FORD Contour 2000 User Manual
Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 6
Controls and features 22
Seating and safety restraints 74
Starting and driving
Starting 108
Driving 116
Roadside emergencies 141
Servicing
Maintenance and care 162
Capacities and specifications 223
Customer assistance 223
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 241
Index 242
1
Introduction
ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps toward this
aim.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle, and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1 600 km (1 000 miles). Vary
speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
2
If possible, you should avoid hard
braking for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
From 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
onwards, you can gradually
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.
INFORMA TION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this guide
was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
Introduction
3
Introduction
Vehicle symbol glossary
These are some of the symbols you
may have on your vehicle.
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety Belt
Airbag - Side
Child Seat Installation
Warning
Brake System
Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based
Master Lighting Switch
Fog Lamps - Front
Fuel Pump Reset
Windshield Defrost/Demist
Airbag - Front
Child Seat
Child Seat Tether
Anchorage
Anti-Lock Brake System
Traction Control
Hazard Warning Flasher
Fuse Compartment
Windshield Wash/Wipe
Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/Rear
4
Power Window Lockout
Vehicle symbol glossary
Introduction
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Temperature
Battery
Battery Acid
Fan Warning
Maintain Correct Fluid
Level
Engine Air Filter
Jack
Panic Alarm
Engine Coolant
Do Not Open When Hot
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks
Explosive Gas
Power Steering Fluid
Emission System
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
5
Instrumentation
TRACTION
CONTROL
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
EF
000123
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1
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8
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
BRAKE
CH
Page 24
Traction control*
Page 25
Power Mirrors*
Page 24
Rear window
defroster control*
Page 57
Turn signal/high beam
Page 8
Instrument cluster
Page 56
Hazard flasher
control
Page 58
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 166
Hood release
Page 22, 23
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*
6
Page 55
Tilt steering
wheel lever
Page 54
Ignition switch
Page 59
Speed control*
Page 56
Horn
Page 25
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
3
1
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
CLOCK
Instrument panel dimmer
switch
Instrumentation
On various models, the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
Page 72
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
Page 26
Climate control system
Page 34
Electronic sound system
*if equipped
7
Instrumentation
000123
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100
EF
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
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5
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7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
There are two different instrument
cluster designs. The individual
warning and indicator lights are
described on the following pages.
Turn signal
Flashes when the left or right turn
signal or hazard lights are
activated.
8
Alternative design
Charging system
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to
fasten the safety belts. For more
information, refer to Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Instrumentation
Alternative design
Alternative design
Air bag secondary warning
Flashes periodically when there is
a malfunction with the air bag
system.
For more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Alternative design
9
Instrumentation
000123
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EF
000123
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Traction control system light
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the
traction control system has been
disengaged. It may flash on and off
while driving to indicate the system
is operating.
10
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the
ignition is turned to the ON
position or stays on continuously
while you are driving, have the
traction control system checked
by a qualified technician as soon
as possible.
For more information, refer to
Traction Control in the Driving
chapter.
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the Driving chapter.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
Instrumentation
11
Instrumentation
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
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MPH
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100
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
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20
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110
120
130
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
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5
6
7
8
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the
engine’s emission control system.
This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system. This OBD II system
protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
12
The check engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the
engine’s emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light
may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.
What you should do if the check
engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples are:
• The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly)
• Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel.
• The fuel cap may not have been
securely tightened.
Instrumentation
13
Instrumentation
These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or
properly tightening the fuel cap.
After three drive cycles without
these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the check
engine light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No
additional vehicle service is
required.
If the check engine light remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at
the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occuring which
could damage your catalytic
converter. You should drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire
conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter,
the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
14
CHECK
ENGINE
Low fuel reminder
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
Illuminates as an early reminder of
a low fuel condition indicated on
the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel
Gauge in this chapter for more
information). When refueling the
vehicle after the light first comes
on, the amount of fuel that can be
added will be less than the
advertised capacity since there is
still fuel in the tank. The ignition
must be in the ON position for this
lamp to illuminate. The lamp will
also illuminate for several seconds
immediately after the ignition is
turned to the ON position
regardless of the fuel level for bulb
verification.
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
Instrumentation
Front foglamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamp control in the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
15
Instrumentation
BRAKE
BRAKE
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
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90
110
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MPH
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100
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
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5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
Illumination while driving may
indicate that one of the braking
circuits has failed. The second
braking circuit will remain intact.
However, you will need to brake
harder and allow for increased
stopping distances.
16
Alternative design
BRAKE
BRAKE
Have the system checked by your
BRAKE
BRAKE
dealer or qualified technician
before continuing your journey.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on or
continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced.
Brake system and ABS warning
lights
If both warning lights illuminate at
the same time while driving, stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Have the braking system
checked by your dealer or qualified
service technician before
continuing your journey.
When stopping the vehicle, slowly
reduce the speed. Use the brakes
with great care.
Instrumentation
Alternative design
Alternative design
17
Instrumentation
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
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20
30
40
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60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
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100
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
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20
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MPH
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
BRAKE
BRAKE
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on and the engine is off.
The light also illuminates when
engine oil pressure falls below
normal range when the engine is
running. Refer to the Maintenance
and care chapter to check the
engine oil level as soon as possible.
If the engine oil level is correct, do
not start the engine, see your
dealer or qualified service
technician.
18
Alternative design
Testing the warning and
indicator lights and chimes
Turn the ignition key to the on
position without starting the
engine. The following warning and
indicator lights will illuminate
briefly: charging system, safety belt
(does not illuminate, if the driver’s
safety belt is fastened), traction
control, ABS, brake, low coolant,
low fuel, engine oil pressure, check
engine and air bag readiness.
If any of these lights do not
illuminate, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is open.
Instrumentation
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driver’s door is open.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
19
Instrumentation
CH
000123
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80
90
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120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
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100
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100
EF
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
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20
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90
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MPH
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40
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CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the normal area. If
it enters the red section, the engine
is overheating. Stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and let the
engine cool. Refer to Checking/
Adding engine coolant in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle
speed.
Odometer
Registers the total mileage of the
20
vehicle.
Trip odometer
The trip odometer can register the
mileage of individual journeys. To
reset, depress the button.
Speedometer
Trip odometer Reset button
Odometer
000123
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MPH
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EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
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7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Tachometer (if equipped)
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
EF
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge displays
approximately how much fuel is in
the tank (when the key is in the
ON position). The fuel gauge may
vary slightly when the vehicle is in
motion. The ignition should be in
the OFF position while the vehicle
is being refueled. When the gauge
first indicates empty, there is a
small amount of reserve fuel in the
tank. When refueling the vehicle
from empty indication, the amount
of fuel that can be added will be
less than the advertised capacity
due to the reserve fuel.
21
Controls and features
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
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20
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130
MPH
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EF
1
2
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3
x 1000
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7
8
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CLOCK
CH
INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTROLS
Headlamp control
Lamps off.
Turn one position clockwise:
Parking lamps, instrument panel
lamps, license plate lamps, and tail
lamps on.
Turn two positions clockwise:
Headlamps on.
22
Foglamp control
(if equipped)
Pull out the control while the
headlamps are on to turn the
foglamps on.
Push in the control to deactivate
the foglamps.
Daytime running lights (DRL)
(Canadian vehicles only)
The DRL system turns on the
highbeam headlamps, with a
reduced light output, when:
• the vehicle is running and the
ignition is in the on position and
• the headlamp system is in the off
position.
Controls and features
The daytime running light
(DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.
23
Controls and features
OFF PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
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100
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200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CLOCK
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
TRACTION
TROL
CH
Rear window defroster
(if equipped)
Press the defroster control to clear
the rear window of thin ice and fog.
The ignition must be in the on
position to operate the rear
window defroster.
The defroster turns off
automatically after 10 minutes or
when the ignition is turned to the
off position. To manually turn off
the defroster, push the control
again.
Traction control system
(if equipped)
This button turns the traction
control system off and on. See
Driving for more information.
24
Panel dimmer control
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
Adjust the control to vary the
intensity of the panel lighting.
Operates only when the exterior
lights are switched on.
To switch on the interior lamp,
rotate the control completely to the
left.
Power mirrors (if equipped)
The control can be swivelled and
turned.
Turn the control counterclockwise
to adjust the driver’s side mirror,
clockwise to adjust the passenger
side mirror. Adjust the selected
mirror by moving the center
control in the desired direction.
Then turn the control back to the
center position.
Controls and features
25
Controls and features
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
CLOCK
TRACTION
ROL
CH
Climate control system
Your vehicle has one of the
following climate control systems:
• Manual heating system
• Manual heating and air
conditioning system
In some modes, the two systems
function similarly. In modes where
the systems do not function
similarly, the different functions
are noted.
Vents
Airflow from the vents may be
adjusted by moving the horizontal
control or vertically adjusting the
vent (except passenger side outer
vent) according to your airflow
preference.
26
Heater only system
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
HI
/
LO
HI
(if equipped)
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle. On
heater-only systems, the air cannot
be cooled below the outside
temperature.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the
airflow to the inside of the vehicle.
• PANEL – Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel
registers.
• OFF – Outside air is shut out and
the fan will not operate.
• PNL/FLR – Distributes outside
air through the instrument panel
registers and the floor ducts.
• FLOOR – Allows for maximum
heating. Distributes outside air
through floor ducts.
Controls and features
27
Controls and features
• FLR/DEF – Distributes outside
air through the floor ducts and the
windshield defroster ducts.
• DEF – Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster
ducts. It can be used to clear ice or
fog from the windshield.
Operating tips
• In humid weather, select DEF
before driving. This will help to
reduce fogging on your windshield.
After a few minutes, select any
desired position.
• To reduce humidity buildup
inside the vehicle, don’t drive with
the climate control system in the
OFF position.
• Don’t put objects under the front
seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield under the
hood).
• Do not place objects over the
defroster outlets. These objects
can block airflow and reduce your
ability to see through your
windshield. Also, avoid placing
small objects on top of your
instrument panel. These objects
can fall down into the defroster
outlets and block airflow and
possibly damage your climate
control system.
28
Manual heating and air
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
LO
HI
OFF PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
/
conditioning system
(if equipped)
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the
airflow to the inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor
will operate in all modes except
PANEL, PNL/FLR, and FLOOR.
However, the air conditioning will
only function if the outside
temperature is about 10°C (50°F )
or higher.
Since the air conditioner removes
considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if
clear water drips on the ground
under the air conditioner drain
while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the
vehicle.
Controls and features
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Controls and features
Under normal conditions, your
vehicle’s climate control system
should be left in any position other
than MAX A/C or OFF when the
vehicle is parked. This allows the
vehicle to “breathe” through the
outside air inlet duct.
In snowy or dirty conditions, leave
the mode selector in the OFF
position when the ignition is off.
• MAX A/C – Uses recirculated air
to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is
noisier than A/C but more
economical and will cool the inside
of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be
from the instrument panel
registers. This mode can also be
used to prevent undesirable odors
from entering the vehicle.
• A/C – Uses outside air to cool the
vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C
but not as economical. Airflow will
be from the instrument panel
registers.
• PANEL – Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel
registers. However, the air will not
be cooled below the outside
temperature because the air
conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
• OFF – Outside air is shut out and
the fan will not operate. For short
periods of time only, use this mode
to prevent undesirable odors from
entering the vehicle.
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