Instructions for Using the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

The following sections describe the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems under various climatic conditions. They explain how to ensure effective ventilation, heating, and cooling of the air in the passenger compartment, and how to quickly remove condensation and frost from the windows.

All of these systems operate only when the engine is running. The engine coolant is used as the heat source for the heater. If the engine has not warmed up to normal operating temperature, it will take several minutes before warm air is delivered to the passenger compartment. The operation of the air conditioning system does not depend on the engine coolant temperature.

In the vast majority of cases, the best system performance for passenger comfort is achieved with fresh outside air supplied to the passenger compartment. Activating recirculation mode, especially when the air conditioner is off, causes the windows to fog up and the air to become stale. Therefore, use this mode only when necessary and for a relatively short time, for example when driving through areas with smoke or polluted air. As soon as the need to isolate the passenger compartment no longer exists, fresh air supply must be restored.

Outside air enters the heating and air conditioning systems through the air intake grille located in front of the windshield and fitted with a cowl. Periodically clean the air intake grille openings of leaves and other debris that obstruct airflow.

Passenger Compartment Ventilation
The ventilation system provides air circulation in the passenger compartment. Fresh air entering through the front air intake grille circulates through the passenger compartment and is then discharged through the outlet vents located near the rear window:

a) Turn the air temperature control knob counterclockwise to the stop. Make sure the air conditioner is switched on.
b) Set the air distribution mode selector knob to the position. Recirculation mode must be off.
c) Use the fan speed selector knob to set the required airflow rate into the passenger compartment.

Passenger Compartment Air Cooling
1 To cool the passenger compartment, proceed as follows:

a) Switch on the air conditioner by pressing the "A/C" button. The indicator lamp built into the switch must illuminate.
b) Make sure the air temperature control knob is turned fully to the left.
c)Set the air distribution mode selector knob to the passenger compartment position.
d) In high outside air humidity, switch on recirculation mode. In low humidity, switch on fresh air mode.
e) Use the fan speed selector knob to set the required airflow rate into the passenger compartment.
2 If the vehicle has been parked in the sun for a long time and the passenger compartment air has become very hot, quickly lower the cabin temperature as follows:

a) Start the engine.
b) Switch on the air conditioner ("A/C" button). Make sure the air temperature control knob is turned fully to the left.

c) Use the fan speed selector knob to set the maximum airflow rate into the passenger compartment.
d) Partially open the windows and set the air distribution mode selector knob to the position. Switch on fresh air mode.

Once the passenger compartment air temperature has dropped to an acceptable level, close the windows and set the air conditioning to normal operation.

Operating the air conditioning system increases the load on the vehicle engine. Therefore, closely monitor the coolant temperature gauge when driving with frequent stops at low speed in heavy city traffic, or when climbing long, steep grades. If the gauge pointer approaches the red zone of the scale, temporarily switch off the air conditioner until the engine temperature returns to normal.

Passenger Compartment Heating
To raise the air temperature in the passenger compartment, perform the following steps:

a) Start the engine.
b) Set the air distribution mode selector knob to the position. Recirculation mode must be off.
c) Use the fan speed selector knob to set the required airflow rate into the passenger compartment.
d) Turn the air temperature control knob in either direction to set the desired air temperature.

Passenger Compartment Heating with Simultaneous Air Dehumidification by the Air Conditioner
The air conditioning system reduces the humidity of the air in the passenger compartment. Therefore, operating the heating and air conditioning systems together makes the passenger compartment air warm and dry.
a) Switch on the blower fan.
b) Switch on the air conditioner.
c) Set the air distribution mode selector knob to the position. Recirculation mode must be off.
d) Turn the air temperature control knob in either direction to set the desired degree of heating of the air supplied to the passenger compartment. In this mode, cold air from the air conditioner is mixed with warm air from the heater.

The combined use of the heating and air conditioning systems can be used in any driving conditions when the outside air temperature is above 0°C.

Removing condensation and frost from the windows
To remove condensation from the inside surfaces of the windows, proceed as follows:
a) Turn on the blower fan;
b) If equipped, turn on the air conditioner;
c) Set the air distribution control to the position. Recirculation mode must be off. On some vehicle versions, fresh air mode and the air conditioner are switched on automatically when the air distribution control is set to the position
d) Turn the temperature control knob to a position where warm air is directed through the windshield defroster vents;
e) Turn on the rear window defogger to remove condensation from its surface more quickly. On some vehicle versions, if the air distribution control is in any position other than, the air conditioner remains on. To turn off the air conditioner, press the A/C button.

To remove frost or ice from the outside surfaces of the windshield and side windows that formed after the vehicle was parked outdoors in cold weather, perform the following:

a) Turn the ignition on: turn the key to the "ON" (II) position;
b) Set the air distribution control to the position. Recirculation mode must be off. On some vehicle versions, fresh air mode and the air conditioner are switched on automatically when the air distribution control is set to the position;
c) Turn the temperature control knob to the far right position (maximum heat) and turn the blower fan to maximum speed;
d) Start the engine.

To speed up clearing frost or ice from the windshield in very cold weather, it is recommended to first turn on recirculation mode. After the windshield is clear of ice, switch back to fresh air to prevent fogging.

In defrost mode, all air supplied to the cabin flows through the slot vents at the top of the instrument panel at the base of the windshield, and through the side ventilation outlets of the instrument panel. The temperature of the air blowing on the windows and the speed of clearing increase as the engine warms up. To speed up removal of condensation, frost or ice from the windshield, the side ventilation outlets can be closed. In this case all air is directed only to the windshield.

For safety reasons, do not drive until all vehicle windows are clear of condensation and the driver has adequate visibility.

Switching off the heating and ventilation systems
To temporarily switch off the heating and ventilation systems, turn the blower speed and temperature control knobs to their extreme left positions.

Switching off is needed during the first few minutes after starting the engine in cold weather, as this allows the engine to warm up faster to a temperature sufficient for efficient heater operation. In all other cases keep the blower fan running constantly to prevent stale air in the cabin.