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 Descriptor

DTC B3933 06: Air Conditioning (A/C) Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Signal

B3933 06

B3933 06

B3933 06

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Low Reference

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B3933 06

B3933 06

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Circuit Description

The HVAC control module supplies the evaporator air temperature sensor with a low reference circuit and 5-volt signal circuit. The HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across the sensor, which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the sensor resistance increases and the voltage signal increases.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the evaporator air 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

    • The driver information center (DIC) will display SERVICE A/C SYSTEM.
    • The air conditioning (A/C) compressor will be disabled.

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 Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool A/C Evaporator Temperature Sensor parameter. The reading should be between -35°C (-39°F) and 98°C (208°F) and change with evaporator temperature changes.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: If the evaporator air temperature sensor has an out of range condition caused by a short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance, the scan tool will display the same value: 11°C (51°F).

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the evaporator temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  3. 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, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and the signal circuit terminal 1.
  5. If less than the specified voltage, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    If greater than the specified voltage, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the evaporator air temperature sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Test the evaporator air temperature sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance.
  2. Compare the readings with the Temperature VS Resistance table Sensor Resistance Table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming