Heating & Air Conditioning: Description

A manually controlled single zone type heating-air conditioning system or a manually controlled heater-only system is available on this model (depending on market).

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 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 system combines air conditioning, heating, and ventilating capabilities in a single unit mounted within the passenger compartment under the instrument panel. The HVAC housing includes:

1. Blower motor
2. Blower motor resistor
3. Recirculation door and actuator
4. Heater core
5. A/C evaporator (A/C system only)
6. Blend door and actuator
7. Floor/defrost and panel/demister doors and actuators

On heater-only systems, the A/C evaporator is omitted from the housing.

Fig 1: HVAC Housing Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Based upon the system and mode selected, conditioned air can exit the heater-only or heater-A/C system housing through one or a combination of the three main housing outlets: defrost, panel or floor. The defrost outlet is located on the top of the housing, the panel outlet is located on the face of the housing and the floor outlet is located on the bottom of the housing. Once the conditioned air exits the unit housing, it is further directed through molded plastic ducts to the various outlets in the vehicle interior. These outlets and their locations are as follows:

1. Defroster Outlet  - Dual defroster outlets are located in the center of the instrument panel top cover, near the base of the windshield.
2. Side Window Demister Outlets  - There are two side window demister outlets, one is located at each outboard end of the instrument panel top cover, near the belt line at the A-pillars.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Rear Floor Outlets  - There are four rear floor outlets, two located on each side of the floor console near the rear of each front seat.