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 recirculation actuator in order to control recirculation door movement. This signal should be low (near 0 V) when the recirculation actuator is commanded towards the outside air position and high (near 5 V) when the recirculation actuator is commanded towards the recirculation position.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

DEFINITION: Air recirculation is inoperative or always on.

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the mode switch in each mode position.

Does the mode door operate properly in each mode position?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Air Delivery Improper

3

  1. Place the mode switch in the bi-level position.
  2. Alternately, place the recirculation switch in the recirculation and outside air positions.

Does the recirculation door move from the recirculation position to the outside air position?

--

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

Go to Step 4

4

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

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 13

5

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

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

Test the recirculation door control circuit of the recirculation 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 16

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the recirculation actuator.
  3. Connect the IPM.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Measure the voltage from the recirculation door control circuit of the recirculation actuator to ground.
  6. With a scan tool, command the recirculation actuator to Recirc and to Outside Air.

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

0.71 V OSA

3.68 V Recirc

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

  1. With a scan tool, observe the Air Inlet Dr. Actual parameter in the Instrument Panel Module data list.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the recirculation door control circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit of the recirculation actuator. (Drives the actuator towards the OSA position.)
  3. Record the maximum value of the Air Inlet Dr. Actual parameter.
  4. Remove the fused jumper wire. Connect the 3-amp fused jumper wire between the recirculation door control circuit of the recirculation door actuator and ground. (Drives the actuator towards the recirc position.)
  5. Record the minimum value of the Air Inlet 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 12

Go to Step 10

9

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

10

Inspect the recirculation door and the recirculation actuator for the following conditions.

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the recirculation 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 16

Go to Step 14

12

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 16

Go to Step 15

13

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

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the recirculation actuator.

Replace the recirculation actuator. Refer to Recirculation Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Important: Perform the recalibration procedure for the IPM.

Replace the IPM. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK