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.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

HVAC BLOWER HIGH Relay Control

1

1

2

--

Relay Controlled Output

1, 2

1

1, 2

--

Blower Motor Resistor Assembly Output

1

1

2

--

HVAC BLOWER HIGH Relay Ground

--

1

1

--

Blower Motor Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Blower Motor Inoperative

2. Blower Motor Always On

Circuit/System Description

The HVAC control module applies voltage to the blower motor control circuit that corresponds to the selected blower speed. The resistors and the blower motor are in a series circuit. The following list represents the number of resistors in series with the blower motor per particular speed request:

    • Low speed - 4 resistors
    • Medium 1 speed - 3 resistors
    • Medium 2 speed - 2 resistors
    • Medium 3 speed - 1 resistor

When the operator requests High speed, the HVAC control module applies voltage to the blower motor relay through the high blower motor control circuit. The voltage energizes the blower motor relay, connecting the blower motor to battery positive voltage.

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

Listen to the function of the blower motor while commanding the blower motor speed from Off through to the High speed positions using the blower motor switch, the blower motor speed should increase and decrease speeds when changing between the speed positions.

If the blower motor speed does not change, refer to Blower Motor Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Blower Motor Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the blower motor resistor assembly.
  2. While changing the fan speed switch between the Low, M1, M2, M3 and High positions, verify that a test lamp illuminates between ground and the appropriate blower motor control circuit terminals listed below:
  3. • Low terminal D
    • M1 terminal C
    • M2 terminal B
    • M3 terminal A
    • High terminal F
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the blower motor resistor assembly and disconnect the blower motor.
  5. Ignition ON, connect a test lamp between the blower motor control circuit terminal A and the blower motor ground circuit terminal B.
  6. Cycle the fan speed switch between the Low, M1, M2, M3 and High positions. The test lamp should illuminate and change in intensity as the blower speed is varied.
  7. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the blower motor resistor assembly.
    If the test lamp does not change intensity, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the blower motor resistor assembly.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the blower motor.

Component Testing

Blower Motor Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the blower motor.
  2. Install a 30-amp fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal B and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between the control circuit terminal A and ground. Verify the blower motor activates.
  3. If the blower motor does not activate, replace the blower motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Blower Motor Resistor Assembly Replacement
    •  Blower Motor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module setup, replacement, and programming