GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 HVAC 🢒 HVAC Systems - Manual 🢒 Air Recirculation Malfunction

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. The HVAC control assembly is supplied by 2 ignition-3 voltage circuits. Test both ignition-3 voltage circuits.

Step

Action

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?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Manual

2
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Place the blower motor switch at 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 recirculation switch in the OFF 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. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the recirculation actuator.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between recirculation door control A and recirculation door control B of the recirculation actuator connector.
  5. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  6. Place the mode switch in the vent position.
  7. Place the recirculation switch in the ON position.
  8. Place the recirculation switch in the OFF position.

Does the test lamp illuminate in both, recirculation and ambient air, positions?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the recirculation door control A and B circuits of the recirculation actuator for an open, for a high resistance, for a short to ground, or for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect the recirculation door and the recirculation actuator for the following conditions:

    • A misaligned recirculation actuator
        Refer to Recirculation Actuator Replacement .
    • Broken or binding linkages or recirculation door
    • An obstruction that prevents the recirculation actuator from operating within the full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the recirculation door
    • Misaligned seals to the recirculation door

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

6

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuits of the HVAC control assembly for an open or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Test the ground circuit of the HVAC control assembly for an open or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for bad connections at the harness connector of the recirculation actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for bad connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the recirculation actuator. Refer to Recirculation Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the HVAC Control assembly. Refer to Heater and Air Conditioning Control Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3