3-7Air ConditioningOn hot days, open the windows long enough to let hotair inside escape. This reduces the time it takes for yourvehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closedfor the air conditioner to work its best.The A/C button, below the mode knob, allows the aircoming into your vehicle to be cooled. This setting isuseful for normal cooling on hot days. When you useA/C with the recirculation button pressed in, turn offrecirculation as soon as the vehicle reaches acomfortable interior temperature.Using A/C with the recirculation setting active allowsthe air inside your vehicle to be recirculated. Thissetting helps to maximize your air conditioner’sperformance and your vehicle’s fuel economy. Thissetting also cools air the fastest and can be used to keepunwanted odors and/or dust from entering the vehicle.When using the air conditioner, turn off the recirculationsetting and use the outside air setting after the vehiclereaches a comfortable interior temperature. When theright knob on the control panel is between floor anddefrost, the recirculation feature will not function toreduce window fogging.Passenger Compartment Air FilterYour vehicle is equipped with a passenger compartmentair filter, which filters outside air entering the vehicle.For information on replacing the filter see “PassengerCompartment Air Filter” in the Index.HeatingThe heater works best if you keep your windows closedwhile using it. On cold days, use the floor setting withthe temperature knob in the red area.On cold days, approximately 32F (- 0C) or lower,you may experience differences in how the transmissionshifts until the engine is warm. This featureautomatically reduces the time it takes for the engine toreach normal operating temperature and shortens thetime it takes the heater to reach full output.If you use the engine coolant heater before starting yourengine in cold weather, 20F (- 8C) or lower, theheating system will produce warmer air faster to heat thepassenger compartment.The use of an engine coolant heater also reduces thetime it takes for the engine to reach normal operatingtemperature. For more information, see “Engine CoolantHeater” in the Index.
