GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The temperature sense and display system includes a vehicle mounted variable resistance outside air temperature sensor interfaced to the IBCM analog input. The IBCM provides the logic for reading the sensor, filtering the data and transmitting this information via the GM LAN Low Speed Bus to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) for display. The temperature is sent to the IPC in degrees Celsius. The IPC is responsible for displaying the temperature and converting to degrees Fahrenheit, if necessary. The IBCM reads the outside air temperature sensor and converts A-D value to a temperature via a look-up table. Two GM LAN Low Speed Bus signals are ultimately generated. An un-filtered value, and a filtered value for use by the IPC display. The IBCM provides sensor out-of-range detection and compensates for engine temperature by utilizing vehicle speed and engine off time duration. The IPC shall display the outside air temperature. The temperature information is provided by the outside air temperature corrected value GM LAN signal. This information is in degrees Celsius. The IPC will convert to degrees Fahrenheit, if necessary. English or metric mode information is available via the Display Measurement System GM-LAN signal. The algorithm for all messages is executed at a rate of once every 1 second.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following variable represents the latest temperature value to be displayed by the IPC. This variable can be degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit. Range -40 to +70°C (-40 to +158°F).
    • After the ignition has been shut OFF and the engine is not running, the outside air temperature sensor must cool down for a period of time before the outside air temperature sensor reading will be believable. This is because the engine produces considerable heat after it has been shutdown. Without air movement across the sensor such as when the vehicle is moving the outside air temperature sensor will produce false ambient temperature readings attributable to engine heat. A falling outside air temperature sensor reading is always accepted and filtered into the display. Falling temperature readings are always believable but need some light filtering.
    • Upon initial vehicle start-up the outside air temperature sensor speed counter estimates the amount of time the vehicle will need to be in motion before the outside air temperature sensor will be reading true ambient temperature. As soon as the counter reaches this point it is assumed the driver has been driving the given amount of time for the sensor to cool to ambient. At this point, the outside air temperature readings are filtered into the display.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for resistance in the signal and ground circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Refer to Instrument Cluster Schematics in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Connector End View Reference: Refer to Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

DEFINITION: The outside air temperature display on the instrument panel driver information center (DIC) or radio display cannot be adjusted, or is inaccurate.

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Important: The source for checking for the actual ambient temperature should not be taken from a radio station or a sign displaying the temperature. A type of tool to use to measure temperature should be an item such as a thermometer.

  1. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Set the driver information center (DIC) menu to the temperature display.

Does the temperature displayed show an accurate temperature reading?

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Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Important: 

   • Verify the resistance settings with a DMM.
   • The source for checking for the actual ambient temperature should not be taken from a radio station or a sign displaying the temperature. A type of tool to use to measure temperature should be a thermometer.

  1. Verify the ambient air temperature.
  2. Test the ambient air temperature sensor signal and ground circuit resistance, from the sensor signal circuit to the low reference circuit of the sensor. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table .

Is the resistance within the table min/max ohm parameters for the stated °C/°F temperature?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Test the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Test the ground circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 10

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9

Replace the IPC. Refer to Control Module References

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 10

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10

  1. Use the scan tool to clear any DTC codes.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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Go to Step 2