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The operator can override the AUTO
mode setting to change airflow distri-
bution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the fol-
lowing positions.
PanelAir is directed through the out-
lets in the instrument panel.
These outlets can be adjusted to direct
airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument
panel outlets can be aimed so that
they are directed toward the rear
seat passengers for maximum air-
flow to the rear.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the
panel and floor outlets.
NOTE: For all settings, except
full cold or full hot, there is a dif-
ference in temperature between
the upper and lower outlets. The
warmer air flows to the floor out-
lets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool
conditions. Floor
Air is directed through the
floor outlets with a small
amount flowing through the defrost
and side window demist outlets.
Mix
Air is directed through the
floor, defrost, and side window
demist outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that re-
quire 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
maximum blower and temperature
settings for best windshield and side
window defrosting. Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to
turn on the air con-
ditioning during
manual operation
only. When the air
conditioning is
turned on, cool de-
humidified 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.
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Recirculation ControlThe system will automati-
cally control recirculation.
However, pressing the Re-
circulation Control button
will put the system in recirculation
mode. This can be used when outside
conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,
or high humidity are present. Activat-
ing recirculation will cause the LED
in the control button to illuminate.
NOTE:
When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position, the
recirculation feature will be
cancelled.
In cold weather, use of the Recir- culation mode may lead to ex-
cessive window fogging. The Re-
circulation 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. Extended use of recirculation
may cause the windows to fog. If
the interior of the windows be-
gins to fog, press the Recircula-
tion button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity condi-
tions 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 mode. Attempt-
ing to use the recirculation while
in this mode will cause the LED
in the control button to blink
and then turn off.
Most of the time, when in Auto- matic Operation, you can tem-
porarily put the system into Re-
circulation 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 pres-
ent, and the Recirculation but-
ton 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 sys-
tem to go into Recirculation
Mode, you must first move the
Mode knob to Panel, Bi-Level,
or Mix, and then press the Recir-
culation button. This feature re-
duces the possibility of window
fogging.
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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 pro-
tected with a high-quality antifreeze
coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against en-
gine overheating. A solution of 50%
ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and
50% water is recommended. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for proper cool-
ant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode dur-
ing winter months is not recom-
mended 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
conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high
blower settings. This will ensure 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 removed by turning the
mode selector to Defrost. The Defrost/
Floor mode can be used to maintain a
clear windshield and provide suffi-
cient heating. If side window 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 lo-
cated 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.
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Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
135
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Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located di-
rectly 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
The A/C Filter prevents most dust
and pollen from entering the cabin.
The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated
air within the passenger compart-
ment. Refer to “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for A/C Air Filter service information
or see your authorized dealer for ser-
vice. Refer to “Maintenance Sched-
ules” for filter service intervals.
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5
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
NORMAL STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
AFTER STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK . . . . . . . . .142
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFTINTERLOCK SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . .142
GEAR RANGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
AUTOSTICK® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES . . . . . . . . . .148
ACCELERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
TRACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
DRIVING THROUGH WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
FLOWING/RISING WATER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
SHALLOW STANDING WATER. . . . . . . . . . . . .149
PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . . .151
137
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POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK . . . . . . . . .153
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . . .153
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . .154
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) . . . . . . .154
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . .154
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . .154
ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION INDICATORLIGHT AND ESC OFF INDICATOR LIGHT . . . .156
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . .157
TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . .157
RADIAL-PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
TIRE CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . .161
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .161
PREMIUM SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
FUEL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
METHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
ETHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
MMT IN GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . .166
138