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 B0163 06: Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

DTC B3933 06: Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0158 06

B0158 06

B0158 07*

B0158 03, B0158 07

Inside Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0163 06

B0163 06

B0163 06*

1

Left Sunload Sensor Signal

B0183 06

B0183 06

B0183 06*

1

Right Sunload Sensor Signal

B0188 06

B0188 06

B0188 06*

1

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Signal

B3933 06

B3933 06

B3933 06*

1

Low Reference

--

B3933 06, B0158 06, B0163 06

B3933 06, B0158 07, B0163 06

B0158 07

Sunload Sensors Ground

--

B0183 06, B0188 06

B0183 06, B0188 06

--

*If the signal circuit is shorted to voltage B0158, B0163, B0183, B0188 and B3933 will all set.

1. Air Temperature Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The HVAC control module supplies the evaporator temperature and inside air temperature sensors with a low reference circuit and 5-volt signal circuit. The HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across the sensors, which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the sensor resistance increases. The inside air temperature sensor assembly has an internal fan that draws air across the sensor and is controlled by the HVAC control module. The internal fan motor is connected to body ground.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0163

The HVAC control module detects the inside air temperature sensor signal circuit is less than -36°C (-38°F) or more than 215°C (419°F) for more than 15 seconds.

B3933

The HVAC control module detects the evaporator temperature sensor signal circuit is less than -36°C (-38°F) or more than 215°C (419°F) for more than 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

B0163

    • The system operates using a default value.
    • The HVAC control module will display dashes for outside air temperature.
    • The DIC will display SERVICE A/C SYSTEM.

B3933

    • The A/C compressor is disabled
    • The DIC will display SERVICE A/C SYSTEM.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC.
    • The history DTC will clear after 100 fault-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Automatic HVAC 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 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  3. • Passenger compartment temperature sensor circuit terminal D
    • Evaporator temperature sensor circuit terminal B
    If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the appropriate scan tool Temperature Sensor parameter is greater than 215°C (419°F).
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal listed below. Verify the appropriate scan tool Temperature Sensor parameter is less than -36°C (-38°F).
  7. • Passenger compartment temperature sensor circuit terminal D
    • Evaporator temperature sensor circuit terminal B
    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 temperature sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Heater and Air Conditioning Control Wiring Harness Replacement
    •  Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup and programming