If your vehicle has this system, the heating, cooling, and ventilation can be automatically controlled.
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.Use the steps below to place the entire system in automatic mode:
- 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 the up or down 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.
Be careful 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
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually adjusted.
(Off): Select this position on the fan knob to turn off the entire climate control system. 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): Turn the knob with the fan symbol to manually adjust the fan speed.
(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument panel outlets.
(Bi-Level): This mode divides the air between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets.
(Floor): This mode directs most of the air 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.
(Outside Air): Press the right side of this button to turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes on to show it is activated. 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 the left side of the button to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light above the button comes on to show it is activated. The air inside the vehicle recirculates through the climate control system and the vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. This mode is helpful when trying to limit odors from entering the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather. 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. 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.
Temperature Control: Press the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the air conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the button comes on while 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, push the temperature buttons to the desired setting. To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature buttons.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This can be minimized if the climate control system is used properly. There are two modes to choose from to clear fog or frost from the windshield.
(Defog): Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. This setting delivers air to the floor and windshield outlets.(Defrost): Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield 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.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.
(Rear): Press this button 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 activated.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 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
If the vehicle has remote start and 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 .
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be automatically controlled with this system.
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) / 90F (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. |
| • | Only use defrost to clear the windows. |
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.
Be careful 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
The air delivery mode or fan speed, can manually be adjusted.
Fan Speed Knob
(Off): Select this position to turn off the fan. 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): Turn the knob with the fan symbol to manually adjust the fan speed.Temperature Control: Press to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Knob
(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument panel outlets. (Bi-Level): This mode divides the air between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets, with some air directed to the side window defogger. (Floor): This mode directs most of the air 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.
(Normal Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the button comes on to show that it is activated.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 your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your 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, push the temperature buttons to the desired setting. To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature buttons. 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 activated. The air inside the vehicle recirculates through the climate control system and the vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. This mode is helpful when trying to limit 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. (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.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This can be minimized if the climate control system is used properly. There are two modes to choose from to clear fog or frost from the windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
(Defog): Turn the mode knob to this position to select the defog setting, which delivers air to the floor and windshield outlets. Use this setting to clear the windows of fog or moisture. (Defrost): Turn the mode knob to this position to defrost the windshield. 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.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 activated.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 your 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.
