Dodge Avenger: Climate controls

Dodge Avenger: Climate controls

The Air Conditioning and Heating System is designed tomake you comfortable in all types of weather.

Manual Heating and Air Conditioning

Manual Temperature Control

The Manual Temperature Controls consist of a series ofouter rotary dials and inner push knobs.

Blower Control

Rotate this control to regulate theamount of air forced through the ventilationsystem in any mode. Theblower speed increases as you movethe control to the right from the “O”(OFF) position. There are four blowerspeeds.

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, theclimate controls will not function during Remote Startoperation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)position.

Temperature Control

Rotate this control to regulate the temperatureof the air inside the passengercompartment. Rotating the dial leftinto the blue area of the scale indicatescooler temperatures while rotatingright into the red area indicateswarmer temperatures.

NOTE: If your air conditioning performance seemslower than expected, check the front of the A/C condenserlocated in front of the radiator for an accumulationof dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water sprayfrom behind the radiator and through the condenser.

Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to thecondenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

Mode Control (Air Direction)

Rotate this control to choose from severalpatterns of air distribution. Youcan select either a primary mode asidentified by the symbols on the control,or a blend of two of these modes.

The closer the setting is to a particularsymbol, the more air distribution youreceive from that mode.

Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrumentpanel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can beaimed so that they are directed toward the rear seatpassengers for maximum airflow to the rear.

Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, thereis a difference in temperature between the upper andlower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.

This feature gives improved comfort during sunny butcool conditions.

Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with asmall amount flowing through the defrost and sidewindow demist outlets.

Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and sidewindow demist outlets. This setting works best incold or snowy conditions that require extra heat tothe windshield. This setting is good for maintainingcomfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and sidewindow demist outlets. Use this mode with maximumblower and temperature settings for best windshieldand side window defrosting.

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates inMix, Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the AirConditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehumidifiesthe air to help dry the windshield. To improvefuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.

Recirculation Control

Pressing the Recirculation Control button willtemporarily put the system in recirculationmode (10 minutes). This can be used whenoutside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,or high humidity are present. Activating recirculationwill cause the LED in the control button to illuminate.

After ten minutes, the system will return to normal modefunction and the LED will turn off.

NOTE:

• Continuous use of the recirculation mode may makethe inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.

Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

• The use of the recirculation mode in cold or dampweather will cause windows to fog on the inside,because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Selectthe Outside Air position for maximum defogging.

• The A/C will engage automatically to prevent foggingwhen the recirculation button is pressed and the modecontrol is set to panel or Bi-Level.

• Recirculated air is not allowed in Floor, Mix or Defrostmodes. If the Recirculation button is depressed whilein any of these modes, the LED indicator will flashseveral times then go out. Recirculation will be disabledautomatically is these modes are selected.

• The A/C can be deselected manually without disturbingthe mode control selection.

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCKposition, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

Air Conditioning Control

Press this button to engage the AirConditioning. A light will illuminatewhen the Air Conditioning System isengaged. Rotating the dial left into theblue area of the scale indicates coolertemperatures while rotating right intothe red area indicates warmer temperatures.

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engageuntil the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.

• MAX A/C

For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculationbuttons at the same time.

• ECONOMY MODE

If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turnOFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,move the temperature control to the desired temperature.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —If Equipped

Automatic Temperature Control

Automatic Operation

The Automatic Temperature Control system automaticallymaintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle atthe comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.

Operation of the system is quite simple.

1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and theBlower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO.

NOTE: The AUTO position performs best for front seatoccupants only.

2. Dial in the temperature you wouldlike the system to maintain by rotatingthe Temperature Control knob. Oncethe comfort level is selected, the systemwill maintain that level automaticallyusing the heating system. Shouldthe desired comfort level require air conditioning, thesystem will automatically make the adjustment.

You will experience the greatest efficiency by simplyallowing the system to function automatically. Selectingthe “O” (OFF) position on the blower control stops thesystem completely and closes the outside air intake.

72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximumcomfort for the average person; however, this may vary.

NOTE:

• The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytimewithout affecting automatic operation.

• Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button while inAUTO mode will cause the LED in the control buttonto flash three times and then turn off. This indicatesthat the system is in AUTO mode and requesting theair conditioning is not necessary.

• If your air conditioning performance seems lower thanexpected, check the front of the A/C condenser locatedin front of the radiator for an accumulation of dirt orinsects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behindthe radiator and through the condenser. Fabric frontfascia protectors may reduce airflow to the condenser,reducing air conditioning performance.

• While operating in AUTO, the system will not automaticallysense the presence of fog, mist or ice on thewindshield. The defrost mode must be manually selectedto clear the windshield and side glass.

Blower Control

For full automatic operation or forautomatic blower operation turn theknob to AUTO position. In manualmode there are seven blower speedsthat can be individual selected. In offposition the blower will shut off.

Manual Operation

This system offers a full complement of manual overridefeatures, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic,Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode PreferredAutomatic. This means the operator can overridethe blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blowerrange for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.

The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed byrotating the Blower Control knob (on the left).

NOTE: Please read the Automatic Temperature ControlOperation Chart that follows for details.

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting tochange airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Controlknob (on the right) to one of the following positions.

• Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrumentpanel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can beaimed so that they are directed toward the rear seatpassengers for maximum airflow to the rear.

• Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, thereis a difference in temperature between the upper andlower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.

This feature gives improved comfort during sunny butcool conditions.

• Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with asmall amount flowing through the defrost and sidewindow demist outlets.

• Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and sidewindow demist outlets. This setting works best incold or snowy conditions that require extra heat tothe windshield. This setting is good for maintainingcomfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

• Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and sidewindow demist outlets. Use this mode with maximumblower and temperature settings for best windshieldand side window defrosting.

• Air Conditioner Control

Press this button to turn on the airconditioning during manual operationonly. When the air conditioning isturned on, cool dehumidified air willflow through the outlets selected withthe Mode control dial. Press this buttona second time to turn OFF the airconditioning. An LED in the button illuminates whenmanual compressor operation is selected.

• Recirculation Control

The system will automatically control recirculation.

However, pressing the RecirculationControl button will temporarily put the systemin recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can be usedwhen outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, orhigh humidity are present. Activating recirculation willcause the LED in the control button to illuminate. Afterten minutes, the system will return to normal AUTOmode function and the LED will turn off.

NOTE:

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCKposition, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may leadto excessive window fogging. The Recirculation modeis not allowed in the floor, defrost, or Mix mode in orderto improve window clearing. Recirculation will bedisabled automatically if these modes are selected.

• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windowsto fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.

Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hampervisibility. For this reason, the system will not allowRecirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, orMix mode. Attempting to use the recirculation while inthese modes will cause the LED in the control buttonto blink and then turn off.

• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, youcan temporarily put the system into RecirculationMode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. Whenthese conditions are present, and the Recirculationbutton is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turnoff. This tells you that you are unable to go intoRecirculation Mode at this time. If you would like thesystem to go into Recirculation Mode, you must firstmove the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press theRecirculation button. This feature reduces the possibilityof window fogging.

Operating Tips

NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section forsuggested control settings for various weather conditions.

Summer Operation

The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehiclesmust be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolantto provide proper corrosion protection and to protectagainst engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethyleneglycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.

Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining YourVehicle” for proper coolant selection.

Winter Operation

Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months isnot recommended 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 airconditioning system at idle for about five minutes in thefresh air and high blower settings. This will ensureadequate system lubrication to minimize the possibilityof compressor damage when the system is started again.

Window Fogging

Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly removedby turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mixmode can be used to maintain a clear windshield andprovide sufficient heating. If side window fogging becomesa problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle windowstend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humidweather.

NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used forlong periods as fogging may occur.

Side Window Demisters

A side window demister outlet is located at each end ofthe instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets directair toward the side windows when the system is in theFLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed atthe area of the windows through which you view theoutside mirrors.

Outside Air Intake

Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of thewindshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leavescollected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if theyenter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. Inwinter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,slush, and snow.

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped

The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen fromentering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming fromoutside the vehicle and recirculated air within the passengercompartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter serviceinformation or see your authorized dealer for service.

Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter serviceintervals.

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions