General information
Ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems (with appropriate equipment) make up a single functional unit, which is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car, regardless of the outside temperature and weather conditions. Depending on the configuration, the set temperature can be adjusted both manually and automatically (climate control) mode.
Air enters the passenger compartment through the air intake grilles located outside on the left and right under the windshield of the car. If necessary, it is possible to turn off the intake of outside air. Air is released through special openings in the rear wall of the luggage compartment - to maintain comfortable microclimate conditions in the cabin, do not block them with luggage.
The air flow in the ventilation and heating system is heated by passing air through the heater heat exchanger, which is connected to the engine cooling system in parallel with the main radiator. In the air conditioning system (K/V) cooling and dehumidification of the air is carried out by means of a special refrigerant charged into this system, which circulates through a separate closed circuit when the compressor is activated (see chapter 3). The system is equipped with an intake tract carbon air filter that protects the interior from dirt, dust and pollen. For the greatest efficiency of the system and maximum comfort in the interior of the passenger compartment, the filter should be replaced regularly at the next scheduled maintenance of the car (see Chapter 1, Section 19).
Note: The filter must be replaced without waiting for the next service, if the intensity of the air flow supplied to the passenger compartment noticeably decreases or the windows begin to fog up slightly during the operation of the heater or air conditioner.
Air distribution elements
The air supply to the car interior is carried out through a network of air ducts of the ventilation system, ending in nozzles equipped with fixed or rotary deflectors (see illustrations 15.1, 18.1 and 18.2). The fixed air supply deflectors for blowing the windshield are located in the upper part of the instrument panel under the windshield, and the lower level air duct nozzles are located at the bottom of the panel, in the foot wells.
18.1. Swiveling deflectors of upper level central air ducts | 18.2. Upper level side nozzle deflectors: rotatable - (1), motionless - (2) |
Air is supplied to the car interior in three main directions:
- On the front level of the driver, front passenger and on the side windows (central and side deflectors of the instrument panel;
- For the windshield (instrument panel front deflectors);
- In the footwells of the front seats (lower air ducts).
The design of the louvered deflectors of the outlet nozzles of the air ducts of the front level allows you to control the intensity and direction of the outgoing flows (the turning element is the deflector grilles). Changing the direction of the air flow is made by redirecting the grilles of the rotary deflectors (central and lateral) in the desired direction using the central handle located on the blinds of the corresponding deflector.
HVAC control panel
The HVAC control panel assembly is placed at the bottom of the console section of the instrument panel (see illustration 15.1).
Depending on the configuration, a system with manual adjustment of operating modes or a system with the function of automatic control of the air temperature in the cabin is installed on the car (climate control).
The HVAC, heating and air conditioning control unit includes three rotary knobs and several pushbutton switches (depending on configuration).
HVAC system with manual adjustment
The HVAC control panel with manual adjustment is shown in illustration 18.3. On models without A/C system, the buttons for activating the air conditioner and the air circulation mode (see below) missing.
18.3. HVAC control panel with manual setting (with air conditioning)
Activating/deactivating the system and adjusting the airflow rate
Fan Speed Rotary Switch (see illustration 18.3) located in the center of the HVAC control panel. To activate the system, remove the switch from the position. Returning the regulator to this position allows you to turn off the system.
Note: When the fan is off, outside air practically does not enter the car interior even while driving, and interior ventilation is difficult.
The choice of the speed mode of the fan operation is carried out by moving the switch to the appropriate position, from the minimum (position 1) up to maximum (position 4).
Temperature selection
The choice of temperature mode is carried out by the rotary regulator located on the left of the control panel (see illustration 18.3). When turning the knob towards the red sector of the scale, the supply of heated air will be increased, when turning towards the blue sector - cold air.
Selecting the direction of airflow distribution
The choice of the direction of distribution of an air stream is carried out by the rotary switch located on the right on the control panel of system (see illustration 18.3), and provides the following options:
- Air supply for blowing the windshield and to the front side windows;
- Air supply for blowing the windshield, to the front side windows and to the foot wells;
- Air supply to the foot wells and to the car interior;
- Air supply to the front level and foot wells;
- Air supply to the front level.
Air circulation mode (with appropriate equipment)
The air circulation mode is activated using the switch button on the control panel - the control LED built into the button should light up. In this mode, the fresh air supply is turned off, which prevents the penetration of exhaust gases, unpleasant odors, dust, and plant pollen into the passenger compartment, which causes allergic reactions.
Note: Prolonged use of the circulation mode leads to fogging of the windows and an increase in the stuffiness of the air, therefore it is recommended to activate this mode only if it is really necessary and for a relatively short time. As soon as it is no longer necessary to isolate the passenger compartment, the fresh air supply must be restored.
Pressing the switch button again restores the air supply.
Note: When turning the airflow direction selection rotary switch (see above) to the position , the air circulation mode is automatically turned off.
Air conditioning mode (with appropriate equipment)
The air conditioner operates in conjunction with the interior heating and ventilation system. Besides, K/V is used for preliminary dehumidification of air. This mode is only available when the engine is running.
On models of the corresponding configuration, A/C is activated by pressing the button - the LED built into the button should light up. Deactivation occurs when the button is pressed again.
Note: At low outside temperatures, the air conditioner will automatically turn off.
For accelerated cooling of the air in the cabin, you can temporarily activate the circulation mode (see above). If there is no need for cooling and dehumidification, turn off the air conditioner to save fuel.
Operating techniques
This subsection provides methods for setting the basic operating modes of a manual HVAC system.
Ventilation
Use the right rotary switch to select one of the three positions for the desired air distribution direction: , or .
Set the desired temperature setting with the left rotary knob.
Activate the system fan with the central rotary switch at the desired air flow rate (1 to 4), - airflow of the cabin will occur due to the air flow passing through the heat exchanger or bypassing it (depending on the position of the left knob).
Heating
Note: The heating output depends on the coolant temperature and therefore only reaches its maximum value when the engine is warm.
To quickly warm up the cabin:
- Select the desired direction of air flow distribution;
- Turn the left knob all the way to the red sector of the scale;
- Set the central rotary switch to position 3.
Heating of the lower space of salon
Set the right switch to the position and turn the left regulator knob to the red sector of the scale, then activate the fan with the required air supply intensity. This mode is used to evenly heat the entire passenger compartment.
Removing condensation from windows
To quickly remove condensate, frost or ice from the wind/front side windows, set the right switch to position , turn the left knob to the red sector until it stops and set the airflow intensity switch to position 3 or 4 - if necessary, open the side deflector nozzles and point them at the side windows. Turn on the heated rear window (see Section 17).
To simultaneously heat the passenger compartment, set the air distribution switch to the position.
Air conditioning (with appropriate equipment)
Comfort mode
- Turn off the air circulation mode;
- Turn on the air conditioner;
- Set the blower direction switch to or .
- Set the desired temperature setting with the left rotary knob;
- Activate the fan with the required air supply;
- Adjust the intensity and direction of the air flow using the rotary deflectors.
If the temperature control knob is set to the middle position, then depending on the position of the right air distribution switch:
- warmer air will flow into the lower space of the cabin, and colder air will go up;
- warm air will flow through the side deflectors, and colder air through the central ones.
Maximum cooling
- Activate air circulation mode;
- Turn on the air conditioner;
- Set the air distribution direction switch to ;
- Turn the handle of the left rotary regulator until it stops in the blue sector of the scale;
- Set the central rotary switch to position 4.
- Fully open all deflector nozzles.
Removing moisture and frost from windows
- Turn on the air conditioner;
- Set the temperature control knob to the red sector of the scale;
- Activate the fan with the required air supply;
- Set the air distribution direction switch to ;
- If necessary, open and direct the side deflectors to the side windows;
- Activate rear window heating (see Section 17).
The presence of a large amount of moisture in the car, for example, in wet weather or from wet clothes, at the first moment when this mode is activated, can lead to severe fogging of the windows and poor visibility, which is especially dangerous when the car is moving. To prevent such an effect, you must first set the air distribution direction switch to the position for about 5-6 seconds and only then move it to the position.
HVAC system with automatic temperature control function (climate control)
General information
The design of the HVAC control panel with the automatic temperature control function is shown in illustration 18.4. The left rotary knob sets the average value of the temperature maintained in the car interior. The right rotary knob controls the intensity of the air flow.
18.4. HVAC control panel with automatic adjustment
Indication of the current mode of operation of HVAC is displayed on a special display built into the panel above the system controls (see illustration 18.4).
The system can operate in both automatic and manual control modes. When the ignition is turned off, the settings are stored in the system memory.
Automatic system operation mode (climate control)
AUTO mode is basic. This mode can be used all year round, regardless of seasonal temperature changes - the system independently regulates the intensity and direction of air supply, as well as the temperature of the air flow based on user-defined temperature settings, air temperature inside the passenger compartment and outdoor atmospheric conditions. The system provides automatic compensation for changes in temperature inside the passenger compartment due to external influences, such as sunlight.
Note: Full climate control functions are only available when the engine is running.
To activate the system in automatic mode, press the button located in the central part of the control panel «AUTO» (the corresponding indicator should appear on the display). Fully open the nozzles of the rotary deflectors and set the value of the average temperature that should be maintained in the passenger compartment with the left rotary knob - the value of the set temperature is displayed on the left side of the display directly above the knob of the regulator (see illustration 18.5). It is recommended to set the average temperature to 22°C.
18.5. HVAC activation in automatic mode (climate control)
If there is no need for cooling and drying the air, the air conditioner can be turned off by pressing the button «ECO» - the corresponding indicator will appear on the display. This mode of automatic HVAC operation reduces fuel consumption, but the level of comfort in the cabin may decrease.
Note: In this mode, cooling and removal of moisture from the incoming air is not performed, which can lead to fogging of the windows. In addition, when the outdoor temperature rises, system malfunctions may occur.
The system is deactivated by pressing the AUTO button again.
Temperature management
Left rotary control (see illustration 18.4) Selecting the temperature mode sets the average temperature that must be maintained in the car. When the knob is turned, the set temperature value is displayed in the corresponding field of the display. The temperature value can be set between 16°C and 28°C. Under normal conditions, it is recommended to set the regulator to 22°C. In automatic mode, when the average temperature value changes within the specified limits, the temperature in the cabin will change gradually.
To quickly change the temperature, turn the rotary control beyond the specified values. When the temperature is set below 16°C, the display will show the inscription «Lo» - the system will operate in maximum cooling mode without temperature control. When the temperature is set above 28°C, the display will show the inscription «Hi» - the system will operate in maximum heating mode without temperature control.
Windshield blower
If necessary, for example, to quickly clean the windshield from snow, ice and condensate before driving the car, you can quickly activate the windscreen blowing mode by pressing the button on the HVAC control panel - the corresponding indicator should appear in the display field. At the same time, the system automatically ensures that the heater and fan are switched to maximum performance, and the entire flow of air supplied to the passenger compartment is redirected to blowing the windshield and side windows. If necessary, the intensity of the air flow can be adjusted using the right knob.
To deactivate this function, you must press the same button again or the button «AUTO» to switch to automatic mode.
Heated rear window/exterior mirrors
Activation of the heating element of the rear window, and on models of the corresponding configuration and external rear-view mirrors, is carried out using the button on the system control panel - the corresponding indicator should appear in the display field (see also Section 17).
System activation/deactivation and manual airflow adjustment
Manual regulation of the airflow intensity is performed by turning the right knob. When the knob is turned, the indication of the selected airflow intensity mode is displayed in the right part of the display field directly above the knob of the knob (see illustration 18.6).
18.6. Adjusting the intensity of the air flow in manual mode
When setting the regulator to extreme (all the way) left position the system will be deactivated - the corresponding indication in the display field should go out.
To return to automatic mode, press the button «AUTO» - the choice of intensity of an air stream will be made automatically.
Selecting the direction of airflow distribution
There are 3 pushbutton switches at the bottom of the HVAC control panel for manual control of the airflow direction selection (see illustration 18.7).
18.7. Pushbutton switches for manual airflow direction selection
The following options are provided:
- Air supply for blowing the windshield and to the front side windows;
- Air supply to the front level;
- Air supply to the foot wells and to the car interior.
One or more buttons can be pressed at the same time - the corresponding indicator should light up in the display field.
To return to automatic mode, press the button «AUTO» - the choice of the direction of distribution of the air flow will be made automatically.
Air circulation mode
The circulation mode prevents the penetration of exhaust gases, unpleasant odors, dust, as well as pollen from plants that cause allergic reactions into the passenger compartment.
Attention: As soon as it is no longer necessary to isolate the passenger compartment, the fresh air supply must be restored!
The air circulation mode is activated using the switch button on the control panel - an indicator in the form of a curved arrow should appear in the display field.
Note: Prolonged use of the circulation mode leads to fogging of the windows and an increase in the stuffiness of the air, therefore it is recommended to activate this mode only if it is really necessary and for a relatively short time.
Pressing the switch button again restores the air supply.
Use of residual engine heat/air conditioner cold
Interior heating/cooling can continue for some time after the engine has stopped (e.g. while waiting at a railroad crossing) by using the accumulated residual heat/cold. The mode is activated when the ignition is off by pressing the button «AUTO» (see illustration 18.5) on the control panel - the corresponding indicator should light up in the display field. The setting of the average temperature value is carried out by the left rotary switch, and the intensity and directions of the air supply are adjusted automatically (usually the minimum fan speed is selected). The duration of the operation of the system depends on the selected temperature settings and the initial temperature of the engine coolant.
The mode is turned off by pressing the button again «AUTO» or automatically by a timer signal, as well as a noticeable decrease in the battery charge level.
More information on the HVAC system
During the operation of the air conditioner or heater, the passenger compartment windows must be closed. In order for the air temperature in the passenger compartment to quickly reach the set temperature, it is recommended to use the air circulation mode at the initial stage of the system operation, when it is turned on.
Attention: As soon as the temperature reaches the set parameters, do not forget to turn off the circulation mode!
In hot sunny weather, after the car has been parked in the sun for a long time, it is recommended to drive with the windows open for the first 2-3 minutes of driving and ventilate the interior for faster cooling of the air with the air conditioner. Operation of the A/C system in hot weather can cause condensation to form, the removal of which can lead to moisture dripping under a parked vehicle, which should not be a cause for concern.
Before driving, clean the air intake grille of snow, dirt and fallen leaves. To quickly clean the glass from ice and misting, turn on the heater fan at full power.
To keep the components of the A/C refrigeration circuit in working order, run the compressor for a few minutes at least once a month, even if there is no need for air conditioning.
Note: On models equipped with climate control, this procedure is performed automatically while driving, however, at low outside temperatures, when the air conditioner is not activated, the preventive activation of the system must be performed by the driver.
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