GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

  1. The specified values are from the A/C System Performance Test.

  2. The voltage will vary between 0-12 volts during normal operation. The HVAC control assembly connector must be connected during this step.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

DEFINITION: The temperature cannot be adjusted, or the cooling is insufficient during A/C operation.

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 mode switch in any position except OFF.
  3. 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 5

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

4

Alternately place the Recirculation Door between MAX A/C and VENT.

Does the Recirculation Door operate properly?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Air Delivery Improper

5

Does the Too Hot in Vehicle concern occur when A/C cooling is desired?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

Important: For A/C compressor operation, outside air temperature must be above 3°C (38°F).

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the mode switch in the MAX position.
  4. Place the air temperature switch in the coldest position.

Does the A/C compressor operate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

7

Perform the refrigerant system performance test. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step  8

8

  1. Observe the drive shaft of the air temperature actuator.
  2. Adjust the air temperature switch.

Does the air temperature actuator drive shaft rotate at all?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

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 to the air temperature door
    • Misaligned seals to the air temperature door

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

10

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 11

11

Test the ground circuit of the air temperature actuator for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 12

12

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 13

13

Important: Ensure that the HVAC control assembly connector is connected during this step in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Measure the voltage from the air temperature door control signal circuit of the air temperature actuator to a good ground.
  3. Adjust the air temperature switch from Cold to Hot.

Does the voltage measure within the specified values with a smooth transition between cold and hot?

12 V at cold 0 V at hot

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

14

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 19

Go to Step 15

15

Inspect the air temperature actuator, door and any attaching linkage for binding or a condition that prevents drive shaft rotation.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step  17

16

Inspect for poor 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 19

Go to Step 18

17

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

18

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2