The air conditioning (A/C) switch controls the operation of the A/C system. The A/C switch is mounted in the heater control unit. In all of the modes, the A/C switch must be in the ON position in order to engage the compressor. If the A/C switch is in the ON position, the switch sends an A/C system request signal to the A/C compressor control module.

The position of the temperature control lever on the heater control unit controls the A/C output temperature. A cable connects the lever to the airflow door in the heater case. The position of the door controls the airflow through or around the heater core.

Temperature Lever

The temperature lever controls the amount of airflow to the heater core and regulates the temperature of the air that enters the vehicle.

If you move the temperature control to the coldest position, the air mix door closes blocking the flow of air to the heater core. If you move the lever to the hottest position, the air mix door opens completely allowing the airflow through the heater core.

Move the temperature lever between these 2 extreme positions in order to adjust the passenger compartment temperature to the desired level.

Mode Lever

The mode lever allows the driver to route air into the passenger compartment through different outlets. The mode lever operates in the following manner:

Ventilation: In this position, the air flows from the instrument panel (IP) outlets. The blower speed control lever controls the air quantity. The vehicle speed affects the air quantity if the fresh/recirc lever is in the FRESH position. A higher vehicle speed allows more air into the passenger compartment. Some air is delivered if the blower speed is in the OFF position.

Bi-Level: In this position, the air flows from the IP outlets and from the floor outlets. The air that flows from the floor outlets is warmer than the air that flows from the IP outlets.

Heat: In this position, most of the airflow is from the floor outlets. There is some airflow from the windshield outlets.

Heat and Defrost: In this position, a portion of the heated airflow is from the windshield outlets. The remaining airflow is from the side window outlets and from the floor outlets.

Defrost: In this position, most of the airflow is from the windshield outlets. A small amount of the airflow is from the side window outlets and from the floor outlets.

Blower Speed Lever

The blower speed lever regulates the amount of air that is delivered into the passenger compartment. The blower speed lever has 5 positions: OFF and speeds 1-4. The blower motor is in the blower case. The blower case is behind the right side of the IP.

Fresh and Recirculation Lever

The fresh/recirc lever determines whether fresh outside air or recirculated passenger compartment air enters the vehicle's heater and the ventilation system.

Move the fresh/recirc lever to the recirculation position in order to provide the quickest air delivery by closing the blower mode door. In this position, outside air is not delivered to the passenger compartment. Because the vehicle has a full-time outside air system, a small amount of outside air enters the passenger compartment regardless of the mode control position. The recirculate mode helps in heating the passenger compartment quickly. However, during the normal heater operation use the fresh mode in order to prevent window fogging.