How to Use the Mitsubishi Outlander Auto Heat/Defrost System

Back

How to Use the Mitsubishi Outlander Auto Heat/Defrost System

Posted on November 3, 2025

The Mitsubishi Outlander features advanced climate control systems that enhance winter driving comfort and convenience. Understanding how to operate the auto heat and defrost functions properly ensures you start each journey with clear visibility and a comfortable cabin temperature. This guide explores the ins and outs of the Outlander heating and defrosting system, providing you with everything you need to know to maximize this essential feature.

Your Outlander Climate Control System

 

The Mitsubishi Outlander features an intuitive climate control system designed to provide maximum comfort in various weather conditions. The auto heat/defrost function combines several elements to ensure clear visibility and cabin comfort, even in the most challenging winter conditions.

 

The system includes front windshield defrosting, rear window defrosting, side mirror heating elements, and cabin climate control. Depending on your specific model year, these functions can be activated manually through dashboard controls or remotely via the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT smartphone application.

 

The climate control system in the Outlander operates through strategically placed vents, with dedicated defrost vents located at the base of the windshield. These vents direct warm air upward across the glass surface, effectively melting frost and preventing fog formation. The rear defrost uses embedded heating elements to clear ice and condensation from the back window.

 

Manual Operation of Heat and Defrost Functions

 

Basic Dashboard Controls

 

The Outlander dashboard features clearly marked climate control buttons for easy operation. To activate the front defrost manually:

 

1. Start your vehicle and allow the engine to warm up for optimal performance.
2. Locate the defrost button on your climate control panel, marked with the windshield defrost symbol (a rectangle with upward-pointing lines).
3. Press this button to activate maximum defrost mode, which automatically sets the fan speed to high and directs air to the windshield vents.
4. For best results, set the temperature control to the highest comfortable setting.

 

The rear defrost operates separately and is activated by pressing the dedicated rear defrost button, identified by a rectangle with horizontal lines. This button typically illuminates when active and automatically deactivates after approximately 15-20 minutes to conserve energy.

 

Advanced Climate Settings

 

For more precise control:

 

1. The AUTO button engages the automatic climate control system, which maintains your set temperature while adjusting fan speed and air distribution.
2. Adjust the temperature using the temperature control knob or buttons.
3. The system automatically balances between defrost, face, and foot vents based on your settings and the interior temperature.

 

In severe weather conditions, manually selecting the highest fan speed and maximum temperature will provide the fastest defrosting performance. However, once the initial defrosting is complete, switching to AUTO mode ensures optimal comfort while driving.

 

Remote Climate Control Operation

 

Using the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT App

 

Newer Outlander models offer the convenience of remote climate control activation through the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT application. This feature enables you to initiate the defrosting process before stepping outside, ensuring your vehicle is ready when you are.

 

To set up remote climate control:

 

1. Download the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT app from your device's app store.
2. Create an account and register your vehicle following the on-screen instructions.
3. Ensure your vehicle has adequate fuel or charge (for PHEV models) to operate the climate system.

 

Once set up, you can remotely activate climate control:

 

1. Open the app and select your vehicle.
2. Navigate to the Remote Climate Control section.
3. Select either "Pre-Heat" or "Pre-Defrost" based on your needs.
4. Set the duration and desired temperature (if applicable to your model).
5. Tap "Start" to activate the system.

 

Pre-Heat vs. Pre-Defrost Function

 

The Outlander offers two distinct remote climate functions that serve different purposes:

 

Pre-Heat Mode: This setting focuses on warming the cabin interior to your preset temperature. While it directs some air to the windshield, its primary purpose is to enhance passenger comfort. The system uses the heat pump (in PHEV models) or the engine's heat (in conventional models) to warm the interior air.

 

Pre-Defrost Mode: This setting prioritizes visibility by activating:

• Front windshield defrost vents at maximum airflow
• Rear window defroster
• Side mirror heating elements
• Cabin heating to your preset temperature

 

For winter mornings when frost or ice is present, the Pre-Defrost mode is the more effective choice as it ensures all windows and mirrors are cleared for safe driving.

 

Smart Climate Scheduling

 

Setting Up Automatic Climate Control

 

The Outlander models feature enhanced scheduling capabilities that allow you to program regular climate control activation:

 

1. Access the Climate Schedule feature in the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT app.
2. Select "Add Schedule" and choose your regular departure time.
3. Select either Pre-Heat or Pre-Defrost based on seasonal needs.
4. Choose which days of the week this schedule should activate.
5. Confirm your settings.

 

The system will intelligently activate before your scheduled departure time, ensuring your vehicle is comfortable and clear of frost when you need to leave. The exact activation time is determined by the system based on ambient temperature conditions.

 

You can store up to three different schedules, making it convenient to program different settings for weekdays, weekends, or specific routines.

 

Maximize Defrost Effectiveness

 

Optimal Settings for Various Conditions

 

Different weather conditions call for different approaches to defrosting:

 

Light Frost (0°C to -5°C): 

• Pre-Heat mode is typically sufficient
• 5-10 minutes of activation time
• Medium temperature setting

 

Moderate Frost (-5°C to -15°C):

• Pre-Defrost mode recommended
• 10-15 minutes of activation time
• High temperature setting

 

Severe Frost (Below -15°C):

• Pre-Defrost mode essential
• 15-20 minutes of activation time
• Maximum heat setting
• PHEV models may automatically engage the gasoline engine to supplement the heat pump

 

For PHEV models, be aware that in extremely cold conditions, the heat pump's efficiency decreases. The vehicle may automatically start the gasoline engine to provide adequate heating, even when using remote climate features.

 

Best Practices for Clear Windows

 

For optimal defrosting performance, follow these best practices:

 

1. Remove thick snow and ice manually before activating defrost functions.
2. Ensure air intakes at the base of the windshield are clear of snow and debris.
3. Maintain a clean interior windshield to reduce fogging.
4. Replace cabin air filters according to the maintenance schedule.
5. Consider using a windshield cover on nights when heavy frost is expected.

 

Fix Common Defrost Issues

 

When Remote Defrost Isn't Working

 

If your remote defrost function isn't performing as expected:

 

1. Verify your vehicle has adequate fuel or charge (for PHEV models).
2. Check that your smartphone has proper connectivity.
3. Ensure the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT app has the latest updates.
4. Confirm your vehicle is within cellular network range.
5. For PHEV models, extremely cold temperatures may limit heat pump performance.

 

Address Ineffective Defrosting

 

If manual or automatic defrosting seems ineffective:

 

1. Check that air vents aren't blocked by objects or debris.
2. Verify the cabin air filter isn't clogged, which can restrict airflow.
3. Ensure the climate control system is set to "Fresh Air" rather than "Recirculate" during initial defrosting.
4. If persistent fogging occurs, have the climate control system inspected by an authorized service center.

 

Climate System Maintenance

 

Regular maintenance ensures your Outlander defrost system works efficiently when you need it most:

 

1. Replace the cabin air filter every 24,000 kilometres or as recommended in your owner's manual.
2. Keep the air intake area clear of leaves and debris.
3. Have the climate control system inspected during regular service intervals.
4. For PHEV models, ensure the 12V battery maintains proper charge, as the climate system relies on it for operation.

 

Environmental Considerations

 

The Outlander climate control system is designed with efficiency in mind. To minimize environmental impact and maximize fuel economy:

 

1. Avoid excessive idling solely for defrosting purposes.
2. Once windows are clear, consider reducing the temperature setting.
3. Use the AUTO setting rather than maximum heat when possible.
4. For PHEV models, schedule pre-conditioning while the vehicle is plugged in to preserve battery charge for driving.

 

Enhance Your Winter Driving Experience

 

The auto heat/defrost function is just one part of the winter-ready features. To further improve cold-weather driving:

 

1. Consider using the available heated seats and steering wheel options.
2. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle's traction control and drive mode settings.
3. Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle.
4. Schedule a winter readiness inspection before the cold season arrives.

 

By mastering the Outlander auto heat and defrost features, you ensure not just comfort but safety during winter driving. Clear visibility is essential for road safety, and the comprehensive climate control system provides the tools you need to maintain optimal visibility in even the most challenging conditions.

 

Whether you're using the manual controls or taking advantage of the convenient remote features through the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT app, your Outlander is designed to provide a comfortable, frost-free driving experience throughout the winter months.

 

Five Facts About Mitsubishi Outlander Defrost Systems

 

The Outlander PHEV uses a heat pump system for climate control that operates differently than traditional combustion engine heating systems.

 

At temperatures below -15°C, the electric heat pump becomes less efficient, and the vehicle may automatically engage the gas engine to assist with heating.

 

The side mirrors on newer Outlander models automatically heat when using the pre-defrost function, helping to maintain visibility in all weather conditions.

 

Remote climate activation through the My MITSUBISHI CONNECT app uses battery power in PHEV models, which may slightly reduce your electric driving range.

 

The latest Outlander models allow users to individually control front and rear defrosters remotely, a feature not available in earlier models.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*

 

 

Learn More About Mitsubishi Outlander