GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2007 🢒 VUE - AWD 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0537 or P0538

Circuit Description

The HVAC control module monitors the evaporator temperature via the evaporator temperature sensor. When the air is cold, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are high. When the air is warm, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are low.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

    • DTC P0537 Evaporator Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
    • DTC P0538 Evaporator Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the evaporator temperature sensor signal circuit is less than 0.443 volts or greater than 4.55 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The air conditioning (A/C) compressor will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

    2.

  2. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens upon performing this test, the signal circuit has a short to voltage.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the evaporator temperature sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning Evaporator Core Replacement .
  3. Test for resistance between the low reference circuit terminal and ground.
  4. With a Digital Multimeter DMM, observe the Evaporator Temp resistance parameter.

Is the Evaporator Temp parameter greater than the specified value?

1.0 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Install a DMM.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a DMM, observe the Evaporator Temp signal circuit voltage parameter.

Does the DMM indicate that the Evaporator Temp signal voltage parameter is within the specified value range?

0.443 - 4.55 V

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the evaporator temp sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a DMM, observe the evaporator temp signal voltage parameter at the male connection in the engine compartment. Refer to Air Conditioning Evaporator Core Replacement .

Is the Evaporator Temp signal voltage parameter greater than the specified value?

4.55 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the evaporator temperature sensor and the low reference circuit of the evaporator temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a DMM, observe the Evaporator Temp voltage parameter.

Is the Evaporator Temp voltage parameter less than the specified value?

0.443 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Test the signal circuit of the evaporator temperature sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

Test the signal circuit of the evaporator temperature sensor for one of the following conditions:

    • A short to voltage
    • A high resistance
    • An open

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low reference circuit of the evaporator temperature sensor for one of the following conditions:

    • A high resistance
    • An open

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the evaporator temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

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 .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the evaporator temperature sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning Evaporator Core Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK