GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The HVAC control module monitors the outside ambient air temperature via a temperature sensor. When the air is cold, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are high. When the air is warm, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are low.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the signal circuit is less than 0.09 V (5 counts) or greater than 4.90 V (250 counts).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

A default value of 2.50 V (127 counts) will be used for the sensor data by the HVAC control module. The actual sensor reading will be displayed on the scan tool in the HVAC data list.

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

Check the following conditions:

    • Visually inspect the sensor for contamination or damage.
    • Inspect for the following that may affect the sensors accuracy.
       - Exposure to direct sunlight.
       - Exposure to direct air flow.
       - Exposure to heat created by the A/C system, cooling system or engine compartment.
    • Verify that the sensor is installed properly.
    • Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the possibility of a short to another 5 V reference circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Air Delivery/Temperature Control Schematics

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the outside ambient temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the outside ambient temperature sensor signal circuit of the outside ambient temperature sensor to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Measure the voltage from the outside ambient temperature sensor signal circuit to the low reference circuit of the outside air temperature sensor.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

4

Test the outside ambient temperature sensor signal circuit of the outside ambient temperature sensor for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

5

Test the low reference circuit of the outside ambient temperature sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step  9

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the outside ambient temperature sensor. 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 12

Go to Step 7

7

Test the outside ambient temperature sensor resistance. Refer to the Sensor Resistance Table .

Does the resistance measure near the Sensor Resistance Table value?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8

    • Disconnect the HVAC Control Module.
    • Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
    • Test the outside ambient temperature sensor signal circuit of the outside air temperature sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

9

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 in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the outside ambient temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important:: Perform the set up procedure for the HVAC control module.

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  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