GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The following DTCs are for the HVAC door actuators:

    • B0441--Left air temperature actuator
    • B0446--Right air temperature actuator

The HVAC control module receives an air temperature actuator position signal from the air temperature actuator. The air temperature actuator position sensor is a potentiometer that is tied to a 5-volt reference source. The variable output from the potentiometer feeds back a position signal to a pull-up resistor located in the HVAC control module. This signal is used to determine the necessary drive signal to the air temperature actuator motor to provide the proper air mix door position. This value is stored in the keep alive memory (KAM) portion of the HVAC control module.

When the HVAC control module is first connected to power, or the battery connection is established, the system will perform an actuator calibration routine lasting approximately 60 seconds. During this routine, both right and left air temperature actuators will cycle full travel in both directions learning the end positions. Position feedback readings are sent back to the HVAC control module and compared to a range of acceptable end readings. If during initialization the position feedback readings are not within the acceptable range, a diagnostic code will be set. If the position feedback readings reach values of 0-5 counts or 250-255 counts, the HVAC control module will then interpret the reading as a "feedback-short" or "feedback-open" condition respectively.

Important: Feedback-short or feedback-open conditions can occur due to air temperature actuators being calibrated while not being attached to the HVAC module case.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC B0441 Left Mix Motor Out of Range
    • DTC B0446 Right Mix Motor Out of Range

Conditions for Running DTC

The ignition is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • A damaged or bound up temperature door mechanism
    • Improper alignment of the temperature door after air temperature actuator replacement
    • The air temperature actuator has not been calibrated after replacement.
    • During calibration, the position feedback reading is not within an acceptable range.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

If condition not present refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step checks for a default action by the actuator. The actuator will default to 128 counts if the air temperature door position circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage. It will also default to this value if the low reference circuit or the 5-volt reference circuit is open.

  2. Tests for the air temperature actuator operating within its specified range.

  3. Tests the air temperature actuator ignition 3 voltage circuit for an open.

  4. Tests the air temperature actuator 5-volt reference circuit for an open

  1. Tests the air temperature actuator control circuit for an open, short to ground, or short to voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the appropriate Mix Mtr Position Feedback data parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the appropriate Mix Mtr Position Feedback parameter is within the specified range?

1-3 Counts

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

Does the scan tool indicate that the appropriate Mix Mtr Position Feedback parameter is within the specified value?

128 Counts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. With the scan tool, command the appropriate air temperature actuator from ON to OFF.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the appropriate Mix Mtr Feedback position.

Does the scan tool indicate that the appropriate Mix Mtr Position Feedback parameter is within the specified range when it is commanded ON and OFF?

3-252 Counts

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 5

5

Test the ignition 3 circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Test the 5-volt reference circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

Test the appropriate air temperature actuator control circuit for an open, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

Important: : The air temperature actuator connector must be connected to correctly perform the test.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the appropriate Mtr Mix Position Feedback data parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the appropriate air temperature control circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit of the air temperature actuator.
  4. Remove and reconnect the jumper wire between the air temperature actuator control circuit and the ground circuit.

Does the air temperature actuator drive shaft rotate and do the counts change?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect the appropriate air temperature actuator for the following:

    • Incorrectly installed temperature actuator
    • Broken or binding linkages or temperature actuator
    • Obstruction that prevents the temperature actuator from operating within its full range of motion

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the air temperature actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the appropriate air temperature actuator. Refer to the following:

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK