GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Aids

    • The condition may be intermittent. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • The air temperature actuators can be calibrated. Refer to Actuator Recalibration .
    • If the door actuators are out of the calibrated range the auto recirculation function will not work. The vehicle operator must place the HVAC controls to the recirculation position manually. Ensure to perform an actuator recalibration to correct this condition.

Test Description

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

  1. Ambient air temperature must be above 3°C (38°F) in order for this A/C compressor test to be run.

  2. This step ensures that the lower air temperature sensors operate properly. The LH and RH Heater Duct Actual parameter count values should lower as the air temperature of the ducts get warmer. If there is a high resistance in either of the air temperature sensors circuits or the sensor itself then the count value of the effected sensor would remain high.

  3. This step ensures that the upper air temperature sensors operate properly. The LH and RH AC Duct Actual parameter count values should lower as the air temperature of the ducts get warmer. If there is a high resistance in either of the air temperature sensors circuits or the sensor itself then the count value of the effected sensor would remain high.

  4. Use the following table to determine that the recorded scan tool values are within range for the recorded probe temperatures of the J 43600 .

Temperature °C

Temperature °F

Scan Tool Display

0-4

32-40

206-175 counts

5-9

41-49

194-161 counts

10-14

50-58

180-145 counts

15-19

59-67

166-133 counts

20-24

68-76

150-119 counts

25-29

77-85

136-106 counts

30-34

86-94

121-93 counts

35-39

95-103

107-81 counts

40-44

104-112

94-69 counts

45-49

113-121

83-59 counts

50-54

122-130

72-51 counts

55-59

131-139

63-44 counts

60-64

140-148

55-37 counts

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

DEFINITION: Temperature can not be adjusted, or cooling insufficient during A/C operation.

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

Important: If during this diagnostic procedure the HVAC control module is disconnected a recalibration of actuators must be performed to avoid misdiagnosis.

  1. Recalibrate actuators. Refer to Actuator Recalibration .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the in Heating and Air Conditioning.

Does the scan tool display any DTC B0229, B0414, B0424 or B3770?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in each speed position.

Does the blower motor operate in any speed?

Go to Step 4

Go to Blower Motor Inoperative

4

Does the blower motor operate in each speed?

Go to Step 5

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

5

  1. Place the mode switch in the PANEL position.
  2. Place the recirculation switch in the ON position.
  3. Observe the recirculation door.
  4. Place the recirculation switch in the OFF position.

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

Go to Step 6

Go to Air Recirculation Malfunction

6

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Observe the A/C compressor clutch.
  3. Place the A/C request switch in the ON position.

Does the A/C compressor engage?

Go to Step 7

Go to HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

7

Perform the refrigerant system performance test. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Wait until engine coolant temperature reaches its normal operating temperature.
  3. Place the mode switch to the Floor position.
  4. Place the drivers air temperature switch to the warmest position.
  5. With a scan tool, observe the right and left Heater Duct Actual and Heater Duct Desired parameters.
  6. Wait 3 minutes to allow the duct air temperature to stabilize.

Do both of the Heater Duct Actual parameter values increase within 15 Counts of the Heater Duct Desired parameter?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 21

9

  1. Place the mode switch to the Panel position.
  2. Place the drivers air temperature switch to the warmest position.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the right and left AC Duct Actual and AC Duct Desired parameters.
  4. Wait 3 minutes to allow the duct air temperature to stabilize.

Do both of the AC Duct Actual parameter values increase within 15 Counts of the AC Duct Desired parameter?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 21

10

Check the air temperature sensors for proper installation.

Refer to the following procedures:

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Inspect for air flow through the inside air temperature sensor assembly by placing a 5 cm (2 in) square piece of paper over the sensorair inlet.

Does the paper stay in place?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 17

12

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the Left Solar Sensor and Right Solar Sensor parameters in the Body Control Module data list.
  3. Direct a light source at the left and right sides of the sunload sensor assembly.

Does the scan tool indicate that the values of the Left Solar Sensor and the Right Solar Sensor parameters change?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 25

13

  1. Place the temperature probe of the J 43600 near the inside air temperature sensor assembly.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the Inside Air Temp parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the sensor temperature is within 3°C (5°F) of the thermometer temperature?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 20

14

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the left and right air temperature switches in the FULL COLD positions.
  4. Place the mode switch in the bi-level position.
  5. Wait 3 minutes to allow the discharge air temperatures to stabilize.
  6. With a scan tool, record the values of the following parameters in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list:
  7. • LH AC Duct Actual
    •  LH Heater Duct Actual
    •  RH AC Duct Actual
    • RH Heater Duct Actual
  8. With the temperature probes of the J 43600 , record the air temperatures near the following sensors:
  9. • The left upper air temperature sensor
    • The left lower air temperature sensor
    • The right upper air temperature sensor
    • The right lower air temperature sensor

Are the parameter values within the specified range for the recorded air temperatures?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 15

15

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the suspect air temperature sensor.
  3. Place the temperature probe of the J 43600 near the air temperature sensor.
  4. Record the probe temperature.
  5. Measure the resistance of the air temperature sensor. Refer to the Sensor Resistance Table .

Does the resistance measure within the specified range ?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 24

16

Test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the suspect air temperature sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 26

17

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the inside air temperature sensor assembly.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the fan motor supply voltage circuit of the inside air temperature sensor assembly with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 18

18

Test the fan motor supply voltage circuit of the inside air temperature sensor assembly for an open, a high resistance, or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 26

19

Test the ground circuit of the inside air temperature sensor for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 23

20

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the inside air temperature sensor assembly.
  3. Place the temperature probe of the J 43600 near the inside air temperature sensor assembly.
  4. Record the probe temperature.
  5. Measure the resistance of the inside air temperature sensor. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table .

Does the resistance measure within the specified range ?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

21

Test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the appropriate air temperature sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 24

22

Test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the inside air temperature sensor assembly for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 26

23

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the inside air temperature sensor 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 31

Go to Step 29

24

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the appropriate air temperature sensor. 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 31

Go to Step 27

25

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the sunload sensor 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 31

Go to Step 28

26

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 31

Go to Step 30

27

Replace the appropriate air temperature sensor. Refer to one of the following procedures:

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 31

--

28

Replace the sunload sensor. Refer to Sun Load Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 31

--

29

Replace the inside air temperature sensor assembly. Refer to Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 31

--

30

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 31

--

31

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3