Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Defrost

If the HVAC system is in front defrost mode when you turn the vehicle off, the HVAC system will restart in front defrost unless the engine is off longer than 40 minutes. If the engine is off longer than 40 minutes, the system will restart in the previous operating mode set prior to using front defrost, with outside air being drawn into the vehicle.

The front defrost mode is the only setting that is not controlled by the automatic HVAC system. When FRONT DEFROST is selected, the A/C compressor is activated and outside air is brought into the vehicle. The blower motor will be activated and air will be directed toward the windshield with a small amount of air toward the side window outlets. Pressing the AUTO or OFF button will turn off front defrost mode. Pressing the FRONT DEFROST button will return the HVAC system to the last operating mode. Recirculation mode is not available in front defrost. The rear window defogger does not affect the HVAC system at all.

The HVAC control module grounds the upper mode valve solenoid control and the mix-blend mode valve solenoid control circuits. When the solenoids are grounded, vacuum is applied to the mode actuator through the Blue vacuum line and to the defrost actuator through the Yellow vacuum line.