GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you review the HVAC operation and perform the necessary inspections?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Place the rear heater switch in the HIGH position.
  3. Using a test lamp backprobe from the water bypass valve solenoid CKT 1596 (GRY/BLK) terminal A to ground. Refer to Heater Water Bypass Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Connect a test lamp between CKT 1596 (GRY/BLK) terminal A and CKT 850 (BLK) terminal B at the water bypass valve solenoid.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

4

Using a test lamp backprobe from the rear heater switch CKT 1596 (GRY/BLK) terminal C to ground while moving the rear heater switch between LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH.

Does the test lamp illuminate in all of the settings?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Ensure that the vacuum supply to the solenoid is not restricted or damaged. Refer to Vacuum System in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
  2. Inspect the vacuum hose between the solenoid and the water bypass valve for restrictions or cracks.

Do any restrictions or damage exist?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

6

Repair the open in CKT 850 (BLK).

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

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Go to Step 15

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7

Repair the open in CKT 1596 (GRY/BLK).

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 15

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8

Inspect for a poor connection at the rear heater switch.

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Does a poor connection exist?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

Repair or replace the vacuum supply hose as necessary.

Refer to Vacuum Hose Harness Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

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10

  1. With a scan tool, ensure that the vehicle is reaching the normal operating temperature.
  2. Ensure that the coolant lines are not restricted to the rear heater core.

Do any conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

11

Replace the rear heater switch.

Refer to Control Switch Replacement - Auxiliary in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

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12

Repair or replace the rear heater core. Refer to Auxiliary Heater Core Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 15

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13

Replace the water bypass valve solenoid. Refer to Heater Water Bypass Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

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14

Repair the poor connection at the rear heater switch.

Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 15

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15

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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System OK

Go to Step 2