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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 HVAC 🢒 HVAC Systems - Automatic 🢒 DTC B0183

Circuit Description

The following DTC is for the Sunload Sensor.

The sunload sensor is a 2 wire photo diode. This vehicle uses a single sunload sensor. The sensor is integrated into the ambient light sensor assembly. Low reference and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal decreases. The sensor operates within an intensity range between completely dark and bright. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 volts. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts. The sunload sensor provides the HVAC control module with a measurement of the amount of light shining on the vehicle. Bright or high intensity light cause the vehicle's inside temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC.

DTC B0183 Solar Load Sensor 1 Circuit.

This vehicle has DTCs which include DTC Symptoms, refer to DTC Symptom Description in Vehicle DTC Information.

DTC Symptom

DTC Symptom Descriptor

02

Short to Ground

05

Short to Voltage or Open

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0183 02 and 05

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

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

B0183 02 and 05

If the DTC sets due to a low voltage condition, the HVAC control module will operate the system as if a maximum sunload condition exists. If the DTC sets due to a high voltage condition, the HVAC control module will operate the system as if a minimum sunload condition exists.

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 40 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high count (high voltage) range.

    2.

  2. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low count (low voltage) range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Sunload Sensor parameter in the Sensor Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sunload Sensor parameter is with in the specified range?

5-250 Counts

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the sunload sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Sunload Sensor parameter in the Sensor Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sunload Sensor parameters are greater than the specified value?

250 Counts

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly and the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor assembly.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Sunload Sensor parameter in the Sensor Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sunload Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

5 Counts

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Test the signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

6

Test the signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly for a short to voltage, 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 13

Go to Step 7

7

Test the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor assembly 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 13

Go to Step 8

8

Test the following signal circuits for a short to voltage:

    • Ambient air temperature sensor
    • Inside air temperature sensor
    • Sunload sensor
    • Ambient light sensor

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the sunload sensor assembly. 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 13

Go to Step 11

10

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 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the sunload sensor assembly. Refer to Ambient Light Sensor Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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12

Important:  Perform the recalibration procedure for the HVAC Control Module after module replacement. Refer to Actuator Recalibration .

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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13
  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