GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The mode actuator is an electronic device that incorporates a stepper motor and feedback potentiometer. The HVAC control module controls the mode door position by sending a control signal to the actuator. The signal's value is dependent upon the desired mode selected by the vehicle occupants. As the actuator moves, the potentiometer produces the actual door position signal that is sent to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module continues to command the actuator to move until the desired and actual values are equal. The door directs airflow through the outlets as selected by the vehicles occupants.

After a calibration or recalibration procedure is performed, the HVAC control module calculates the mode actuator travel range. The HVAC control module commands the actuator through it's full range. The HVAC control module stores the learned minimum and maximum position values. The travel range value is calculated by subtracting the minimum and maximum position values. Then the HVAC control module compares the travel range, minimum and maximum values to calibrated value ranges. If the travel range value is less than or equal to the maximum calibrated limit and greater than or equal to the minimum calibrated limit, then the calibration is considered successful. The HVAC control module continuously compares the actual actuator position to the calibrated minimum and maximum position values.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • The HVAC control module keep alive memory battery power must be interrupted to run the range check (recalibration procedure).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Mode actuator position signal is less than 5 counts.
    • Mode actuator position signal is more than 250 counts.
    • The recirculation actuators total travel range (min-max) is less than or greater than the calibrated limits.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The DTC is stored in DTC information.
    • The HVAC control module will continue to make use of whatever travel range is still available.

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 damaged or broken mode door and or actuator can cause this DTC to set.
    • The range fault can only be detected following a check of the actuator travel range. The actuator travel range check (recalibration procedure) can only be initiated by disrupting power to the HVAC control module.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Air Delivery/Temperature Control Schematics

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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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 mode door max. position data parameter and the mode door min. position data parameter in the Primary ECC Data List
  4. Subtract the mode door min. position from the mode door max. position.

Does the result of the calculation indicate that the actual travel of the mode actuator is within the specified range?

20-140  counts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3

  1. With the scan tool, command the mode actuator from panel (ON) to defrost (OFF).
  2. With the scan tool, observe the mode actuator actual position.

Does the scan tool indicate that the mode actuator actual parameter changes within the specified range when it is commanded from panel to defrost?

5-250  counts

Go to diagnostic aids

Go to Step 4

4

Test the mode door actuator ground circuit for an open. 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 mode actuator for a short to ground. 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 mode door position signal circuit for an open, 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 mode actuator connector and the HVAC control module connector must be connected to correctly perform this test.

  1. Turn on the ignition, with the engine off.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the mode actuator actual parameter in the Primary ECC Data List.
  3. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the mode door motor control circuit of the mode actuator and the 5 volt reference circuit of the mode actuator (drives the door to panel).
  4. Remove and reconnect the jumper wire between the mode door control circuit of the mode actuator to the ground circuit of the mode actuator (drives the door to defrost).

Does the drive shaft of the mode actuator rotate and do the counts change?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the mode door and the mode actuator for the following .

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the mode 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 mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Important: Perform the travel range check (recalibration procedure) for the HVAC control module.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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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