GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The HVAC control module monitors the ambient air temperature via an ambient air 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. The HVAC control module displays the outside air temperature on the HVAC control module.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the signal circuit is less than 0.09 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The HVAC control module uses a default value.
    • The HVAC control module will display " - -" for ambient air temperature when OFF.

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.

Diagnostic Aids

If condition not present refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

  2. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Outside Temp Sensor parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Temp Sensor parameter is within the specified range?

0.09-4.90 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Outside Temp Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Temp Sensor parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.90 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor and the low reference circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Outside Temp Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Temp Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

0.09 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

Test the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

6

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ambient air temperature sensor. 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 12

Go to Step 10

9

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 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK