2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN air condition

7. Front Defrost ModeAir is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor may operate in
Mix and Defrost, even if the A/C button is not pushed.
This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To
improve fuel economy, use these modes only when neces-
sary.
8. Electronic Rear Window Defrost
Push this button to turn on the rear window de-
froster and the heated outside mirrors (if equipped).
An indicator in the button will illuminate when the rear
window defroster is on. The rear window defroster auto-
matically turns off after approximately 10 minutes. NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pushing the rear window defroster switch a second
time.
• To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear win-
dow defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a
mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the heat-
ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking
with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive
window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
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9. Recirculation Control ButtonPush this button to choose between outside air
intake or recirculation of the air inside the ve-
hicle. An indicator light will illuminate when
you are in Recirculation mode. Only use the
Recirculation mode to temporarily block out any outside
odors, smoke, or dust, and to cool the interior rapidly upon
initial start-up in very hot or humid weather.
NOTE:
•If the Recirculation button is pushed when the system
is in Defrost mode the Recirculation LED indicator will
flash three times to indicate Recirculation mode is not
allowed.
• Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
• In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculation
mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the outside air position.
• In order to prevent fogging, when the Recirculation
button is pushed and the mode control is set to Panel,
the A/C will engage automatically. •
The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection.
10. Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
Push and release to change the current setting.
The indicator illuminates when ON.
NOTE: If your air conditioning performance seems lower
than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser
(located 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.
11. Floor Mode Button
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small
amount through the defrost and side window de-
mist outlets.
12. Bi-Level Mode Button
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
326 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:There is a difference in temperature (in any condi-
tions other than full cold or full hot), between the upper
and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer air goes
to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort
during sunny but cool conditions.
13. Panel Mode Button
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted for direction,
and turned on or off to control airflow.
NOTE: For maximum airflow to the rear, the center instru-
ment panel outlets can be directed toward the rear seat
passengers.
Economy Mode
If ECONOMY mode is desired, push the A/C button to
turn off the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Rotate
the temperature control knob to the desired temperature.
Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor
modes.
Max A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and Recirculation
mode buttons at the same time.
Rear Manual Climate Control — If Equipped
The Rear Manual Climate Control system has floor air
outlets at the rear of the right side sliding door, and
overhead outlets at each outboard rear seating position.
The unit provides warm or cool air through the floor and
upper outlets.
The rear blower and temperature controls for the rear seat
passengers are located in the headliner, near the center of
the vehicle.
Rear Manual Climate Controls
1 — Rear Blower 3 — Rear Mode
2 — Rear Temperature 4 — Rear Climate Control Lock
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 327

Floor ModeAir comes from the floor outlets.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
•Front Three-Zone ATC allows both driver and front
passenger seat occupant, and rear seat occupants to
select individual comfort settings.
• When occupants in the vehicle select the AUTO mode
operation, a comfort temperature can be set by using the
temperature up and down buttons, and the auto blower
operation will be set automatically.
• The system can be controlled manually, if desired.
• SYNC feature links the controls for all three zones,
allowing one comfort setting (driver setting) for the
cabin, if desired.
The Three-Zone ATC system automatically maintains the
interior comfort level desired by the driver and all passen-
gers. The system automatically adjusts the air temperature,
the airflow volume, amount of outside air recirculation and
the airflow direction. This maintains a comfortable tem-
perature, even under changing conditions. 1. Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
Push and release to change the current Air Conditioning
(A/C) setting, the indicator illuminates when A/C is ON.
Performing this function will cause the ATC to switch into
manual mode.
2. Blower Control Display
This display shows the current Blower speed selection.
3. Left Front Seat Occupant Temperature Display
This display shows the temperature setting for the left front
seat occupant.
Front ATC Panel
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 329

NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings. The
system automatically adjusts the temperature, mode and
fan speed to provide comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in English or Metric
units by selecting the “Display Units of Measure in”
customer-programmable feature. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this Section.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain on
low until the engine warms up. The fan will engage
immediately if the Defrost mode is selected, or by changing
the front blower knob setting.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will
be turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
NOTE: The system will not automatically sense the pres-
ence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DEFROST mode
must be manually selected to clear the windshield and side
glass.
Air Conditioning (A/C)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to
manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning sys-
tem. When in A/C mode with the ATC set to a cool
temperature, dehumidified air flows through the air out-
lets. If Economy mode is desired, push the A/C button to
turn off the A/C mode in the ATC display and deactivate
the A/C system.
NOTE:
• If the system is in Mix or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain active to
prevent fogging of the windows.
• If not operating in AUTO mode, the system will not
automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or ice on
the windshield. DEFROST mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and adjust blower speed if needed.
Controlling The Rear Climate Controls From The
Front ATC Panel
The Three-Zone ATC system allows for adjustment of the
rear climate controls from the front ATC panel.
332 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Mode Control
•Headliner Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
• Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the Bi-Level mode
is designed to provide cooler air out of the headliner
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
• Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months is
not recommended, because it may cause window fogging.
336 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vacation/Storage
Before 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 fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select De-
frost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C 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
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from
the air. Refer to “Air Conditioning” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 337

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake sys-
tems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function. How-
ever, there will be some loss of overall braking effective-
ness. You may notice increased pedal travel during appli-
cation, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
potential activation of the “Brake System Warning Light”.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control system (EBC). This system includes Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These
systems work together to enhance both vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions.Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC).
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting braking
pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent overslip of
the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to prevent
the rear axle from entering ABS before the front axle.
Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on or comes
on while driving, it indicates that the brake system is not
functioning properly and that immediate service is re-
quired. If the “Brake System Warning Light” does not come
on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
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