Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Base Heater System



The heater system delivers warm air to the passenger compartment after the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Outside air and air form the passenger compartment are passed through the heater core. Hot engine coolant heats this air, which travels to passenger compartment via ducts and outlets.

The heater control unit allows the operator to operate the heater and ventilation system. It has four levers that control temperature, mode, blower speed, and fresh/recirc settings.

The temperature lever controls the temperature of the air delivered to the passenger compartment. This lever opens and closes the air mix door, controlling the amount of air which passes through and around the heater core.

The mode lever allows the driver to select air outlets: ventilation (center/side I/P vents), bi-level, heat (floor), heat and defroster mix, and defroster.

The blower speed lever controls a four-speed blower motor and fan. It allows the driver to regulate the amount of air, cold or warm, delivered to the passenger compartment.

The fresh/recirc lever controls the air inlet of the blower. In recirculation mode, the blower takes inside air which is circulated through the heater system and delivered into the passenger compartment. Recirculation mode is helpful in heating up faster the passenger compartment. However, during normal heater operation use fresh mode to prevent window fogging. In fresh mode, the blower takes outside air which is circulated through the heater system and delivered into the passenger compartment.