NOTE:The numbers on the temperature dial represent
a comfort setting when the Mode knob is set to AUTO,
and not the actual air temperature.
Turn the mode control (on the right) knob to AUTO, and
then turn the blower control (on the left) knob to either
LO AUTO or 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. Dial in the comfort
setting you would like the system to maintain by rotating
the driver’s or passenger’s control knob. Once the com-
fort 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 (O) position on the blower control knob stops the
system completely.
NOTE:
The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic control operation. How-
ever, if the driver and/or passenger temperature knobs
are set to the full hot or full cold positions, the air
temperature out of the ducts will be full hot or full cold
respectively. With the temperature setting in these posi-
tions, the system does not attempt automatic comfort
control.
The air conditioning in this system is au-
tomatic. Pressing this button while in
AUTO mode will cause the LED to flash
three times and remain off. This indicates
that the system is in AUTO and requesting the air
conditioning is not necessary.
Air
Conditioning
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
The system will automatically control re-
circulation. However, pressing this but-
ton will temporarily put the system in
“Recirculation” mode. This can be used
when outside conditions such as smoke,
odors, dust, or high humidity are present. This will cause
the LED to illuminate.
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 climate control sensor’s location.
Mud on the windshield may also cause poor operation
of this system.
•To provide you with maximum comfort in the auto-
matic mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will
remain off until the engine warms up. However, the
fan will engage immediately if the defrost mode is
selected or if you manually select a blower speed.
•Under certain conditions (after the vehicle is turned
off) the climate control system may recalibrate and a
noise may be heard for 20 seconds. This is part of
normal operation.
•Most of the time, when in Automatic operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
mode by pressing the “Recirculation” button. How-
ever, under certain conditions in automatic the system
is blowing air out of the defrost vents. When these
conditions are present, and the “Recirculation” button
is pressed, the indicator will flash and remain off. This
tells you that you are unable to go into Recirculation
mode at this time. If you would like to go to Recircu-
lation mode, you must first move your mode knob to
Panel, Panel/Floor, or Floor, then press the “Recircu-
lation” button. This feature will reduce the possibility
of window fogging.
Recirculation
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
Bi-LevelAir flows both through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and those located on the floor. 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 instru-
ment panel. 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.
Air Conditioning Press this button to turn the air conditioning on
and off during manual operation only. Condi-
tioned 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.
Recirculation 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 “Recir-
culation” 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” button to return to outside
air. Some temperature/humidity conditions will cause
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
captured interior air to condense on windows and ham-
per visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
“Recirculation” mode to be selected while in the defrost
or defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) on will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction, and blower speed to maintain
comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higherblower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant, during the summer, to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower
gear to increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL (N) and press the accelerator
slightly for fast idle operation to increase coolant flow
and fan speed.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
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 ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois-
ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which
could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
dealer for radial tire repairs.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck, and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel no matter what the
speed.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
276 STARTING AND OPERATING
can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the
United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor-
nia reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 285