Heating & Air Conditioning: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A manually controlled or an automatic controlled single zone type heating-air conditioning system is available on this model.

To maintain the performance level of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the engine cooling system must be properly maintained. The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any obstructions in front of the radiator or A/C condenser will reduce the performance of the A/C and engine cooling systems.

The engine cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, radiator hoses and the engine coolant pump. Refer to COOLING - EXCEPT COUPE for more information before opening or attempting any service to the engine cooling system.

All vehicles are equipped with a common heater, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) housing. See Fig 1. The heating-A/C system combines A/C, heating, and ventilating capabilities in a single HVAC housing mounted within the passenger compartment behind the instrument panel. The HVAC housing includes:

Blower motor
Blower motor resistor or power module (depending on application)
Heater core
A/C evaporator
Evaporator temperature sensor
Blend-air door and actuator
Mode-air door and actuator
Recirculation-air door and actuator

Fig 1: Typical Blend-Air HVAC System

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - HEATER CORE

2 - BLEND DOOR

3 - A/C EVAPORATOR

4 - RECIRCULATION DOOR

5 - FLOOR/PANEL DOOR

6 - FLOOR/DEFROST DOOR

Based upon the mode selected, conditioned air can exit the HVAC housing through one or a combination of the three main housing outlets: defrost, panel or floor. The defrost and panel outlets are located on the top of the HVAC housing and the floor outlet is located on the bottom of the HVAC housing. Once the conditioned air exits the HVAC housing, it is further directed through molded plastic ducts to the outlets within the vehicle interior. These outlets and their locations are as follows:

Defroster Outlet - A single large defroster outlet is located in the center of the instrument panel top cover, near the base of the windshield.
Side Window Demister Outlets - There are two side window demister outlets, one is located at each outboard end of the instrument panel, near the A-pillars.
Panel Outlets - There are four panel outlets in the instrument panel, one located near each outboard end of the instrument panel facing the rear of the vehicle and two located near the top of the instrument panel center bezel.
Front Floor Outlets - There are two front floor outlets, one located above each side of the center of the floor panel near the dash panel.
Rear Floor Outlets - There are two rear floor outlets, one located on each side of the floor console near the rear of each front seat.