to select one of the following modes:
-(Defog):This mode directs the air to the
oor outlets, windshield and side window outlets.
The recirculation button cannot be selected
while in defog mode.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the
air to the windshield and the side window outlets,
with only a little air directed to the oor outlets.The air conditioning compressor may run to
dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
The recirculation button cannot be selected while
in defrost mode. Do not drive the vehicle until
all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
If your vehicle has the rear window defogger
a warming grid is used to remove fog on 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 active. The rear window
defogger will automatically turn off approximately
ten minutes after the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated mirrors, this button will
activate them.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the
inside of the rear window. If you do, you could
cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs
would not 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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The passenger’s side temperature setting also
resets and relinks to the driver’s side temperature
setting if the vehicle has been off for more
than three hours.
Outside Air Temperature Display
A new outside temperature reading will be
displayed if the vehicle has been off for more
than three hours. If the vehicle has been off for
less than three hours, the old temperature
reading may be displayed because underhood
heat is affecting the true outside temperature.
Underhood heat can also affect the outside
temperature while the engine is running.
It may also take several minutes of driving
before the display updates to the actual
outside temperature.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation
is active, the system will control the inside
temperature, the air delivery mode, and the
fan speed.Use the steps below to place the entire system
in automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air outlet mode will be
automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run continuously when the
outside temperature is over approximately
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air inlet will
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down your vehicle.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a
72°F (22°C) temperature setting and allow
about 20 minutes for the system to adjust.
Turn the driver’s or passenger’s side
temperature knob to adjust the temperature
setting as necessary. If you choose the
temperature setting of 60°F (15°C), the system
will remain at the maximum cooling setting.
If you choose the temperature setting of
90°F (32°C), the system will remain at the
maximum heat setting. Choosing either
maximum setting may not cause the vehicle
to heat or cool any faster.
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You may also notice that the air conditioning
compressor will run while in recirculation mode.
This is normal and will help to prevent fogging.
If the weather is cold and damp, the system may
cause the windows to fog while using recirculation
mode. If the windows do start to fog, select
defog or defrost mode and increase fan speed.
Recirculation mode, if selected, will be cleared
when the engine is turned off.
#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button
to manually turn the air conditioning system on
or off. When the system is on, the system
will automatically begin to cool and dehumidify
the air inside of your vehicle. The air conditioning
symbol will appear on the display when the
air conditioning is on and will turn off when the
air conditioning is off.If you turn the air conditioning off while in front
defrost or defog mode, the air conditioning symbol
will turn off, however, the A/C compressor will
remain on to help de-humidify the air inside
the vehicle. If one of the other modes is selected
the compressor will then turn the A/C off until
it is selected again or the AUTO button is pressed.
To avoid fogging the inside glass on rainy and
humid days at a temperature above freezing,
press the air conditioning button to run the A/C
compressor. Also it is best to avoid the use of the
recirculation mode except when maximum air
conditioning performance is needed or for short
times to avoid exterior odors.
You may notice a slight change in engine
performance when the air-conditioning compressor
shuts off and turns on again. This is normal.
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Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and
gages on your vehicle. The pictures help to
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 the 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 the details show on the next few pages,
some warning lights come on brie y when you
start the engine just to let you know they are
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 is a problem with
your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on as 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 vehicle’s warning
lights and gages. They can be a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a Driver Information
Center (DIC) that works along with the warning
lights and gages. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 220for more information.
198
Tachometer
The tachometer
displays the engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START,
a chime will sound for several seconds to remind
you buckle your safety belt. The driver safety
belt light will also come on and stay on for several
seconds, then it will ash for several more.
You should buckle your seat belt.
This chime and
light will be repeated
if the driver remains
unbuckled and the
vehicle is in motion.
If the driver’s belt is buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
201
If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there
may be a problem with the lights or the passenger
sensing system. See your dealer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together,
it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person
sitting in the right front passenger seat
may not have the protection of the frontal
airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 202.
Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on brie y
when you turn on
the ignition, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with a
generator drive belt, or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
206
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is
not running, but the
ignition is in RUN,
this gage displays
the battery voltage
in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage may
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading. This is normal. Readings between the
low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range. The voltmeter gage may also read
lower when in fuel economy mode. This is normal.Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical accessories
are operating in the vehicle and the engine is
left idling for an extended period. This condition
is normal since the charging system is not able
to provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should correct
itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging
system to create maximum power.
You can only drive for a short time with the
reading in either warning zone. If you must drive,
turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
207