Air Distribution

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

There are two sources of air available to the air distribution system:

outside air
recirculated air

Air distribution within the vehicle is determined by the function selector switch position. Air flow control doors are used to direct air flow within the A/C evaporator housing (if equipped) and heater. Vacuum control motors are used to position these air flow control doors. Refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM for description and operation of each of the system functions.

The air distribution system is designed to provide air flow from the defrost nozzle when no vacuum is applied to any of the vacuum control motors. This is done to prevent a situation where defrost cannot be obtained due to a system vacuum leak.

Air enters the passenger compartment from the:

instrument panel register
heater outlet floor duct
windshield defroster hose nozzle
side window demisters
rear footwell duct

Passenger compartment air is exhausted from the vehicle through open windows or through the air extractors located in the rear of the vehicle.