GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0164: Passenger Compartment Temp Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

DTC B0174: Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 (upper left) Circuit Range/Performance

DTC B0179: Output Air Temperature Sensor 2 (lower left) Circuit Range/Performance

DTC B0510: Output Air Temperature Sensor 3 (upper right) Circuit Range/Performance

DTC B0515: Output Air Temperature Sensor 4 (lower right) Circuit Range/Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Inside Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0164

B0164

B0164

--

Upper Left Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0174

B0174

B0174

--

Upper Right Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0510

B0510

B0510

--

Lower Left Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0179

B0179

B0179

--

Lower Right Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0515

B0515

B0515

--

Inside Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

B0164

B0164

B0164

--

Upper Left Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

B0174

B0174

B0174

--

Upper Right Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

B0510

B0510

B0510

--

Lower Left Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

B0179

B0179

B0179

--

Lower Right Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

B0515

B0515

B0515

--

Circuit/System Description

The HVAC control module monitors air temperature through air temperature sensors. When the air is cold, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are high. When the air is warm, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are low. The HVAC control module requests A/C compressor clutch engagement and controls the appropriate mode and air temperature actuator door positions in order to maintain the selected air temperature on the HVAC control module.

The inside air temperature sensor is contained within the HVAC control module. The replacement of the inside air temperature sensor involves the replacement of the HVAC control module. The inside air temperature sensor provides the HVAC control module with the temperature of the air drawn through an aspirator from the passenger compartment across a sensor. A reference voltage is supplied to the sensor thermistor and the HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across that device which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the resistance decreases and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the resistance increases and the voltage signal increases.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the air temperature sensor signal circuit is less than 2 counts or greater than 253 counts for 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

A default value will be used for the sensor data by the HVAC control module.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Temperature Description and Operation
    •  Air Delivery Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the appropriate low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the appropriate scan tool temperature sensor parameter is greater than 250 counts.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the appropriate signal circuit terminal for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the appropriate signal circuit terminal A and ground. Verify the appropriate scan tool temperature sensor parameter is less than 5 counts.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate temperature sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Right Side
    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Left Side
    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Left Side
    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Right Side
    •  Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement