GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The mode actuator is an electronic stepper motor. The HVAC control module (IPM) supplies power and ground to the actuator. The IPM controls the direction of the mode actuator by changing the polarity of the control circuits. When the actuator reaches its desired position, both circuits are fixed to the same value (9.5 to 12 volts). The IPM determines the door position by counting pulses (voltage fluctuations) caused by the brush to commutator action generated during normal motor operation. The IPM monitors a voltage drop across an internal resistance to detect the pulses. The IPM converts the pulses to counts with a range of 0 to 255 counts.

When a calibration or recalibration procedure is performed, the IPM calculates the mode door travel range. The IPM commands the actuator to each extreme position and counts the total number of pulses. The IPM compares the total number of pulses to calibrated limits. If the total pulse count is less than or equal to the maximum calibrated limit and greater than or equal to the minimum calibrated limit, then the calibration is considered successful.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON. This DTC runs during and after the next range check following the setting of DTC B0249.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The IPM does not detect any movement of the mode actuator.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The IPM commands the recirculation door to the outside air position.
    • The IPM will recalibrate the mode actuator each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the IPM 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

    • Inspect the mode door and mode actuator for the following conditions:
       - A misaligned mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .
       - Broken or binding linkages or mode door
       - Obstruction that prevents the mode door from operating within its full range of motion
       - Missing seals to the mode door
       - Misaligned seals to the mode door
    • 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 verifies that the IPM is able to command the mode actuator through its full range of motion.

  2. This step verifies that the IPM has successfully calibrated the mode actuator.

  3. If the actuator does not move at all, the problem is likely to be the drive circuitry within the IPM, the actuator, or the wiring harness. If the actuator does move, but not within its full range of motion, the problem is likely to be a mechanical binding of the mode door or mode door linkage.

  4. This step drives the actuator to the vent position. The mode actuator will not move if the mode door is in already at the extreme position.

  5. This step drives the actuator to the defrost position.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, command the mode actuator to DEFROST and to A/C.
  4. Observe the Htr./Def./A/C Dr. Actual parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the value of the Htr./Def./A/C Dr. Actual parameter changes from the minimum specified value to the maximum specified value?

0 Counts

255 Counts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

With a scan tool observe the Htr./Def./A/C Dr. Cal. Status parameter in the Instrument Panel Module data list.

Does the scan tool display Cal OK?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

4

Does the scan tool indicate that the value of the Htr./Def./A/C Dr. Actual parameter changes by more than the specified value?

0-3 Counts

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Test the mode door control A circuit and the mode door control B circuit for an open, high resistance, short to ground or a 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 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the IPM.
  3. Connect a 10 amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control A circuit of the mode actuator and battery positive voltage.
  4. Connect a 10 amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control B circuit of the mode actuator and a good ground.

Does the mode actuator shaft rotate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Connect a 10 amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control B circuit of the mode actuator and battery positive voltage.
  2. Connect a 10 amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control A circuit of the mode actuator and a good ground.

Does the mode actuator shaft rotate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the mode door and mode actuator for the following conditions:

    • A misaligned mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .
    • Broken or binding linkages or mode door
    • An obstruction that prevents the mode door from operating within its full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the mode door
    • Misaligned seals to the mode door

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the mode 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 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPM. 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

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the mode actuator.

Replace the mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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12

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the IPM.

Replace the IPM. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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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 3

System OK