GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

  1. The HVAC control module (IPM) sends a voltage signal to the mode actuator in order to control mode door movement. This signal should be low (near 0 V) when the mode actuator is commanded towards defrost position and high (near 5 V) when the mode actuator is commanded towards the vent position.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

DEFINITION: Air does not flow correctly from the air distribution outlets.

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Turn OFF the HVAC controls.

Is the blower motor OFF?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Blower Motor Always On

3

Place the blower motor switch in each speed position.

Does the blower motor operate at all?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Blower Motor Inoperative

4

Does the blower motor operate in each speed position?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

5

Place the recirculation switch in the recirculation and ambient air positions.

Does the recirculation actuator move from the recirculation position to the ambient air position?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Air Recirculation Malfunction

6

Place the mode switch in each position.

Is the air flow sufficient from the correct outlets in each mode?

--

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

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the mode actuator.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the mode actuator with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 16

8

Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the mode actuator to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

9

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the mode actuator.
  3. Connect the IPM.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Measure the voltage from the mode door control circuit of the mode actuator to a good ground.
  6. With a scan tool, command the mode actuator to DEFROST and to A/C.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value for each commanded state?

0.1 V DEFROST

4.95 V A/C

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11

  1. With a scan tool, observe the Htr./Def./A/C Dr Actual parameter in the Instrument Panel Module data list.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit of the mode actuator. (Drives the actuator toward the vent position.)
  3. Record the maximum value of the Htr./Def./A/C Dr Actual parameter.
  4. Remove the fused jumper wire. Connect the 3-amp fused jumper wire between the mode door control circuit of the mode actuator and a good ground. (Drives the actuator toward the defrost position.)
  5. Record the minimum value of the Htr./Def./A/C Dr Actual parameter.
  6. Subtract the minimum recorded value from the maximum recorded value.

Does the result of your calculation indicate that the door travel range is greater than the specified value?

200 Counts

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the mode actuator for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 15

13

Inspect the mode door and the mode actuator for the following conditions:

    • A misaligned mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .
    • Broken or binding linkages or mode door
    • An obstruction that prevents the mode actuator from operating within it's full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the mode door
    • Misaligned seals to the mode door

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 14

14

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the mode 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 17

15

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPM. 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 18

16

Repair the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the mode actuator. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 19

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17

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the mode actuator.

Replace the mode actuator. Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

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18

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the IPM.

Replace the IPM. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 19

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19

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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System OK

Go to Step 2