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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC B0176 Output Air Temp Sensor 1 Circuit High Upper


Object Number: 394204  Size: SF
HVAC Components
Cell 68: ECC Module and Temperature Sensors
Cell 68: ECC Module and Temperature Sensors

Circuit Description

The upper discharge air temperature sensor is a thermistor used in order to control the signal voltage in the electronic climate control (ECC) module. The ECC module supplies a reference voltage (about 5 volts) on CKT 404 to the sensor. When the upper duct air temperature is cold, the thermistor resistance is high. Therefore, the ECC module will receive a high voltage input. If the upper duct air temperature is hot, the thermistor resistance is low. Therefore, the ECC module will receive a low signal voltage input. The upper discharge air temperature sensor is used in order to enhance the temperature control. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table .

Conditions for Setting the DTC

When the ignition is ON, the ECC module will detect DTC B0176 any time that CKT 404 is at or near 5 volts or higher.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The ECC module will use a default value of 10 A/D counts until the fault is cleared.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

This fault will clear as soon as the fault goes away or has been repaired. The system will then return to normal operation. History DTCs may only be cleared by removing and restoring B+ or by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The ECC module may set class 2 lost communication DTCs when the body control module (BCM) or the vehicle control module (VCM) is being reprogrammed. After reprogramming, inspect for DTCs in the ECC module. Clear any history U DTCs, then resume diagnostics.
    • Visually inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion and damage. The resistance value of the sensor must be 334-100,865 ohms. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table . If resistance is not within specifications, replace the sensor.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step measures the resistance of the upper discharge air temperature sensor.

  2. This step inspects for B+ on CKT 404.

  3. This step determines if the short to B+ is in CKT 404 or in the ECC module.

  4. This step inspects for an open in CKT 552.

  5. This step replaces a defective upper discharge air temperature sensor.

  6. This step repairs an open in CKT 552.

  7. This step inspects for intermittents and tests for a malfunctioning ECC module.

  8. This step replaces a defective ECC module.

  9. This step inspects for 5 volts on CKT 404.

  10. This step determines if the open is in CKT 404 or in the ECC module.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect upper discharge air temperature sensor.
  3. Measure the resistance between sensor terminal A and terminal B.
  4. Compare the reading to the Temperature/Resistance table. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table .

Is the resistance within the range specified in the table?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 7

3

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  2. Measure the voltage at terminal A of the upper discharge air temperature sensor harness connector and ground.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

9-16 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 11

4

Inspect for a short to B+ in CKT 404 (BRN).

Did you find a short to B+?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

Repair the short to B+ in CKT 404 (BRN).

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check

--

6

Inspect for continuity to ground at terminal B of the upper discharge air temperature sensor harness connector and ground.

Is continuity present?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the upper discharge air temperature sensor. Refer to Air Distributor Duct Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check

--

8

Repair the open in CKT 552 (BLK).

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check

--

9

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Reconnect the upper discharge air temperature sensor.
  3. Reconnect the ECC module.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  5. Clear any ECC module DTCs.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems

10

Replace the ECC module. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check

--

11

Measure the voltage on terminal B of the upper discharge air temperature sensor to ground.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4-6 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 12

12

Inspect for an open in CKT 404 (BRN).

Did you find an open?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

13

Repair the open in CKT 404 (BRN).

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check

--