GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

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.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B0164 Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

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

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • If the DTC sets due to the low condition, the HVAC control module will use ambient temperature value as default in-car value.
    • If the DTC sets due to the high condition, the HVAC control module will use ambient temperature value as default in-car value.

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.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

If the condition is not present, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

  2. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Values

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

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Inside Air Temp parameter in the Climate Control Panel, Open/Short Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Inside Air Temp parameter is within the specified range?

2-253 counts

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the inside air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Inside Air Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Inside Air Temp parameter is greater than the specified value?

253 counts

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the inside air temperature sensor and the low reference circuit of the inside air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Inside Air Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Inside Air Temp parameter is less than the specified value?

2 counts

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Test the signal circuit of the inside air temperature sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

6

Test the signal circuit of the inside air temperature sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

Test the low reference circuit of the inside air temperature sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

Test the following signal circuits for a short to voltage:

    • Evaporator temperature sensor
    • Ambient air temperature sensor
    • Left sunload sensor
    • Right sunload sensor
    • Ambient light sensor

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the inside air temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

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 .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the inside air temperature sensor. Refer to Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

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