GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Air Temperature 5-Volt Reference

1

1

1

--

Left Air Temperature Signal

1

1

1

--

Left Air Temperature Control A

1

1

1

--

Left Air Temperature Control B

1

1

1

--

Left Air Temperature Low Reference

--

1

--

--

Right Air Temperature 5-Volt Reference

1

1

1

--

Right Air Temperature Signal

1

1

1

--

Right Air Temperature Control A

1

1

1

--

Right Air Temperature Control B

1

1

1

--

Right Air Temperature Low Reference

--

1

--

--

1. Air Temperature Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The HVAC control module controls the HVAC door actuators to regulate the airflow through the HVAC system. Each actuator consists of an electric motor and a potentiometer. The module supplies a low reference and 5-volt reference source voltage to the potentiometer. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drop across the potentiometer on the door position signal circuit. When the actuator shaft rotates, the voltage on the door position signal circuit changes. The HVAC module controls the direction of the actuator door by changing the polarity of the control circuits.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect the appropriate temperature door and recirculation actuator for the following:

    • A misaligned actuator
    • Broken or binding linkages or door
    • An obstruction that prevents the actuator from operating within the full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the door

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Delivery Description and Operation
    •  Air Temperature Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the right air temperature actuator.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. Test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    If less then specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  8. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal 4 and control circuit terminal 5.
  9. Command the temperature actuator door in both directions with the HVAC controls. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when commanded in both directions.
  10. If the test lamp does not illuminate in both directions, test both control circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  11. Connect the harness connector at the right temperature actuator.
  12. Command the temperature actuator door in both directions with the HVAC controls. The temperature at the right outlet vents should correspond with the changes on the HVAC control.
  13. If the temperature does not correspond with the HVAC control, replace the right temperature actuator.
  14. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the left air temperature actuator.
  15. Test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  16. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  17. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  18. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  19. Test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  20. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    If less then specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  21. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal 4 and control circuit terminal 5.
  22. Command the temperature actuator door in both directions with the HVAC controls. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when commanded in both directions.
  23. If the test lamp does not illuminate in both directions, test both control circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  24. If all circuits test normal, replace the left temperature actuator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Temperature Valve Actuator Replacement - Right Side
    •  Temperature Valve Actuator Replacement - Left Side
    •  Heater and Air Conditioning Control Replacement