GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Inlet Valve

The valve allows fresh (outside) air to enter the HVAC module when the air inlet valve is open. The air inlet valve forces recirculation of the air in the passenger compartment when the air inlet valve closes. The air inlet valve is located on the top of the HVAC module at the right front corner of the passenger compartment.

Blower and Evaporator

The blower moves the air in the following manner:

    • Across the HVAC module case
    • Through the evaporator

The evaporator dehumidifies the air. The resulting moisture expels through a drain at the front of the dash. The position of the blower speed switch controls the blower speed. A resistor in the electrical circuit dictates the blower speed. Refer to HVAC Blower Controls Circuit Description in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning for complete wiring information for the A/C electrical system.

Temperature Air Valve and Heater Valve

In all of the A/C modes, the heater core heats the cool dehumidified air in order to achieve the desired passenger compartment temperature. The movement of the temperature control knob actuates the temperature valve. The control knob determines how much heat the incoming air adds. The heater valve directs the heated air according to the mode setting. The following components are located in the middle of the HVAC module, downstream of the evaporator:

    • The temperature valve
    • The heater valve

Mode Air Valve

The mode valve determines the direction of the air mix according to the input from the mode switch. The mode valve is vacuum actuated. The mode valve is located in the top of the HVAC module.

Defrost Valve

The defrost valve directs the air mix to the windshield based on the input from the mode switch. The defrost valve is vacuum actuated. The defrost valve is located in the top of the HVAC module near the front of the dash.

Ducts and Outlets

A system of ducts and outlets directs the air from the HVAC module to the passenger compartment. In cases of a poor air output, inspect the following components for obstructions or other objects:

    • The defroster ducts
    • The heater ducts
    • The A/C ducts
    • The vent ducts

The objects above may have fallen into the following places:

    • The ducts
    • The air inlet panel screen
    • The cowl panel screen

Ventilation


Object Number: 292653  Size: SH

The vehicle has a flow-through ventilation system. A supply of outside air flows into the vehicle when the blower motor is running. When the side windows are closed, some air will flow to the following areas:

    • Into the cowl air inlet grille (1)
    • Through the vehicle
    • Out through the vehicle body pressure relief valves

Pressure Relief Valve


Object Number: 292661  Size: SH

The compressor is equipped with a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve (2) is placed in the system as a safety factor. Under certain conditions, the refrigerant on the discharge side may exceed the designed operating pressure. In order to prevent system damage, engineers designed the valve in order to open automatically when the high side pressure exceeds a specified amount. Correct the following conditions that may cause the valve to open:

    • A defective A/C pressure sensor
    • An inoperative cooling fan
    • Other conditions

Replace the following items as needed:

    • The refrigerant oil
    • The refrigerant

Cooling Fan

The cooling fan operation ensures proper operation of the A/C system. The coolant fan ensures that the proper amount of air flows across the condenser throughout the vehicle's operating range.

Inspect the fan operation during the A/C diagnosis procedure. Give special attention to the fan when the following conditions occur:

    • Excessive high side pressure
    • The high side pressure relief valve discharges
    • The A/C pressure sensor opens

The cooling fan control circuits vary according to the following conditions:

    • The car line
    • The engine application

For electrical information, refer to Engine Controls.