GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

HVAC Air Delivery/Temperature Control Circuit Description Pickup

The HVAC air delivery electrical system consists of a control module, blower switch, mode and temperature potentiometers & (motors), recirculating outside air control push button, temperature, mode and recirculating motors that operate their respective actuators and doors.

The mode, recirculating and temperature door motors are powered by ignition 3 voltage when the ignition switch is in the RUN position. The ground path is provided by the body wiring harness junction block to ground located in the left hand upper plenum area. The HVAC control module is powered by ignition 3 voltage from the HVAC fuse located in the fuse block when the ignition switch is in the RUN position. Grounding for the module is through the same circuit utilized for the door motors.

The recirculating door motor is controlled by a signal from the HVAC control module via recirculation actuator control when the push button is activated on the control head. Also, the recirculation door motor can be controlled by the PCM/VCM which monitors the automatic recirculation switch activity (located at the bottom right hand side of the air conditioning (A/C) condenser) and will signal the door motor to the recirculating mode when the switch closes due to high refrigerant pressure. This will allow cooler air from inside the vehicle to flow over the A/C evaporator thus cooling the refrigerant temperature.

Pressing the recirculation button activates several different modes in the HVAC system. An A/C request is made anytime the recirculation button is selected. Recirculation is only available in vent or bi-level modes only. Vent and bi-level are the first 8 of 17 detents on the mode switch. Recirculation can be selected with the blower motor in either the ON or OFF position.

The mode and temperature door motors are positioned in proportion to the variable voltage signal received from the HVAC control module. Adjusting the temperature dial (potentiometer) in the control head provided a variable voltage to the door motor via temp actuator control. There is a constant 5 volt reference sent to both motors via 5 volt reference from the control module. The module uses this reference voltage to accurately determine the door motor position through a feed back temp actuator signal which also varies from 0-5 volts (Pickup). The Utilities with rear A/C and Heat use Mode and Temperature door motors that operate from the front or rear control (non-sunroof vehicles) using a 0-12 volts signal.

The mode switch will allow A/C to be directed out of any discharge vents. Even with the HVAC system off, the mode switch can still direct the ram air out of any discharge vents.