The air temperature controls are divided into five areas.
| • | HVAC Control Components |
| • | Heating and A/C Operation |
| • | Auxiliary Heating and A/C Operation |
| • | Engine Coolant |
| • | A/C Cycle |
HVAC CONTROL COMPONENTS
HVAC Control Assembly
The HVAC control assembly is a non-Class 2 device that interfaces between the operator and the HVAC system to maintain air temperature and distribution settings. The ignition 3 voltage circuits provide power to the control assembly. Two integrated potentiometers control air temperature door position and blower motor speed. The integrated vacuum system controls the mode door position. The control assembly supports the following features:
Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
Afterblow | No |
Purge | No |
Personalization | No |
Actuator Calibration | No |
Auxiliary HVAC Control Processor
The auxiliary HVAC control processor controls all outputs for the auxiliary HVAC system. The auxiliary HVAC control processor receives inputs from the front and rear auxiliary HVAC control assemblies. The auxiliary HVAC control processor does not utilize Class 2 communications.
If the auxiliary HVAC control processor receives a 12 volt varied voltage input for an auxiliary air temperature actuator change request. Then the auxiliary HVAC control processor creates a 12 volt varied output for control of the auxiliary air temperature actuator.
Air Temperature Actuator
The air temperature actuator and auxiliary air temperature actuator are a 3 wire bi-directional electric motor. Ignition 3 voltage, ground and control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The control circuit uses a 0-12 volt linear-ramped signal to command the actuator movement. The 0 and 12 volt control values represent the opposite limits of the actuator range of motion. The values in between 0 and 12 volts correspond to the positions between the limits.
When the HVAC control assembly sets a commanded, or targeted, value, the control signal is set to a value between 0-12 volts. The actuator shaft rotates until the commanded position is reached. The module will maintain the control value until a new commanded value is needed.
A/C Pressure Switches
The A/C system is protected by two A/C pressure switches.
| • | A/C low pressure switch |
| • | A/C high pressure switch |
The A/C high pressure switch interrupts the A/C request signal when the A/C line pressure is more than a predetermined value. The A/C low pressure switch interrupts the A/C low pressure switch signal when the A/C line pressure is less than or more than a predetermined value. When the powertrain control module (PCM) stops receiving the required signals, the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit is no longer grounded, disengaging the A/C compressor clutch. The A/C compressor clutch is disengaged under the following conditions:
| • | A/C low pressure switch is less than 124 kPa (18 psi). |
| • | A/C low pressure switch is more than 338 kPa (49 psi). |
| • | A/C high pressure switch is more than 2896 kPa (420 psi). |
Bypass Valves
The bypass valves included in the air temperature system are:
| • | Coolant Bypass Valve |
| • | Hot Water Bypass Valve |
The bypass valve is a normally open valve, which closes when vacuum is applied to the valve. When the MAX A/C mode is selected, vacuum from the HVAC control assembly is applied to the bypass valve. The vacuum must be strong enough to overcome the tension of the valve's internal return spring in order to close the bypass valve. The return spring forces the valve to return to the open position, when any of the other HVAC modes are selected. In the closed position, the flow of coolant to the heater core is bypassed, allowing maximum cooling to the passenger compartment.
Heating and A/C Operation
The purpose of the heating and A/C system is to provide heated and cooled air to the interior of the vehicle. The A/C system will also remove humidity from the interior and reduce windshield fogging. The vehicle operator can determine the passenger compartment temperature by adjusting the air temperature switch. Regardless of the temperature setting, the following can effect the rate that the HVAC system can achieve the desired temperature:
| • | Recirculation |
| • | Difference between inside and desired temperature |
| • | Difference between ambient and desired temperature |
| • | Blower motor speed setting |
| • | Mode setting |
| • | Auxiliary HVAC settings |
The A/C system can be engaged by placing the mode switch in one of the following positions:
| • | Max A/C |
| • | A/C |
| • | Bi-Level |
| • | Blend |
| • | Defrost |
The A/C system can operate regardless of the temperature setting. Regardless of the selected A/C mode setting, a request is sent to the PCM to turn on the A/C compressor clutch.
The following conditions must be met in order for the PCM to turn on the compressor clutch:
| • | Ambient air temperature is greater than 3°C (38°F) |
| • | Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F) |
| • | Engine speed is less than 5000 RPM |
| • | The A/C compressor cycling switch pressure is between 124-388 kPa (18-49 psi) |
| • | The A/C high pressure cutout switch is less than 2896 kPa (420 psi) |
Once engaged, the compressor clutch will be disengaged for the following conditions:
| • | Throttle position is 100% |
| • | The A/C compressor cycling switch pressure is less than 124 kPa (18 psi) or more than 338 kPa (49 psi) |
| • | The A/C high pressure cutout switch is more than 2896 kPa (420 psi) |
| • | Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 123°C (253°F) |
| • | Engine speed is more than 5000 RPM |
| • | Transmission shift |
| • | PCM detects excessive torque load |
| • | PCM detects insufficient idle quality |
| • | PCM detects a hard launch condition |
When the compressor clutch disengages, the compressor clutch diode protects the electrical system from a voltage spike.
Heater Mode - Auxiliary Heater without A/C
The auxiliary blower motor recycles air from the vehicle's interior. The vehicle operator can determine the intensity of the auxiliary heater by placing the auxiliary blower motor in one of the following positions:
| • | Low |
| • | Med |
| • | High |
Since there is no temperature switch, the temperature is controlled by the speed of the auxiliary blower motor. The auxiliary blower motor will only operate when the ignition is in the RUN position, and the auxiliary blower motor switch is in any position other than OFF.
Heater Mode - Front Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly Only
The auxiliary temperature switch in the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the vehicle operator to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to both the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
Voltage delivered to the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a variable resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature.
Heater Mode - Front Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly with Rear Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly
The auxiliary temperature switch in the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the vehicle operator to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to both the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
Voltage delivered to the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a varied resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit, and auxiliary HVAC control processor. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature
Heater Mode - Rear Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly
The auxiliary temperature switch in the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the rear seat passengers to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly, auxiliary HVAC control processor and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
To activate the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly, the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly must be placed in the REAR CNTL position. Ignition 3 voltage is sent to the auxiliary HVAC control processor. When the switch is placed in the REAR CNTL position, the voltage is grounded through the auxiliary blower motor switch control, front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the ground circuit to allow the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly to operate the auxiliary temperature actuator. Voltage delivered to the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a variable resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit, and auxiliary HVAC control processor. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature.
A/C Mode - Front Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly Only
The auxiliary temperature switch in the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the vehicle operator to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to both the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
Voltage delivered to the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a variable resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature.
A/C Mode - Front Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly with Rear Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly
The auxiliary temperature switch in the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the vehicle operator to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to both the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
Voltage delivered to the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a variable resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit, and auxiliary HVAC control processor. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature.
A/C Mode - Rear Auxiliary HVAC Control Assembly
The auxiliary temperature switch in the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly allows the rear seat passengers to adjust the temperature in the rear of the vehicle. Power is provided to the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly, auxiliary HVAC control processor and the auxiliary air temperature actuator from the IP fuse block on the ignition 3 voltage circuit.
To activate the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly, the front auxiliary HVAC control assembly must be placed in the REAR CNTL position. Ignition 3 voltage is sent to the auxiliary HVAC control processor. When the switch is placed in the REAR CNTL position, the voltage is grounded through the auxiliary blower motor switch control, front auxiliary HVAC control assembly and the ground circuit to allow the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly to operate the auxiliary temperature actuator. Voltage delivered to the rear auxiliary HVAC control assembly on the ignition 3 voltage circuit is sent to a varied resistor. Based on the placement of the temperature switch, a varied voltage is sent to the auxiliary air temperature actuator on the auxiliary air temperature door control circuit, and auxiliary HVAC control processor. The auxiliary air temperature actuator positions the temperature door to divert the appropriate amount of air past the heater core in order to achieve the desired temperature.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant is the key element of the heating system. The thermostat controls engine operating coolant temperature. The thermostat also creates a restriction for the cooling system that promotes a positive coolant flow and helps prevent cavitation. Coolant enters the heater core through the inlet heater hose, in a pressurized state.
The heater core is located inside the HVAC module. The heat of the coolant flowing through the heater core is absorbed by the ambient air drawn through the HVAC module. Heated air is distributed to the passenger compartment, through the HVAC module, for passenger comfort.
The amount of heat delivered to the passenger compartment is controlled by opening or closing the HVAC module air temperature door. The coolant exits the heater core through the return heater hose and recirculated back through the engine cooling system.
A/C Cycle
Refrigerant is the key element in an air conditioning system. R-134a is presently the only EPA approved refrigerant for automotive use. R-134a is an very low temperature gas that can transfer the undesirable heat and moisture from the passenger compartment to the outside air.
The A/C compressor is belt driven and operates when the magnetic clutch is engaged. The compressor builds pressure on the vapor refrigerant. Compressing the refrigerant also adds heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, through the discharge hose, and forced to flow to the condenser and then through the balance of the A/C system. The A/C system is mechanically protected with the use of a high pressure relief valve. If the high pressure switch were to fail or if the refrigerant system becomes restricted and refrigerant pressure continued to rise, the high pressure relief will pop open and release refrigerant from the system.
Compressed refrigerant enters the condenser in a high temperature, high pressure vapor state. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the ambient air passing through the condenser. Cooling the refrigerant causes the refrigerant to condense and change from a vapor to a liquid state.
The condenser is located in front of the radiator for maximum heat transfer. The condenser is made of aluminum tubing and aluminum cooling fins, which allows rapid heat transfer for the refrigerant. The semi-cooled liquid refrigerant exits the condenser and flows through the liquid line, to the orifice tube.
The orifice tube is located in the liquid line between the condenser and the evaporator. The orifice tube is the dividing point for the high and the low pressure sides of the A/C system. As the refrigerant passes through the orifice tube, the pressure on the refrigerant is lowered. Due to the pressure differential on the liquid refrigerant, the refrigerant will begin to vaporize at the orifice tube. The orifice tube also meters the amount of liquid refrigerant that can flow into the evaporator.
Refrigerant exiting the orifice tube flows into the evaporator core in a low pressure, liquid state. Ambient air is drawn through the HVAC module and passes through the evaporator core. Warm and moist air will cause the liquid refrigerant boil inside of the evaporator core. The boiling refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air and draws moisture onto the evaporator. The refrigerant exits the evaporator through the suction line and back to the compressor, in a vapor state, and completing the A/C cycle of heat removal. At the compressor, the refrigerant is compressed again and the cycle of heat removal is repeated.
The conditioned air is distributed through the HVAC module for passenger comfort. The heat and moisture removed from the passenger compartment will also change form, or condense, and is discharged from the HVAC module as water.
A/C Cycle with Auxiliary
The auxiliary A/C system operates from the vehicles primary A/C system. The front or primary A/C system must be ON to allow the rear A/C system to function.
Refrigerant is the key element in an air conditioning system. R-134a is presently the only EPA approved refrigerant for automotive use. R-134a is an very low temperature gas that can transfer the undesirable heat and moisture from the passenger compartment to the outside air.
The A/C system used on this vehicle is a non cycling system. Non cycling A/C systems use a high pressure switch to protect the A/C system from excessive pressure. The high pressure switch will OPEN the electrical signal, to the compressor clutch, in the event that the refrigerant pressure becomes excessive. After the high and low side of the A/C system pressure equalize, the high pressure switch will CLOSE. Closing the high pressure switch will complete the electrical circuit to the compressor clutch. The A/C system is also mechanically protected with the use of a high pressure relief valve. If the high pressure switch were to fail or if the refrigerant system becomes restricted and refrigerant pressure continued to rise, the high pressure relief will pop open and release refrigerant from the system.
The A/C compressor is belt driven and operates when the magnetic clutch is engaged. The compressor builds pressure on the vapor refrigerant. Compressing the refrigerant also adds heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, through the discharge hose, and forced to flow to the condenser and then through the balance of the A/C system.
Compressed refrigerant enters the condenser in a high temperature, high pressure vapor state. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the ambient air passing through the condenser. Cooling the refrigerant causes the refrigerant to condense and change from a vapor to a liquid state.
The condenser is located in front of the radiator for maximum heat transfer. The condenser is made of aluminum tubing and aluminum cooling fins, which allows rapid heat transfer for the refrigerant. The semi-cooled liquid refrigerant exits the condenser and flows through the liquid line. The liquid line flow is split and the liquid refrigerant flows to both the front or primary A/C system, and to the liquid line for the rear A/C system.
The liquid refrigerant, flowing to the rear A/C system, flows into the rear TXV. The rear TXV is located at the rear evaporator inlet. The TXV is the dividing point for the high and the low pressure sides of the rear A/C system. As the refrigerant passes through the TXV, the pressure on the refrigerant is lowered. Due to the pressure differential on the liquid refrigerant, the refrigerant will begin to boil at the expansion device. The TXV also meters the amount of liquid refrigerant that can flow into the evaporator.
Refrigerant exiting the TXV flows into the evaporator core in a low pressure, liquid state. Ambient air is drawn through the rear A/C module and passes through the evaporator core. Warm and moist air will cause the liquid refrigerant boil inside of the evaporator core. The boiling refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air and draws moisture onto the evaporator. The refrigerant exits the evaporator through the suction line and back to the primary A/C systems suction line. Refrigerant in the primary A/C system suction line flows back to the compressor, in a vapor state, and completes the A/C cycle of heat removal. At the compressor, the refrigerant is compressed again and the cycle of heat removal is repeated.
The conditioned air is distributed through the rear A/C module for passenger comfort. The heat and moisture removed from the rear passenger compartment will also change form, or condense, and is discharged from the rear A/C module as water.
