Air Handling
All airflow from the blower motor passes through the evaporator core. Based on the climate control panel settings, the temperature door actuator directs airflow through the heater core as needed. The air distribution door actuator controls the airflow to the defrost, footwell or register vents. The air source is from outside air or recirculated passenger compartment air as determined by the air inlet door position.
The air distribution door and temperature door actuators use a potentiometer to sense and communicate the door positions to the HVAC control module. When an airflow mode, desired temperature or fresh air or recirculation mode is selected the HVAC control module drives the actuator motor in the direction necessary to make the actuator position agree with the expected HVAC control module position to be obtained.
The HVAC control module sends a PWM signal to the blower motor speed control to control the blower speed. The blower motor speed control provides variable ground feed for the blower motor. A delay function provides a gradual increase or decrease in blower motor speed under all conditions.
AUTO
When AUTO is selected:
- the HVAC system operates in a manner to achieve and maintain the temperature set by the operator.
- the air inlet door actuator is automatically controlled by the HVAC control module based on the temperature setting.
- the mode door actuator is automatically controlled by the HVAC control module based on the temperature setting.
- the temperature door is automatically controlled by the HVAC control module based on the temperature setting.
- the A/C compressor is automatically controlled by the HVAC control module based on the temperature setting. The A/C compressor will not operate if the outside temperature is below approximately -2.2 °C (28.4 °F).
- the blower motor is on. The blower motor speed is automatically controlled by the HVAC control module based on the temperature setting, but can be manually overridden.
OFF
When OFF is selected:
- the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air and allowing only recirculated air.
- the blower motor is off.
MAX A/C
When MAX A/C mode is selected:
- the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air and allowing only recirculated air.
- the recirculated air indicator is illuminated (recirculated air forced on).
- the mode doors direct airflow to the instrument panel registers.
- the temperature door moves to the full cool position. Air temperature can be manually overridden.
- the A/C button is illuminated.
- the A/C compressor operates if the outside temperature is above approximately -2.2 °C (28.4 °F).
- the blower motor is commanded to the highest speed. The blower motor speed is adjustable.
PANEL
When PANEL mode is selected:
- the recirculated air request button is enabled. If the recirculated air request button is selected (indicator on), the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air from entering the passenger compartment. If the recirculated air request button is not selected (indicator off), the air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
- the mode doors direct airflow to the instrument panel registers.
- the recirculated air request button can be enabled.
- blended air temperature is available. The airflow temperature can only be cooled below the outside air temperature when the A/C is commanded on.
- the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.
PANEL/FLOOR
When PANEL/FLOOR mode is selected:
- the recirculated air request button is enabled. If the recirculated air request button is selected (indicator on), the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air from entering the passenger compartment. If the recirculated air request button is not selected (indicator off), the air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
- the mode doors direct airflow to the floor duct and the instrument panel registers. A small amount of airflow from the defroster duct and side window demisters is present.
- blended air temperature is available. The airflow temperature can only be cooled below the outside air temperature when the A/C is commanded on.
- the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.
FLOOR
When FLOOR mode is selected:
- the recirculated air request button is enabled. If the recirculated air request button is selected (indicator on), the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air from entering the passenger compartment. If the recirculated air request button is not selected (indicator off), the air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
- the mode doors direct airflow to the floor duct. A small amount of airflow from the defroster duct and side window demisters is present.
- blended air temperature is available. The airflow temperature can only be cooled below the outside air temperature when the A/C is commanded on.
- the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.
FLOOR/DEFROST
When FLOOR/DEFROST mode is selected:
- the recirculated air request button is enabled. If the recirculated air request button is selected (indicator on), the air inlet door closes, preventing outside air from entering the passenger compartment. If the recirculated air request button is not selected (indicator off), the air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
- the mode doors direct airflow to the floor duct, the defroster duct and the side window demisters.
- blended air temperature is available.
- the A/C request button toggles the indicator on and off. To reduce fogging, the A/C compressor operates automatically, regardless of indicator status, if the outside temperature is above approximately -2.2 °C (28.4 °F).
- the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.
DEFROST
When DEFROST is selected:
- the recirculated air request button is disabled. The air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
- the mode doors direct airflow to the defroster duct and side window demisters. A small amount of airflow from the floor duct is present.
- the A/C is on in defrost. The A/C compressor operates as long as the outside temperature is above approximately -2.2 °C (28.4 °F).
- blended air temperature is available.
- the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.