GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

  1. Listen for an audible click or feel for the click when the vacuum control assembly operates. Repeat the test as necessary.

  2. Tests for voltage at the vacuum control assembly.

  3. Verifies that the HVAC control module is providing ground to the vacuum control assembly.

  4. Tests if ground is constantly being applied to the vacuum control assembly.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

DEFINITION: Air recirculation is inoperative or is always ON.

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Start the engine
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the mode switch in the vent position.
  4. Place the recirculation switch in the ON position.
  5. Observe the recirculation door.
  6. Place the outside air switch in the ON position.

Does the recirculation door move from the recirculation to the outside air position?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. With a scan tool, command the recirculation mode valve solenoid ON and OFF.

Does the recirculation mode valve solenoid turn ON and OFF?

--

Go to Vacuum Control System Diagnostic

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the vacuum control assembly.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the vacuum control assembly with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 11

5

  1. Measure the voltage between the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the vacuum control assembly and the recirculation mode valve solenoid control circuit of the vacuum control assembly.
  2. With a scan tool, command the recirculation mode valve solenoid ON and OFF.

Does the measured voltage change between the specified values?

0-12 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Does the measured voltage remain near the specified value?

12 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Test the recirculation mode valve solenoid control circuit of the vacuum control assembly for a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

8

Test the recirculation mode valve solenoid control circuit of the vacuum control assembly 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 14

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the vacuum control assembly. 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 14

Go to Step 12

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 14

Go to Step 13

11

Repair the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the vacuum control assembly. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the vacuum control assembly. Refer to Vacuum Control Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the HVAC control module.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3