GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars

Test Description

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

  1. This checks for proper cooling system operation.

  2. If the voltage ranges from 0.5 volts to 4.5 volts then the air temperature actuator is able to rotate and the HVAC control module has the ability to command the air temperature actuator.

  3. The voltage will vary between 0-12 volts during normal operation. The HVAC control module connector must be connected during this step. The voltage should be monitored while air temperature actuator is commanded to move.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

DEFINITION: The temperature cannot be adjusted, or the heating is insufficient.

1

Did you review the HVAC operation and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual

2

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

Does the blower motor operate at all?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Blower Motor Inoperative

3

Does the blower motor operate in each speed position?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

4

Turn the blower motor ON and select an air outlet mode.

Is the air flow sufficient from the correct outlets in each mode?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Air Delivery Improper

5

Inspect the cooling system for the following conditions:

    • A low coolant level
    • A loose or worn accessory air temperature door control belt
    • A leaking radiator hose or heater hose
    • A kinked radiator hose or heater hose
    • A missing radiator cap pressure seal
    • A leaking radiator cap

Refer to Heating Performance Diagnostic in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Place blower motor switch in any position but OFF.
  2. Place mode switch in the floor position.
  3. Place the air temperature switch from the coldest position to the warmest position.
  4. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the air temperature actuator to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure within the specified values with a smooth transition from the coldest position to the warmest position?

0.5-4.5 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect the air temperature door and the air temperature actuator for the following conditions:

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

System OK

8

  1. Disconnect air temperature actuator.
  2. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the air temperature actuator to a good ground.

Does voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 13

9

Inspect the air temperature door and the air temperature actuator for the following conditions:

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Place blower motor switch in any position but OFF.
  2. Place mode switch in the floor position.
  3. Place the air temperature switch from the coldest position to the warmest position.
  4. Measure the voltage from air temperature door control A circuit of the air temperature actuator and the air temperature door control B circuit of the air temperature actuator.

Does the voltage measure near specified value?

1-12 V

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

Test the air temperature door control A circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 12

12

Test the air temperature door control B circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 13

13

Test the air temperature actuator 5-volt reference circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 14

14

Test the signal circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs a in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

15

Test the low reference circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs a in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

16

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the air temperature actuator. 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 20

Go to Step 18

17

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 20

Go to Step 19

18

Replace the air temperature actuator. Refer to Air Temperature Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

19

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

20

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2