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 Descriptors

DTC B0163 05: Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Battery or Open

DTC B0163 06: Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

DTC B0173 05: Upper Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Short to Battery or Open

DTC B0173 06: Upper Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Short to Ground or Open

DTC B0178 05: Lower Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Short to Battery or Open

DTC B0178 06: Lower Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Short to Ground or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0158 02

B0158 05

B0158 05

1

Upper Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0173 06

B0173 05

B0173 05

1

Lower Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0178 06

B0178 05

B0178 05

1

Sunload Sensor Signal

B0183 02

B0183 05

B0183 05

1

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0158 05

--

--

Upper Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0173 05

--

--

Lower Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0178 05

--

--

Sunload Sensor Low Reference

--

B0183 05

--

--

Sunload Sensor Ground

--

B0183 05

--

--

1. Air Temperature Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

Inside Air Temperature Sensor

The inside air temperature sensor is internal to the HVAC control module.

Upper and Lower Air Duct Temperature Sensors

The HVAC control module supplies the air duct temperature sensors with a low reference circuit and 5-volt signal circuit. The HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across the sensor, which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the sensor resistance increases and the voltage signal increases.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the air temperature sensor signal circuit is less than 5 counts or greater than 250 counts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The Auto feature of the HVAC control module will be inoperative.

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 100 fault-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Temperature 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

B1063

Verify DTC B1063 is not set.

If the DTC is set, replace the HVAC control module.

B0173 or B0178

Ignition ON, observe the appropriate scan tool Duct Air Temp. Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 5-250 counts and change with inside passenger compartment or upper or lower air duct air temperature changes.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate air duct temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that both the appropriate scan tool Duct Air Temp. Sensor parameter is less than 5 counts.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the appropriate scan tool Duct Air Temp. Sensor parameter is greater than 250 counts.
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate air temperature sensor.

Component Testing

  1. A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle in warm and or cold water. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table for this test.
  2. Test the ambient air temperature sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance.
  3. Compare the readings with the Temperature vs Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  4. If not within the specified range, replace the sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper
    •  Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming