GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

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

  2. DTCs may be set in the DIC when you perform this diagnostic table.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Driver Information System Schematics

1

Did you perform the Driver Information Center Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems

2

  1. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Set the DIC to the compass/temperature display.

Does the temperature displayed on the DIC match the current room temperature within 3°F (2°C)?

--

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

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor connector.
  2. Important: Verify the J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester resistance settings with a DMM.

  3. Set the resistance on the J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester to 3047 ohms.
  4. Connect the J 33431-C between the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor and the ground circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor.
  5. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.

Does the DIC display the specified value?

130°F (54°C)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

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

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 to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

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 to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

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

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 .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

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9

Important: Calibrate the compass on the replacement DIC. Refer to Electronic Compass Calibration .

Replace the DIC. Refer to Driver Information Center Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

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10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DIC DTCs.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2