GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2001 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 HVAC 🢒 HVAC Systems - Automatic 🢒 DTC B0348

Circuit Description

The HVAC control module monitors the ambient light on the inside of the vehicle via a light sensitive photodiode which is called a sunload sensor. The HVAC control module uses this information to compensate for the effect of the sun on the inside air temperature of the vehicle. When the sensor is in direct sunlight, the signal voltage is low. When the sensor is shaded, the signal voltage is high. The HVAC control module requests A/C compressor clutch engagement and controls the air temperature actuator door positions in order to maintain the selected air temperature.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the signal circuit is greater than 250 counts (4.90 V).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The HVAC control module will store the trouble code in memory.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 100 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

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

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

    2.

  2. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

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. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Sun Load Sensor parameter in the Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sun Load Sensor parameter is within the specified range?

0.09-4.90 V

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

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the sunload sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Sun Load Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sun Load Sensor parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.90 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the sunload sensor and the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Sun Load Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Sun Load Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

0.09 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

Test the signal circuit of the sunload sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

6

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the sunload sensor. 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 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. 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 12

Go to Step 11

10

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important::  Perform the recalibration 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 12

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12
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK