Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Automatic HVAC System All sections

HVAC System - Automatic Buick Riviera VIII

Automatic HVAC System 29 illustrations ~2731 words

A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in the article, AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM, in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section
ApplicationSpecification
Compressor Type
AuroraHarrison HD6/HT6 6-Cyl.
RivieraHarrison V5 5-Cyl.
Compressor Belt Tension(1)
System Oil Capacity (2)8 ozs.
Refrigerant (R-134a) Capacity32 ozs.
System Operating Pressures (3)
High Side140-205 psi (9.8-14.5 kg/cm 2 )
Low Side25-36 psi (1.8-2.5 kg/cm 2 )
(1) Engine is equipped with automatic serpentine belt tensioner. No adjustment is required. (2) Use PAG Compressor Oil (Part No. 12345923). (3) Approximate operating pressures with ambient temperature at 70°F (21°C) and engine at idle.
(1)Engine is equipped with automatic serpentine belt tensioner. No adjustment is required.
(2)Use PAG Compressor Oil (Part No. 12345923).
(3)Approximate operating pressures with ambient temperature at 70°F (21°C) and engine at idle.

A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

A/C system consists of refrigeration system, heater system, air distribution system and mode/temperature control system. In automatic mode, system determines appropriate air intake location, air discharge location, fan speed, and discharge air temperature, based on selected temperature settings and information provided by system's network of sensors.

Aurora uses a Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube (CCOT) system. Riviera uses a Variable Displacement Orifice Tube (VDOT) system.

A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL

The A/C-heater control panel includes soft touch buttons to select operating modes, temperature control, English/Metric display switch, rear defogger switch and a vacuum fluorescent display panel. (Scheme 1)or (Scheme 2).

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

A/C-HEATER PROGRAMMER

The programmer receives signals from the A/C-heater control panel, solar sensors, ambient temperature sensor, in-vehicle temperature sensor, blower control module, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), mode selector switch and actuators. A microprocessor in the programmer processes the signals and then sends commands to the system components to control A/C compressor clutch operation, air intake location, air discharge location, air discharge temperature and blower speed.

The programmer also performs self-diagnostic functions for the electric A/C-heater system. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be retrieved using a Tech 1 scan tester.

BLOWER CONTROL MODULE

Blower speed is controlled by blower control module located behind right side of dash, near blower motor. This module processes signals from A/C-heater programmer to provide variable blower speed.

SENSOR INPUTS

The A/C-heater programmer monitors these sensor signals and uses the information to determine A/C-heater command signals.

Ambient Temperature Sensor

Sensor is located on center of lower radiator support. Sensor resistance decreases as ambient air temperature increases, and increases as ambient air temperature decreases.

In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor

Sensor is located behind center of dash, right of steering column. Resistance of this sensor varies with temperature.

Solar Sensors

There is a solar sensor on each side of defroster grille. As sunlight intensity increases, resistance of sensor decreases; as sunlight intensity decreases, resistance increases.

OFF Mode

Blower motor and A/C compressor are off. When vehicle is moving, air flows in through the A/C-heater module assembly and out through floor and windshield outlets. A/C-heater programmer operates the air mix valve, and attempts to match in-vehicle and selected temperatures. Air can be warmed but not cooled since compressor is not running.

MAX A/C Upper Mode

In this mode, set temperature is at 60°F (16°C). If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, places air inlet door in recirculated air position, and positions A/C door to allow airflow through A/C vents. Blower draws inside air into system and then forces is out through instrument panel outlets. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

NORM A/C Upper Mode

NORM A/C can be accessed by A/C-heater programmer when operating in AUTO mode. If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). Programmer positions air inlet door so outside air is pulled into system by blower. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

BI-LEVEL Mode

If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). Programmer closes defroster door, places air inlet door in recirculated air position, and positions A/C door to allow airflow through A/C vents and floor outlets. Blower pulls outside air into system and forces it out through floor and dash outlets. Programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

LOWER Mode

The A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, and positions the air inlet door in recirculated air position. Programmer positions A/C door so air is discharged through heater vents. Programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

DEFOG Mode

If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). Blower pulls outside air into system and forces it out through floor and windshield outlets. Programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions the air mix door accordingly.

DEFROST Mode

Blower motor is turned on and blower speed can be manually adjusted using fan speed switch.If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). Programmer opens defroster door, and positions air inlet door to allow blower to draw outside air. A/C door is positioned to allow some air discharge through windshield vents. Programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

AUTO Mode

In this mode, blower is turned on and blower speed is automatically controlled by A/C-heater programmer. Automatic blower fan speed can be overridden by depressing or turning fan speed switch. A/C-heater programmer evaluates information supplied by A/C-heater control and its network of sensors, then determines whether A/C, BI-LEVEL, DEFOG or HEAT mode is required. Programmer will then energize appropriate actuator(s) to enter this mode. Information supplied to programmer also determines whether outside air is drawn into system (NORM A/C mode) or inside air is recirculated (MAX A/C mode).

RECIRC Mode

When RECIRC mode is selected, programmer positions air inlet door in recirculated air position. RECIRC mode is available in UPPER, LOWER, and BI-LEVEL modes. RECIRC mode is not available during DEFROST mode. RECIRC mode times out (shuts off) after approximately 10 minutes. Selecting any other manual mode or turning ignition off cancels RECIRC mode.

DUAL ZONE Mode

When dual zone mode is selected, pressing PASS button or adjusting temperature on passenger control head, programmer operates driver and passenger air mix valves independently. If passenger temperature control knob is requesting a warmer or cooler temperature on that side of vehicle, programmer positions passenger air mix valve to increase or decrease passenger side discharge temperature.

In this mode, blower motor and A/C compressor will not run. Temperature control circuit is still activated so A/C-heater programmer can operate air mix door and attempt to match in-vehicle and selected temperatures. Since compressor is not running, system can be warmed but not cooled.

In this mode, blower motor is turned on and blower speed is automatically controlled by A/C-heater programmer. Operator can override automatic blower control by depressing fan speed switch. Programmer uses information supplied by A/C-heater control panel and its network of sensors to determine appropriate operation mode (FLOOR/WINDSHIELD, MID/FLOOR, MID or FLOOR). Programmer determines whether fresh air is drawn into system or inside air is recirculated.

FLOOR/WINDSHIELD Mode

This mode can be accessed by A/C-heater programmer when operating in AUTO mode. If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, places air inlet door in recirculated air position, and positions A/C door to allow air discharge through A/C vents and floor outlets. Blower draws outside air into system and forces it out through floor and windshield outlets. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

MID/FLOOR Mode

This mode can be accessed by A/C-heater programmer when operating in AUTO mode. If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, places air inlet door in recirculated air position, and positions A/C door to allow air discharge through A/C vents and floor outlets. Blower draws outside air into system and forces it out through floor and instrument panel outlets. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

MID Mode

This mode can be accessed by A/C-heater programmer when operating in AUTO mode. If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, and positions air inlet door to allow outside air to be drawn into system. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

FLOOR Mode

This mode can be accessed by A/C-heater programmer when operating in AUTO mode. A/C-heater programmer closes defroster door, places air inlet door in recirculated air position, and places A/C door to allow air discharge through heater vents. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

In this mode, blower is turned on and can be manually adjusted using fan speed switch. If ambient temperature is greater than 43°F (6°C), compressor will engage to keep evaporator core temperature at about 33°F (1°C). Programmer opens defroster door, and positions air inlet door to allow blower to draw in outside air. A/C door is positioned to allow some air discharge through windshield vents. The A/C-heater programmer determines proper air discharge temperature, and positions air mix door accordingly.

When RECIRC mode is selected, programmer positions air inlet door in recirculated air position. RECIRC mode is available in FLOOR/WINDSHIELD, MID/FLOOR, MID, and FLOOR modes. RECIRC mode is not available during DEFROST mode. RECIRC mode times out (shuts off) after approximately 10 minutes. Selecting any other manual mode or turning ignition off cancels RECIRC mode.

When dual zone mode is selected, pressing PASS button or adjusting temperature on passenger control head, programmer operates driver and passenger air mix valves independently. If passenger temperature control knob is requesting a warmer or cooler temperature on that side of vehicle, programmer positions passenger air mix valve to increase or decrease passenger side discharge temperature.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in the article, AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM, in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section

DUAL ZONE A/C SYSTEM CHECK (AURORA)

The A/C system check is an organized approach for locating a problem caused by automatic A/C system electronics. Understanding this diagnostic chart and using it correctly will reduce diagnostic time and prevent unnecessary replacement of parts. Please review information on how to use self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: DUAL ZONE A/C SYSTEM CHECK (AURORA)

Scheme 4

Scheme 4

DUAL ZONE A/C SYSTEM CHECK (RIVIERA)

The A/C system check is an organized approach for locating a problem caused by automatic A/C system electronics. Understanding this diagnostic chart and using it correctly will reduce diagnostic time and prevent unnecessary replacement of parts. Please review information on how to use self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS.

Scheme 5

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: CHART A - BLOWER OPERATES ON HIGH SPEED ONLY

Scheme 7

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: CHART C - PASSENGER-SIDE TEMPERATURE OFFSET DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: DTC 008 - PASSENGER-SIDE SOLAR SENSOR CIRCUIT OPEN OR SHORTED

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: DTC 034 - DATA LOSS FROM PASSENGER-SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL TO PROGRAMMER (RIVIERA)

Scheme 15

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: DTC 035 - DATA LOSS FROM CLIMATE CONTROL ASSEMBLY TO PROGRAMMER (C & E BUS)

Scheme 17

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 18: DTC 036 - PASSENGER-SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL ASSEMBLY FEEDBACK OUT OF RANGE (AURORA)

Scheme 19

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 20: DTC 038 - LOSS OF SERIAL DATA (UART)

Scheme 21

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 22: DTC 052 - LOSS OF KEEP-ALIVE MEMORY TO A/C-HEATER PROGRAMMER

DTC 340, 341, 349, 350 & 351 - ACTUATOR DOORS FEEDBACK OUT OF RANGE

  1. DTC 340 - Air Mix No. 1 Feedback Out Of Range
  2. DTC 341 - Air Mix No. 2 Feedback Out Of Range
  3. DTC 349 - DEF/Heater Door Feedback Out Of Range
  4. DTC 350 - A/C Door Feedback Out Of Range
  5. DTC 351 - Air Inlet Door Feedback Out Of Range

Scheme 23

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 24

SELF-DIAGNOSTICS

Note. Tech 1 scan tester is required to access Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). There are no provisions for on-board diagnostics.

In the process of controlling A/C-heater system, A/C-heater programmer continuously monitors operating conditions for possible system malfunction. By comparing system conditions against standard operating limits, certain circuit and component malfunctions can be detected. If programmer detects system fault, Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) on climate control panel will flash once per second, for 100 seconds. If fault occurs in outside temperature sensor circuit, VF display will not flash, and outside temperature will not be displayed. Use Tech 1 scan tester to access Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

DTCs are 3-digit numerical codes. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) DEFINITION table. Letter designation after a code indicates its status: "C" for current and "H" for history. If a DTC is no longer detected after 50 ignition cycles, existing history code(s) will be cleared from A/C-heater programmer memory.

ACCESSING & CLEARING DTC

Note. Tech 1 scan tester is required to access and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). There are no provisions for on-board diagnostics.

DTCCircuit Affected
008Open Or Shorted Passenger's Side Solar Sensor Circuit
010Open Or Shorted Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
013Open Or Shorted Inside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
015Open Or Shorted Driver's Side Solar Sensor Circuit
034 (1)Passenger Climate Control Assembly Programmer Data Loss
035Climate Control Assembly-To-Programmer Data Loss
036 (2)Passenger Climate Control Feedback Out Of Range
038Loss Of Serial Data (UART)
052Programmer Loss Of Keep-Alive Memory
340Air Mix Door No. 1 (Driver-Side) Feedback Out Of Range
341Air Mix Door No. 2 (Passenger-Side) Feedback Out Of Range
349Defroster/Heater Door Feedback Out Of Range
350A/C Door Feedback Out Of Range
351Air Inlet Door Feedback Out Of Range
(1) Riviera only. (2) Aurora only.
(1)Riviera only.
(2)Aurora only.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) DEFINITION

TESTING

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in the article, AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM, in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section

A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

  1. Park vehicle in shaded area. Ventilate interior. Vent exhaust. Install gauge set. Measure and record ambient temperature and relative humidity. Close doors and windows. Set controls to AUTO, select maximum blower speed, and set temperature control to coldest value. Insert thermometer into center outlet.
  2. Set transmission in Park or Neutral. Start and idle engine for 10 minutes. Record outlet temperature, and high side and low side pressures. Turn engine off. Compare readings with specifications. See A/C PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Ambient Temp. °F (°C)Relative Humidity Greater ThanOutlet Temp. °F (°C)Low Side psi (kg/cm 2 )High Side psi (kg/cm 2 )
70 (21)50%52-57 (11-14)25-30 (1.8-2.1)165-205 (11.6-14.4)
80 (27)50%56-62 (13-17)35-43 (2.5-3.0)190-240 (13.3-16.9)
90 (32)40%61-67 (16-19)40-48 (2.8-3.4)210-260 (14.8-18.3)
100 (38)20%63-69 (17-21)44-52 (3.1-3.7)230-280 (16.2-19.7)
110 (38)20%64-70 (18-21)46-54 (3.2-3.8)260-310 (18.3-21.8)

A/C PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS - RIVIERA

Ambient Temp. °F (°C)Relative Humidity Greater ThanOutlet Temp. °F (°C)Low Side psi (kg/cm 2 )High Side psi (kg/cm 2 )
60-70 (16-21)40%39-49 (4-9)27-35 (1.9-2.5)155-200 (10.9-14.1)
80 (27)40%47-56 (8-13)37-43 (2.6-3.0)180-240 (12.6-16.9)
90 (32)40%53-63 (12-17)44-50 (3.1-3.5)210-270 (14.8-19.0)
100 (38)40%60-70 (16-21)52-60 (3.7-4.2)250-310 (17.6-21.8)
110 (38)40%70-80 (21-27)60-70 (4.2-4.9)290-360 (20.7-25.3)

A/C PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS - RIVIERA

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in the article, AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM, in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section

Removal & Installation (Aurora)

  1. Remove instrument panel upper trim pad air deflector. Remove console compartment bin. Remove shift knob. Remove shift lever trim plate. Loosen right front side of console. Remove instrument cluster bezel filler plates on both sides of steering column. Gently pull instrument cluster bezel rearward to disengage clips.
  2. Disconnect wire harnesses from bezel. Remove foglight and mirror control switches from bezel. Remove screws and instrument panel upper trim pad. Remove A/C-heater control panel retaining screws. Pull out control panel, and disconnect electrical harness connectors. Remove control panel. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Riviera)

Release 6 push-pin retainers, and remove instrument panel upper trim plate. Remove instrument cluster bezel screws. Pull out bezel, disconnect mirror and foglight switch connectors, and remove bezel. Remove A/C-heater control panel retaining screws. Pull out control panel, and disconnect electrical harness connectors. Remove control panel. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Note. If A/C-heater programmer has been replaced, actuators need to be recalibrated for proper travel. To recalibrate actuators and programmer, cycle ignition switch to ON position for 3 minutes.

Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. Disconnect negative battery terminal. Remove right sound insulator. Remove glove box. Remove A/C-heater programmer harness connectors. Remove A/C-heater programmer. To install, reverse removal procedure.

ACTUATORS

Note. If an actuator has been replaced, actuator need to be recalibrated for proper travel. To recalibrate actuator, cycle ignition switch to ON position for 3 minutes.

  1. Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. Disconnect negative battery terminal. Remove sound insulator(s), if necessary, to access actuators. Remove knee bolster, console and trim plate as required. Disconnect actuator harness connector. Remove actuator.
  2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Actuators are specifically designed for left or right side of A/C-heater unit, ensure replacement actuator is correct for position being serviced.

Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. Disconnect negative battery terminal. Remove right sound insulator. Disconnect blower motor cooling tube and electrical connector. Remove blower motor mounting screws. Remove blower motor. To install, reverse removal procedure.

  1. Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. Disconnect negative battery terminal. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.
  2. Position cruise control and bracket aside. Raise and support vehicle. Drain cooling system. Remove heater hoses from heater core. Remove A/C lines from evaporator. Remove instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL. Remove defroster duct. Remove connector duct from case to floor.
  3. Remove side window ducts. Remove passenger-side air bag. Remove PCM and bracket. Remove A/C-heater unit electrical connectors. Remove right center instrument panel mounting bracket. Remove heater and evaporator core assembly. (Scheme 6)
  4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill cooling system. Evacuate and recharge A/C system. Reactivate air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.

Scheme 25

Scheme 25

Remove knee bolster. Remove aspirator tube and electrical connector from in-vehicle temperature sensor. Remove in-vehicle temperature sensor. To install, reverse removal procedure.

  1. Remove floor console (if necessary). Remove instrument cluster bezel. Remove instrument panel upper trim pad. Remove windshield moldings. Remove sound insulators, knee bolster and glove box. Remove radio. Remove A/C-heater control panel. See A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL.
  2. Cover steering column with protective cloth. Remove instrument panel mount bolts, and slide instrument panel rearward. Disconnect electrical connectors and antenna cable. Remove instrument panel from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten instrument panel bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Remove door panel to access passenger-side temperature control. Disconnect electrical harness connector. Remove passenger-side temperature control. To install, reverse removal procedure.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
A/C Refrigerant Line
Accumulator18 (24)
Compressor19 (26)
Condenser18 (24)
Dual "O" Ring Joint18 (24)
Compressor Bolts
Front44 (60)
Rear19 (26)
Compressor Nut (4.0L)19 (26)
INCH. Lbs
Instrument Panel Mount Bolts
Center Bracket Bolts84 (9.5)
Center Support Bolts84 (9.5)
End Support Bracket Nuts93 (10.5)
Knee Bolster Bracket Nuts84 (9.5)
Outer Support Bracket Nuts93 (10.5)
Support Bracket-To-Dash Bolts84 (9.5)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Aurora - 1 Of 2). Scheme 26

Scheme 26: A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Aurora - 1 Of 2)

A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Aurora - 2 Of 2). Scheme 27

Scheme 27: A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Aurora - 2 Of 2)

A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Riviera - 1 Of 2). Scheme 28

Scheme 28: A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Riviera - 1 Of 2)

A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Riviera - 2 Of 2). Scheme 29

Scheme 29: A/C-Heater System Wiring Diagram (Riviera - 2 Of 2)