The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be automatically controlled with this system.
Fan Control
Air Conditioning
Recirculation
Hybrid Air Conditioning
Rear Window Defogger
Air Delivery Mode Control
Display
Temperature Control
Climate Control Influence on Hybrid Operation and Fuel Economy
The climate control system is dependent upon other vehicle systems for heat and power input. Certain climate control settings can lead to higher fuel usage and/or fewer Auto Stops.
The following are climate control settings that use more fuel:
| • | Normal air conditioning mode. |
| • | The defrost mode. |
| • | Extreme temperature settings, such as 60°F (15°C) / 90°F (32°C). |
| • | High fan speed settings. |
To help reduce fuel usage:
| • | Use the full automatic control as described under Automatic Operation. |
| • | Use hybrid air conditioning, instead of the normal air conditioning. |
| • | Select a temperature setting that is higher in hot weather and lower in cold weather. |
| • | Turn off the air conditioning when it is not needed. |
| • | Only use defrost to clear the windows. |
These suggestions will help to reduce fuel consumption, but may reduce overall comfort.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic): Select AUTO on both the fan speed knob and the air delivery mode knob to activate the automatic system. When automatic operation is active the system controls the inside temperature and air delivery.Use the steps below to place the entire system in full automatic control:
- Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the AUTO position.
- Set the temperature.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning operation and air inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning compressor runs while the outside temperature is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet is normally set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet can automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help quickly cool down the vehicle.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended. Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate. Press the or arrow temperature buttons to adjust the temperature setting as necessary. If the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C) the system remains at the maximum cooling setting. If the temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Do not cover the sensor located on the top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor regulates air temperature based on the intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower right side of the climate control faceplate, as this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold weather, the system delays turning on the fan until warm air is available. The length of delay depends on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob overrides this delay and changes the fan to the selected speed.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed, can manually be adjusted.
(Off): Turns the fan off. Outside air still enters the vehicle. The direction can be changed by changing the mode position. The temperature can also be adjusted using either the up or down arrow temperature buttons.(Fan Control): Turn to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control: Press to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow. To change the current mode, select one of the following:
(Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets, with some air directed to the side window defogger.
(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some air directed to the side window outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting can be found later in this section.
(Defog): This mode clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the floor and windshield outlets.(Defrost): This mode clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. The system automatically controls the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the compressor is turned off while in this mode. The engine will not perform Auto Stops when the defrost mode is on.
(Normal Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning on and off. A light above the button comes on to show that it is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode, the system runs the air conditioning automatically to cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
While in this mode, the hybrid system does not shut the engine down at complete stops.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press or to the desired temperature setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system maximizes its performance by using recirculation as necessary.
(Hybrid Air Conditioning): This setting balances fuel economy and air conditioning comfort. When hybrid A/C is used in warm weather, you may notice more frequent auto stops and the cabin may be warmer as compared to normal air conditioning.Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
- Select the vent mode.
- Select the highest fan speed.
- Select air conditioning.
- Select the recirculation mode.
- Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time may cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
Heating: On cold days when using manual operation of the automatic system, use floor mode to deliver air to the floor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press or to the desired temperature setting. To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing or . When the heater is in use, there might be slight noise or vibration during Auto Stops. This is due to the coolant circulation pump that continues to circulate heat through the system during the engine Auto Stop. The heater works best if the windows are kept closed.(Recirculation): Press to turn on the recirculation mode. An indicator light above the button comes on to show it is on. The recirculation mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather. Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort. Press this button to cancel the auto recirculation feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system reverts to the auto recirculation function. If recirculation is selected while in defrost, defog or floor mode, the light on the button flashes three times and then goes out to indicate that this is not allowed. This is to prevent window fogging. When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system in recirculation for extended periods of time can cause fogging of the vehicle's windows. To clear the fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help dehumidify the air.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.
(Rear): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light above the button comes on to show that the rear window defogger is on.If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the button again.
If the vehicle's speed is maintained above 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface of the outside mirrors also heat when the rear window defogger is activated. See Outside Power Mirrors.
Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
For vehicles with this system, the heating, cooling, and ventilation can be automatically controlled.
Fan Control
Air Conditioning
Recirculation
Outside Air
Rear Window Defogger
Air Delivery Mode Control
Display
Temperature Control
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic): Select AUTO on both the fan speed control and the air delivery mode control knobs to activate the automatic system. When automatic operation is active the system controls the inside temperature and air delivery.To place the system in automatic mode do the following:
- Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the AUTO position.
- Set the temperature.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning operation and air inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning compressor runs while the outside temperature is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help quickly cool down the vehicle.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended. Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate. Press or to adjust the temperature setting as necessary. If the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C) the system remains at the maximum cooling setting. If the temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Do not to cover the sensor located on the top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor regulates air temperature based on the intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower right side of the climate control faceplate, as this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold weather, the system delays turning on the fan until warm air is available. The length of delay depends on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob overrides this delay and changes the fan to the selected speed.
Manual Operation
(Off): Select this position on the fan knob to turn off the entire climate control system. Outside air still enters the vehicle. The airflow direction and temperature can be adjusted./ Temperature Control: Press the arrows to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow in the vehicle. Select from the following:
(Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets.
(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets with some air directed to the side window outlets.
(Defog): This mode clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the floor and windshield outlets.
(Defrost): This mode clears the windows of fog or frost more quickly. The system automatically controls the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the compressor is turned off while in this mode.
(Air Conditioning): Press turn the air conditioning on and off. An indicator light turns on to show the air conditioning is on. When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode, the system runs the air conditioning automatically to cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle. On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best. On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press the temperature buttons to the desired setting. In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system maximizes its performance by using recirculation as necessary.
Heating: On cold days when using manual operation of the automatic system, use floor mode to deliver air to the floor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press or to the desired temperature setting. To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and press or to adjust the temperature.
(Outside Air): Press to turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes on to show it 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 cancels the recirculation mode.
(Recirculation): Press to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light above the button comes on to show it is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle. The recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you try to use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot function. Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system reverts to the auto recirculation function. The recirculation mode cannot be used with the floor, defrost, or defog modes. If recirculation is selected in these modes, the indicator flashes three times and turns off to indicate that this is not allowed. This is to prevent window fogging. When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system in recirculation for extended periods of time can cause fogging of the vehicle's windows. To clear the fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help dehumidify the air.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.
(Rear): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the rear window defogger is on.If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the button again.
If the vehicle's speed is maintained above 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once the button is pressed.
For vehicles with heated outside mirrors, the surface of the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear window defogger is activated. See Outside Power Mirrors.
Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with remote start, when it is activated the climate control system heats and cools the inside of the vehicle using the previous system settings before the vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will remain active during a remote start. However, the climate control buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate control system will not operate during remote start.
With the automatic climate control system, the climate control displays "RS" in place of the temperature to indicate that remote start is activated. For best performance, turn both the fan and mode knobs to AUTO. If the temperature is cold enough and the mode knob is set to AUTO, the system begins in defrost to clear the windows. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation.
