GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The HVAC control module monitors the ambient light via a sunload sensor. The HVAC control module uses this information in order to modify the effect of the sun on the vehicle inside air temperature. When the sensor is in direct sunlight, the signal voltage is low. When the sensor is covered, the signal voltage is high.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the signal circuit is out of the range 0.09-5.0 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

A default value will be used for the sensor data by the HVAC control module. The sensor reading, which displays on the scan tool in the HVAC data list, will be this default value.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a condition.
    • The history DTC clears after 50 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

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

Test Description

The number below refers to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The scan tool uses a default value. This will not give an accurate reading of the sensor value if an open or a short to ground is detected.

Step

Action

Values

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. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the sunload sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the sunload sensor to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Measure the voltage from the sunload sensor signal circuit to the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

4

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the sunload sensor. 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 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. 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 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the sunload sensor. Refer to Sun Load Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Important: Perform the calibration procedure for the HVAC control module.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

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

Does the DTC set again?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK