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 B3844: Heater Core Pump Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Heater Core Coolant Pump Control

B3844

B3844

B3844

--

Heater Core Coolant Pump Ground

--

B3844

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The primary purpose of the heater core coolant pump is to circulate engine coolant through the HVAC heater core when heat is required in the cabin for comfort. This normally happens when the vehicle is in an Auto Stop and the mechanical pump is not spinning. If the HVAC control module has determined heat is needed for the cabin, this pump is turned on once the engine is shut off so the customer does not notice a change in heater duct discharge temperatures. The SGCM starter generator control module controls the auxiliary cooland pump. Heater core coolant pump relay supplies voltage to the heater core coolant pump.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • The HVAC module is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Control circuit over current

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Set heater core pump validity to invalid.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    •  Over current fault removed.
    • Clears 30 seconds after cycle wake up signal.
    •  Open fault removed.
    •  Normal range for 3.5 seconds.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Hybrid Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

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

  1. Ignition ON, command the heater core pump ON and OFF with a scan tool.
  2. Observe the operation of heater core pump.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the heater core coolant pump.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal B and ground while commanding the pump ON and OFF with a scan tool.
  3. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the SGCM.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not light, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground, open or high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the Coolant heater pump

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Heater Coolant Pump Replacement