
²If the recirculation button is pressed while in the Mix
or Defrost mode, the indicator light in the recirculation
button will flash 3 times indicating that recirculation is
not allowed.
A/C Recirculation Programming
The recirculation control is programmed to cancel the
recirculation mode when the ignition key is turned OFF
and will reset to outside air mode when the ignition key
is turned ON. The frequent use of outside air will help
keep odors from building up within the air conditioner-
heater housing. It is recommended that the recirculation
mode be used as little as possible, especially in humid
climates.
For hot and dry climates, or people who are allergic to
pollen and find frequent use of the recirculation mode
necessary, the recirculation mode can be programmed to
not automatically reset to the outside mode by using the
following procedures:
²Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
²Set the mode control to ªPANELº.
²Depress and hold in the ªPOWERº button.
²Start the engine, and continue to hold in the ªPOWERº
button until the indicator light starts flashing repeat-
edly.
²Press the recirculation button until the indicator light
remains lit.
²The selection will be stored when the ignition switch is
turned OFF or if the ªPOWERº button is pressed.
If the recirculation indicator light is lit, the recirculation
mode will not reset when the engine is started. If the
recirculation indicator light is not lit, the recirculation
mode will reset to the outside air mode when the engine
is started. The programmed status can be changed back
and forth by following the above mentioned procedure.
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

temperature you would like the system to maintain.
When the system is set to your comfort level, it is not
necessary to change the settings. You will experience the
greatest efficiency by allowing the system to function
automatically. The system will operate fully automati-
cally in either9AUTO HI9or9AUTO LO9. The9AUTO
LO9setting will limit the maximum fan speed and should
be used when more quiet operation is desired. Use the
9AUTO HI9setting when the quickest cool-down or
warm-up performance is desired.
NOTE:
²It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
²The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric by
selecting the US/M customer programmable feature.Refer to the ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center-
Customer Programmable Featuresº in Section 3 of this
manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
off and ªDELAYº will appear in the display until the
engine warms up. An estimate of the time remaining
until the ªDELAYº is complete will appear periodically
in the display. However, the fan will engage immediately
if the defrost mode is selected or by pushing the blower
switch and manually adjusting the fan speed.
This feature may be disabled using the following proce-
dure:
²Press and hold the Heated Rear Window and Auto LO
buttons for 5 seconds.
²The ªDELAYº symbol will flash to indicate that the
feature as been disabled.
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

This feature may be enabled using the following proce-
dure:
²Press and hold the Heated Rear Window and Auto HI
buttons for 5 seconds.
²The ªDELAYº symbol will flash to indicate that the
feature as been enabled.
Power Button
This button turns the entire system ON/OFF. When the
system is turned on it will return to the previous settings.
Dual/Single Zone Operation
When9DUAL9is displayed in the ATC control unit, the
driver and passenger air outlet temperatures can be
individually adjusted from the two independent9TEMP9
buttons. When a front seat passenger is not present,
pressing the9DUAL9button will match the passenger's
temperature setting to the driver's temperature setting.
This will help equalize air outlet temperatures across theleft and right side of the instrument panel. The outside
temperature will replace the passenger's temperature
setting in the display. Pressing the9DUAL9button a
second time or adjusting the passenger's9TEMP9button
will return the system to dual independent temperature
operation.
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The indicator light in both the9AUTO HI9or
9AUTO LO9buttons will turn off when the system is
being used in the manual mode. The fan speed, airflow
distribution, and outside air/recirculated air can be
manually adjusted.
NOTE:Each of these features operate independently
from each other. If any one feature is controlled manually,
the remaining features will continue to operate automati-
cally.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost your
windshield and side windows. If a fog or mist on thewindshield or side glass starts to impair visibility, press
the front blower button and increase the fan speed to
maximum.
NOTE:While operating in9AUTO HI9or9AUTO LO9,
the system will not automatically sense the presence fog,
mist, or ice on the windshield. The defrost button must be
pressed to clear the windshield and side glass.
Depress the ªA/Cº button to turn on and off the
air conditioning during manual operation only.
Cool dehumidified air comes through the outlets
selected by the Mode Control. To turn off the air condi-
tioning, press the A/C button a second time. The A/C
symbol in the display will turn off.
NOTE:If a fog or mist appears on the windshield or
side glass, press the ªA/Cº button to engage the com-
pressor or press the defrost button. If a fog or mist on the
Defrost Outlets
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 265
4

windshield or side glass starts to impair visibility, press
the front blower button and increase the fan speed to
maximum.
Recirculation Control
When the outside air contains smoke, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the recirculation button. The recircu-
lation mode should only be used temporarily. The recir-
culate symbol will illuminate in the display when this
button is selected. Push the button a second time to allow
outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of the recirculation mode
may lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Mix and Defrost modes to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation will
be disabled automatically if these modes are selected.
A/C Recirculation Programming
The recirculation control is programmed to cancel the
recirculation mode when the ignition key is turned OFF
and will reset to the outside air mode when the ignition
key is turned ªONº. The frequent use of outside air will
help keep odors from building up within the air
conditioner-heater housing. It is recommended that the
recirculation mode be used as little as possible, especially
in humid climates.
For hot and dry climates, or people who are allergic to
pollen and find frequent use of the recirculation mode
necessary, the recirculation mode can be programmed to
not automatically reset to the outside mode by using the
following procedures:
²Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
²Press and hold the recirculation button.
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

²While holding the recirculation button, turn the igni-
tion switch to the ªRUNº position.
²Continue holding the recirculation button for 4 sec-
onds, then release.
The recirculation control is now programmed so that the
recirculation mode willnotreset to the outside air mode
when the engine is restarted. The recirculation program-
ming can be changed back by repeating this procedure.
Rear Blower Operation
To operate the rear fan, press the9REAR9button. The first
time this button is pressed the9REAR AUTO9display
will illuminate indicating that the rear fan speed is
automatically controlled. To manually control the rear
fan speed, press the9REAR9button again and only
9REAR9will illuminate in the display. This allows the rear
seat occupants to control the rear fan speed using theswitch located in the center console between the second
row seats. By pressing the9REAR9button a third time,
the rear fan will shut off.
When the ATC display reads9REAR AUTO9or when the
rear fan is off, the switch located in the center console
between the second row seats is not functional. When the
ATC display reads9REAR9, only the rear seat occupants
can control the rear fan speed from the rear switch. When
in the ªREARº mode, the rear occupants can set the rear
switch to any fan speed including9OFF9,or9AUTO9.
While in the9AUTO9position, the rear fan speed will be
automatically controlled.
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
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 267
4

glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To insure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
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 adequatesystem lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the A/C
button to reduce the humidity inside the vehicle.
Fogging on the inside of the windshield can be quickly
removed by pressing the defrost button and increasing
the blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without the A/C
button for long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Before driving, always make sure the air intake located
directly in front of the windshield is free of obstructions
such as leaves, ice, or snow, which could reduce airflow
and/or plug the water drain tube inside the plenum.
268 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACCESSORY or ON
position.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
For electrical system malfunctions there is an override for
the interlock system. In order to override this system the
key must be in the ignition with the switch in the ACC or
ON positions. Pull up and rearward on the shifter bezel
ring.
The override can be activated by pressing the pink-
colored tab, which can be accessed through the lowerright corner of the shifter bezel ring. While the override is
pressed, the shifter can be moved out of the park position
without pressing the brake. After operation return the
shifter bezel ring to its original position.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
Brake Interlock Override
280 STARTING AND OPERATING