Climate Controls 8-5
Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system. For vehicles with the remote start feature, the climate control
system functions as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑3.
United States version shown, Canada version similar.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Air Conditioning E. Outside Air
F. Recirculation
G. Rear Window Defogger
Automatic Operation
This climate control system
automatically maintains the desired
temperature inside the vehicle. Do
not cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the
windshield or the sensor grille below
the climate control faceplate. These
two sensors help regulate the inside
air temperature.
AUTO (Automatic Fan):
Turn the
fan knob to AUTO for the system to
automatically adjust the fan speed
to reach the desired inside
temperature.
Temperature Control: Select the
desired cabin air temperature
between 60‐90°F (16‐32°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest
temperature setting does not cause
the system to heat or cool any
faster.
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8-6 Climate Controls
AUTO (Automatic Air Delivery
Mode):Turn the air delivery mode
knob to AUTO for the system to
automatically control the direction of
the airflow to help reach the desired
inside temperature.
The system automatically controls
the air inlet to supply the outside air
or recirculated inside air needed to
heat or cool the vehicle faster. The
recirculation button indicator light is
lit whenever the recirculation mode
is on.
Press the outside air button to
change to outside air. However, the
recirculation mode may turn back on
automatically.
In cold weather, if the fan and air
delivery modes are in automatic, the
system starts at lower fan speeds to
avoid directing cold air into the
vehicle until warmer air is available. The climate control system
directs air to the floor, but may
automatically change modes as the
vehicle warms up to maintain the
chosen temperature setting. The
length of time needed to warm the
interior depends on the outside
temperature and inside temperature
of the vehicle.
Manual Operation
A
(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. To turn the
fan off, turn the left knob to the
9
position. In any setting other than
off, the fan runs continuously with
the ignition on. The fan must be
turned on to run the air conditioning
compressor. There will be some
airflow noticeable from the various
outlets when driving, even with the
fan in the off position. To turn off the
air completely, turn the fan to
9
and select the recirculation button. Temperature Control:
Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the
temperature. Select the desired
cabin air temperature between
60‐90°F (16‐32°C). Typically, the
best setting is near 75°F (23°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest
temperature setting does not cause
the system to heat or cool any
faster.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air delivery
modes:
H (Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
) (Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel
outlets and the floor outlets.
6 (Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets with some air directed
to the windshield.
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Climate Controls 8-7
When this mode is selected, the
system turns the recirculation mode
off. Recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in floor mode. This is
to help prevent window fogging.
-(Defog):Clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the windshield and side window
outlets. In this mode, the system
turns the recirculation mode off and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside air is at or below
freezing. Recirculation mode cannot
be selected while in defog mode.
This helps prevent window fogging.
0(Defrost): Removes fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly.
Air is directed to the windshield and
the side window outlets. In this
mode, the system turns the
recirculation mode off automatically
and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside air is
at or below freezing. Recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in
defrost mode. This helps prevent
window fogging. For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
#(Air Conditioning):
Press to turn
the air conditioning system on or off.
An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is on. The
air conditioning can be selected in
any mode as long as the fan is on
and the outside temperature is
above freezing. A flashing indicator
light indicates that the air
conditioning compressor is currently
not available.
On hot days, use the automatic fan
and automatic air delivery mode
settings and the vehicle will reach
the desired temperature more
quickly. The desired fan and air
delivery mode settings can still be
adjusted manually. Open the
windows to let the hot inside air
escape, then close them. This helps
reduce the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down and helps the
system to operate more efficiently. The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water might drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine.
;(Outside Air):
Press to turn the
outside air mode on. An indicator
light comes on to show that outside
air is on. Air from outside the vehicle
will circulate throughout the vehicle.
The outside air mode can be used
with all modes, but it cannot be
used with the recirculation mode.
Pressing this button will cancel the
recirculation mode.
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Driving and Operating 9-5
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. If the brakes are pumped,
the pedal could get harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
still be some power brake assist but
it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is
used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power
steering system and the engine
stalls while driving, the power
steering assist system will continue to operate until you are able to stop
the vehicle. If power steering assist
is lost because the electric power
steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it will
take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in
either direction several times until it
stops, or hold the steering wheel in
the stopped position for an
extended amount of time, you may
notice a reduced amount of power
steering assist. The normal amount
of power steering assist should
return shortly after a few normal
steering movements.
The electric power steering system
does not require regular
maintenance. If you suspect
steering system problems and/or the
Service Vehicle Soon light comes
on, contact your dealer/retailer for
service repairs.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic
power steering system and power
steering assist is lost because the
engine stops or the power steering
system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will
take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle speed.
While in a curve, speed is the one
factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve, while
the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and
then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.
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9-8 Driving and Operating
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with all‐wheel drive can be
used for off‐road driving. Vehicles
without all‐wheel drive should not be
driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off‐road use
than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not have
features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe
off‐road use such as special
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range of
conditions, including off‐road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and
observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.
Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving. Atthe very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reflexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious
—or even fatal —accident
if you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some definite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill,
or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off‐road could
result in loss of vehicle control or
vehicle rollover.
Off-roading involves some new
skills. That is why it is very
important that you read these
driving tips and suggestions to help
make off-road driving safer and
more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work done.
.Make sure there is enough fuel,
that fluid levels are where they
should be, and that the spare
tire is fully inflated.
.Be sure to read all the
information about all-wheel-drive
vehicles in this manual.
.Make sure all underbody
shields, if the vehicle has them,
are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-roading where you will be
driving or check with law
enforcement people in the area.
.Be sure to get the necessary
permission if you will be on
private land.
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9-30 Driving and Operating
2. If the engine does not start after5‐10 seconds, especially in very
cold weather (below −18°C or
0°F), it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, repeat these steps.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts. Notice:
The engine is designed to
work with the electronics in the
vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates.
Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below −18°C ( 0°F). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater
should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. Some
models may have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will
prevent engine coolant heater
operation at temperatures above
−18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The engine
coolant heater cord is located
near the air cleaner box on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for more information
on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
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9-36 Driving and Operating
the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into
another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park on page 9‑33.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle is Stuck on page 9‑22. N (Neutral):
In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed. Notice:
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph),
push the accelerator all the
way down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9‑7.
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9-48 Driving and Operating
VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN)
on
page 12‑1.
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you
could choose to use middle grade
89 octane unleaded gasoline. If the
octane rating is less than 87, an
audible knocking noise, commonly
referred to as spark knock, might be
heard when driving. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code P) or the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code N), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking
noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock, might be heard when
driving. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814
in the United States or
CAN/CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. See
Fuel
Additives
on page 9‑49for
additional information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions
standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 5‑15. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer/retailer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
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