GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The air temperature actuator is an electronic device that incorporates a stepper motor and feedback potentiometer. The HVAC control module determines the position of the air temperature actuator based on the voltage from the potentiometer. When a change in air temperature is required (greater than 4 counts) the HVAC control module will drive the air temperature actuator in the appropriate direction to achieve the desired setting while comparing the actual position to the commanded position. If the actual value differs from the commanded value by 4 or more counts, the actuator is considered stalled and the DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • An actuator positional change is attempted.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The actual air mix door position differs from the commanded air mix door position by 4 counts or more.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The actuator is considered stalled and the HVAC control module will command the actuator to stop rotation (2.5 V).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • If the HVAC control no longer detects a failure, then the DTC will become history.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 ignition cycles without a failure.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A dead zone exists in a range 10 counts above or below the mix door max or mix door min positions. When the air mix door actual data parameter is within the dead zone, the DTC will not set. If the air mix door commanded data parameter differs from the air mix door actual data parameter by 4 counts or more outside the dead zone, the DTC will set.
    • A damaged or broken air temperature door and or actuator can cause this DTC to set.
    • If none of the above conditions exist refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Air Delivery/Temperature Control Schematics

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, observe the Air Mix Door Commanded data parameter and the Air Mix Door Actual data parameter in the Primary ECC Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Air Mix Door Commanded data parameter is within the specified value of the Air Mix Door Actual data parameter?

0-3  counts

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. With the scan tool, command the air temperature actuator from HOT (Off) to COLD (On).
  2. With the scan tool, observe the Air Mix Door Actual parameter in the Primary ECC data list.

Does the Air Mix Door Actual data parameter change at all?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 5

5

Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Test the air temperature door control circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground or short to voltage. 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

Important: The air temperature actuator connector and the HVAC control module connector must be connected to correctly perform test.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the Air Mix Door Actual data parameter in the Primary ECC Data list.
  3. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the air temperature door control circuit and the 5 volt reference circuit of the air temperature actuator (drives the actuator full COOL).
  4. Remove and reconnect the jumper wire between the air temperature door control circuit and the ground circuit of the air temperature actuator (drives the actuator full HOT).

Does the air temperature actuator drive shaft rotate and do the counts change?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect the air temperature door and the air temperature actuator for the following:

    • Incorrectly installed air temperature actuator.
    • Broken or binding linkages or air temperature door.
    • Obstruction that prevents the air temperature door from operating within it's full range of motion.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the air temperature actuator. 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 air temperature actuator.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

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