CLIMATE CONTROLS
The controls for the heating, ventilation and air condi- tioning system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired interior conditions.
Air Conditioning and Heater
Air Conditioning and Heater Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the fan control at any speed and press the SNOWFLAKE button located at the right of the control panel. Conditioned air will be di- rected through the outlets selected by the mode control.
A light at the top of the SNOWFLAKE button shows that the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time to turn the air conditioning off. Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
The Mode Control (at the right of the control panel) can be set in any of the following positions:
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system allows you to operate at intermediate positions between the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden- tified by the small dots.
Air Conditioning and Heater Control
Mode Control
Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when the outside air contains dust, odors, high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired. This feature allows for recir- culation of interior air only. Air flows either through the panel outlets or both the panel and floor outlets to-
gether, depending on which recirculation mode is selected.
Panel (Fresh Air Modes)
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel and at the floor.
Floor
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out- lets located under the instrument panel.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the floor and defroster outlets.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the edge of each side of the instrument panel.
NOTE:
• The air conditioner compressor operates in both Mix
and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield.
• For information on operating the rear defrost, refer to “Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea- tures Of Your Vehicle”.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the control panel is the Blower Control. Turn the knob clockwise to one of the four positions to obtain the blower speed you desire. To turn the blower off, turn the knob to the far left posi- tion.
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the climate controls will not function during Remote Start operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off) position.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the control panel controls the temperature of the interior air. You can choose your degree of comfort by rotating the knob. The coldest temperature setting is to the extreme left (blue region) and the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These are air exhausters that provide the means for regular exchange of cab air. Side window demisters direct airflow specifically to the window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro- vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation whenever the Floor, Mix, Defrost, or Bi-Level modes are in use.
NOTE: When you turn off the engine you may hear a hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of a problem with the air conditioning system.
Operating Tips Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, open the windows and turn the blower fan rotary knob to the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the panel fresh position, press the SNOWFLAKE button to turn on the air conditioning, and drive with the windows open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been expelled, close the windows and turn the mode selector to the Recirculation Panel
Mode or Recirculation Mode Bi-level position. When a comfortable condition has been reached, choose a mode position and adjust the temperature control knob and blower speed as necessary to maintain comfort. For high humidity conditions it may be necessary to remain in the Recirculation mode to maintain comfort.
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 on the Air-conditioning (pressing the SNOW- FLAKE button) 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 by using MIX Mode position on the control. Adjust the temperature control and blower speed to maintain comfort. High blower
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 on the inside of windows can increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high quality antifreeze coolant during summer, to provide proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50% concentration of engine coolant to distilled water is recommended. Refer to “Cooling System” under “Main- tenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa- tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear and set the air conditioner to recirculation mode. Operating the air conditioner in recirculation mode pro- vides the maximum performance from your air condi- tioning. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be neces- sary to shift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator slightly for fast idle operation.
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 obstruc- tions. This will help prevent snow going into the ducts.
Operation Tips Chart
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