Front Control Panel
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2004 Dodge Caravan, and 2004 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The front A/C-heater control and integral computer is mounted in the instrument panel and contains:
- a power button which allows the system to be completely turned off. The display is blank when the system is off.
- a rocker switch that selects a cool-down rate. LO-AUTO or HI-AUTO are displayed when the system is in automatic operation.
- three rocker switches that select comfort temperatures from 15° to 30° C (59° to 85° F), which are shown in the VF digital display. If the set temp is 15° C (59° F) and the down button is pressed, the set temp value will become 13° C (55° F) but the display will show LO. If the set temp is 29° C (85° F) and the up button is pressed, the set temp value will become 32° C (90° F) but the display will show HIGH. Temperatures can be displayed in either metric or Fahrenheit, which is controlled from the overhead console.
- an air conditioning button that allows the compressor to be turned off. A Snowflake symbol is illuminated when air conditioning is on, whether under manual or automatic control.
- an air recirculation button. A Recirculation symbol appears in the display when the button is pressed, or when the system exceeds 80 percent circulated air under automatic control due to high air conditioning demand.
- a rear window defogger on/off switch. A graphic symbol shows when the defroster is on.
- a rotary knob for front fan speed selection can override the automatic controls. LEDs surrounding the knob show the current setting.
- a rotary knob for control of the rear system.
- a rotary knob for mode control can override the automatic controls. LEDs surrounding the knob show the current setting.
- computer logic which remembers the settings of the controls when the ignition is turned off and retains those settings after a restart. If the system is off when the ignition is turned off it will be off when the engine is restarted, etc.
- computer logic which provides variable air recirculation under high temperature and humidity conditions. Because recirculation is generally accompanied by increased fan noise, the proportion of recirculated to outside air gradually approaches full recirculation over a broad temperature range.
- computer logic which enables additional heat for diesel equipped vehicles by using a supplemental engine coolant heater.