Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix
and Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed. This de-
humidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.Recirculation Control
Press in on this button to
block the flow of outside air
from coming into the passen-
ger compartment. A light will
illuminate when the system is
in recirculation mode. Only
use the recirculation mode as
a temporary means to block
out any outside odors, smoke,
or dust, and to cool the inte-
rior rapidly upon initial start up in very hot or humid
weather.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235
4
NOTE:
²Continuous use of the recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
²The use of the recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather will cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture build-up inside the vehicle. Select
the Outside Air position for maximum defogging.
²The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging
when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode
control is set to panel or panel / floor.
²The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection.
²When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
Air Conditioning Control
Press in on this button to en-
gage the Air Conditioning. A
light will illuminate when the
Air Conditioning System is
engaged. Rotating the dial left
into the blue area of the scale
indicates cooler temperatures
while the rotating right into
the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
²MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation
buttons at the same time.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
²ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Ð If Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Infrared Climate Control System automatically
maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at thecomfort levels desired by the driver and passenger. To
accomplish this, the system gathers information from the
cabin infrared sensor mounted between the sun-visors
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. Other sensors take account of ve-
hicle speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple.
1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and the
Blower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO.
NOTE:The AUTO position performs best for front seat
occupants only.
Automatic Temperature Control
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
4
2. Dial in the temperature
you would like the system to
maintain by rotating the Tem-
perature Control knob. Once
the comfort level is selected,
the system will maintain that
level automatically using the
heating system. Should the
desired comfort level require
air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the ªOº (Off) position on the blower control stops the
system completely and closes the outside air intake.
72ÉF (22ÉC) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.NOTE:
²The temperature setting can be adjusted at any time
without affecting automatic operation.
²Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button while in
AUTO mode will cause the LED in the control button
to flash three times and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is in AUTO mode and requesting the
air conditioning is not necessary.
²If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser: lo-
cated in front of the radiator, for an accumulation of
dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from
behind the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric
front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
²Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air
will flow through the outlets selected with the Mode
control dial. Press this button a second time to turn off
the air conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates
when manual compressor operation is selected.
²Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recir-
culation. However, pressing the Recircula-
tion Control button will temporarily put the
system in recirculation mode (ten minutes).
This can be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are present.
Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the
control button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the
system will return to normal AUTO mode function
and the LED will turn off.NOTE:
²When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
²In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve window clearing.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected.
²Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or
defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula-
tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
²Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation Button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
Button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then
turn off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
recirculation mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode Knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation Button. This feature reduces
the possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
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 ªMaintenance Proceduresº 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.
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 settings. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
4
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow 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.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
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.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº
in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 6±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStickt
mode and select the[5]range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, using the[5]range will improve performance
and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the[3]range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hillyterrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the[3]
range will improve performance and extend transaxle life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
[3](DRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into DRIVE (OVERDRIVE).
The transaxle will operate normally in First, Second, and
Third while in this range. The[3](DRIVE) range should
also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:Using the [3] (DRIVE) range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
LOW With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
260 STARTING AND OPERATING