2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT Owners Manual

•Recirculation Control
The mode control knob also controls the
recirculation feature. You can choose Bi-
Level Recirculation air outlets, Panel Recir-
culation air outlets, or a mix or both while in
this mode. Normally, air enters from outside the
vehicle. However, when in Recirculation mode air
inside the vehicle is re-used. Use this mode to cool the
inside of the vehicle rapidly. The Recirculation mode
can also be used to temporarily block out outside
odors, smoke, and dust.
Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on and turn off the air
conditioning. When the air conditioning is turned
on, cool dehumidified air will flow through the
outlets selected with the mode control. Press this button
a second time to turn off the air conditioning. An LED in
the button will illuminate when compressor operation is
selected.
Automatic Temperature Control — If Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle
at the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.
To accomplish this, the system gathers information from
Automatic Temperature Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
4

the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take into account
vehicle-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. Begin by turning
the mode control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the blower control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTOor HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger temperature control knob. Once the comfort
level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired 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 OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic operation.
248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air conditioning in this system is automatic.
Pressing 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 request-
ing the air conditioning is not necessary.
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the recirculation con-
trol button will temporarily put the system in
recirculation mode (10 minutes). This can be
used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the LED in the control button to illumi-
nate. After 10 minutes, the system will return to normal
AUTO mode function and the LED will turn off.NOTE:
•The surface of the climate control panel and the top
center of the instrument panel should be kept free of
debris due to the location of the climate control
sensors. Mud on the windshield may also cause poor
operation of this system.
•Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begin to fog, press
the recirculation button to return to outside air. Some
temp/humidity conditions will cause captured inte-
rior air to condense on windows and hamper visibility.
For this reason, the system will not allow recirculation
to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these
modes will cause the LED in the control button to
blink and then turn off.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
4

Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of blower preferred automatic,
mode preferred automatic, or blower and mode preferred
automatic. This means the operator can override the
blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the blower control knob (on the left).
NOTE:Please read the automatic temperature control
operation chart that follows for details.
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•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.
•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.
•Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating
area through vents under the front seats.
•Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and through the outlets located
on the floor. Air flows through the registers in the back
of the center console to the rear seat passengers. These
registers can be closed to block airflow.
•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.
•Air Conditioning 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
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control
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. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation 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 Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.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 “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253
4

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor 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. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clearwindshield 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.
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 — If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
254 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL