GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Heater-A/C Control

With the ignition switch in the ON position, voltage is supplied through the HVAC fuse and circuit 41 (BRN) to the heater-A/C control assembly. The voltage from circuit 1199 (DK BLU) is varied from B+ to approximately 1.5V by the temperature control potentiometer. The heater-A/C control receives ground from G200 through circuit 1450 (BLK).

Air Delivery

Control of air through the system is regulated by vacuum. At various positions on the heater-A/C control assembly, mode control valves mix and direct cooled, heated and outside air through the air ducts.

Vacuum/Electric Solenoid

The vacuum/electric solenoid contains the solenoid valves that control the mode valve actuators. There is one solenoid for each mode valve actuator. When the solenoids are de-energized, the valves vent the mode valve actuators, allowing the vacuum actuator to return to the vent position determined by a spring. Voltage is supplied through the HVAC fuse and circuit 41 (BRN) to the solenoid valves when the ignition switch is the ON position.

Air Inlet Actuator

The air inlet actuator closes the outside air inlet so that air from the inside of the vehicle is recirculated through the A/C system for maximum cooling. The outside air inlet is closed when vacuum is applied to the actuator. When the air inlet actuator valve is vented, the spring returns the recirculation valve to the open position , which allows outside air to be drawn into the vehicle. The air inlet valve is controlled by the inside air and outside air selector on the heater-A/C control assembly.

Air Temperature Actuator

The air temperature actuator determines how much air flows through the heater core, which determines the temperature of the air to the outlets. The air temperature valve is moved by the LH electric actuator. The position of the air temperature valve is determined by the voltage level of the temperature control output from the heater-A/C control. The Driver Side (LH) electric actuator is powered with the ignition switch in the on position. Voltage is supplied through the HVAC fuse and circuit 41 (BRN).

Defroster/ Heater Outlet Actuator

The defroster valve and the heater outlet valve are connected together by a mechanical linkage allowing the two valves to move together. The defroster valve and heater outlet valve can be moved to one of three positions. The heater/defroster mode valve vacuum actuator consists of two chambers operated by two vacuum actuators. If no vacuum is applied to either vacuum actuator, the valve is in mid position. Airflow with the valve in the mid position B will be delivered to both the defrost outlets at the windshield and the heater outlets at floor level. When the heater solenoid is activated, vacuum to the defroster valve actuator is supplied by the red vacuum hose and the actuator moves the valve to position C, forcing all airflow to the heater outlets. When the defrost solenoid is activated, vacuum to the defroster valve actuator is supplied by the blue vacuum hose and the actuator moves the valve to position A, forcing all airflow to the defrost outlets.

Bi-Level Actuator

The A/C bi-level mode actuator is a bi-directional vacuum actuator which can move the I/P vent valve to either of two positions. Airflow with the valve in the mid position B will allow partial airflow to the I/P vents. Airflow with the valve in the position A will not allow air to the I/P vents. Airflow with the valve in the position C will allow full airflow to the I/P vents.