GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

  1. This checks for proper cooling system operation.

  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 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 in any of the speed positions?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Blower Motor Inoperative

3

Does the blower motor operate at the desired speeds?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

4

  1. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  2. Place the mode switch in each position.

Does air flow from the correct air outlets for each mode position?

--

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 drive belt
    • A leaking radiator hose or a leaking heater hose
    • A kinked radiator hose or a kinked heater hose
    • A missing pressure seal from the radiator cap
    • 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 18

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the A/C request switch in the OFF position.

Does the A/C compressor operate?

--

Go to HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Disengage

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Observe the drive shaft of the air temperature actuator.
  2. Place the air temperature switch from the coldest position to the warmest position.

Does the drive shaft on the air temperature actuator ever rotate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

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 linkages or binding linkages
    • A broken air temperature door or a binding air temperature door
    • An obstruction that prevents the air temperature door from operating within the 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 18

Go to Step 9

9

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 10

10

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 18

Go to Step 11

11

Test the door control circuit of the air temperature actuator. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 12

12

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 door control circuit of the air temperature actuator to a good ground.
  3. Place the air temperature switch from the coldest position to the warmest position.

Is the voltage measurement within the specified values with a smooth transition between cold and hot?

0-12 V

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the air temperature actuator. 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 18

Go to Step 14

14

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

15

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 18

Go to Step 17

16

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

17

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2