GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The V5 Full Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) System

The full automatic temperature control (FATC) uses the integrated control panel as the driver's interface to the system. The FATC receives driver's input signal and various input signal from sensors and controls the actuators to maintain driver's desired room temperature. Refer to Manual Control Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System for general information details for the following:

    • System Components -- Functional
    • The V5 A/C System
    • V5 Compressor -- Operation
    • V5 Compressor -- General Description

System Components-Control

Controller

The operation of the A/C system is controlled by the switched on the control head. This console-mounted controller consist of control knobs and a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) indicating the status of the control settings selected.

Temperature Control Switch

    • Raise the temperature of the air entering the vehicle by pressing upper part of the switch, with the red arrow pointing upward.
    • Lower the temperature of the air entering the vehicle by pressing lower part of the switch, with the blue arrow pointing downward.
    • Actuate the air mix door by an electrical motor.
    • Varies the mix of the air passing through the heater core with the air bypassing the core.
    • Each press of the switch changes the set temperature by increments of 0.5°C (1°F) this is shown in the temperature window on the function display.

AUTO Switch

Maintains the set temperature automatically. In this mode, the full automatic temperature control (FATC) system controls the following:

    • The air mix door motor
    • The mode door motor
    • The blower motor speed
    • The intake air door motor
    • A/C ON/OFF

OFF Switch

Turns the automatic air conditioning and fan control off.

MODE Switch

Allows manual selection of the airflow direction.

    • Selection is shown on the function display.
    • Each time the MODE switch is pressed, the next function is displayed.

Intake Air Control Switch

Switches between fresh air intake, the default, and recirculating air. Airflow arrows on the display indicate the mode in effect.

A/C Switch

Allows manual selection and control of the air conditioning function

Rear Window and Side Rear View Mirror Defroster Switch

Defrost rear window and side rear view mirror. When pressed, it operates for 8-12 minutes by the timer in the controller.

Defrost Switch

Cause the mode motor to direct all air to the windshield and aide window outlets for maximum defrosting.

  1. Mode: Defroster
  2. Intake Air: Fresh
  3. A/C: ON (If the outside temperature is below than 1.5°C, the A/C would not operate.)

Fan Control Switch

Allow manual selection among six-fan speeds.

Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)

    • Temperature setting -- indicates the temperature set with temperature control knob.
    • Auto status -- Indicated whether the system is operating in the full automatic mode or manual mode.
    • A/C -- A snowflake icon indicating whether the A/C is On or Off.
    • Intake Air -- Indicates whether the intake air is fresh (from outside) or recirculating.
    • Mode -- Indicated by icon, the mode chosen by the system is shown by illumination of arrow indicating the air path.
    • Defrost -- Indicates whether the defroster is ON of not.
    • Fan speed -- Indicates the fan speed by illuminating a bar based segment from low to high speed by adding additional segments.

Pressure Transducer

Pressure transducer switching incorporates the functions of the high-pressure and the low-pressure cutout switches along with the fan cycling switch. The pressure transducer is located in the high-side liquid refrigerant line between the right strut and the air cleaner assembly. The output from this pressure traducer goes to the electronic control module (ECM), which controls the compressor function based on the pressure signal.

Sun Sensor

Sun sensor is a photo diode that detects lights. Resistance of the diode can be measured as current by using voltmeter according to increasing sun loads. If the sun sensor is error, no sun load will be substitute.


Object Number: 1280152  Size: SH

In-Car Sensor

In-car sensor located in left side of full automatic temperature control (FATC) controller, is a sensor that detects the interior air temperature and a thermistor that decreases its resistance when temperature up and increases when temperature down. If there is open or short in the sensors, 25°C (77°F) will be substitute.


Object Number: 1280153  Size: SH

Ambient Sensor

Ambient sensor is a thermistor that decreases its resistance when temperature up and increases when temperature down and it detects ambient air temperature. If there is open or short in the sensors, 25°C (77°F) will be substitute. The sensor is located in the left back side of front bumper.


Object Number: 1280154  Size: SH

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Coolant temperature sensor is a thermistor that decreases its resistance when temperature up and increases when temperature down. It detects coolant temperature to operate the blower speed at low when the coolant temperature is less than 50°C (122°F). If the coolant temperature sensor is open or short, 100°C (212°F) will be substitute.


Object Number: 1280155  Size: SH

Mode Control Motor

The mode control motor is located in heater/air distribution case assembly and selects vents by the signal of the FATC.

Intake Air Control Motor

The Intake air control motor is located outside of evaporator case and changes intake airflow recirculation or fresh by the signal of the FATC.

Air Mix Door Motor

The air mix door motor is located on left side of heater module. The air mix door motor controls the exhaust air temperature by the signal of the FATC.

Specific Operation of V5 FATC

There are several specific operation modes in this fully automatic temperature controller (FATC).

Max Cold Mode

When the temperature set at LO 18°C (64.4°F) the controller start max cold mode and control air conditioning system as below.

    • Mode: Vent
    • Intake Air: Recirculation
    • Blower Speed: Max High
    • A/C: ON
    • Air Mix Door: Closed

Max Hot Mode

When the temperature set at HI 32°C (90°F) the controller start max hot mode and control air conditioning system as below.

    • Mode: Floor
    • Intake Air: Fresh
    • Blower Speed: Auto High
    • Air Mix Door: Fully Open

Wiper Related Operation

When operating the wiper, the controller turns A/C ON and changes the intake air mode to fresh with one minute time delay from first wiper operation if FATC is operated in AUTO mode.

Wide-Open Throttle (WOT) Compressor Cutoff

During full-throttle acceleration, the throttle position (TP) sensor sends a signal to the ECM, which then controls the compressor clutch.

High RPM Cutoff

As engine RPM approached the maximum limit, the ECM will disengage the compressor clutch until the engine slows the a lower RPM.