Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Automatic HVAC System All sections

DTC B0163 (2) Cadillac STS I

Automatic HVAC System ~1237 words

The system operates using a default value.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

  1. The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC.
  2. The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.
  3. The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

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

  1. 3: This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.
  2. 4: This step 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.
StepActionValuesYesNo
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Appropriate Air Temp parameter in the Climate Control Panel, Open/Short Data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Appropriate Air Temp parameter is within the specified range?2-253 CountsGo to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring SystemsGo to Step 3
3Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the appropriate air temperature sensor. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Appropriate Air Temp parameter. Does the scan tool indicate that the Appropriate Air Temp parameter is greater than the specified value?253 CountsGo to Step 4Go to Step 5
4Turn OFF the ignition. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the appropriate air temperature sensor and the low reference circuit of the Appropriate air temperature sensor. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Appropriate Air Temp parameter. Does the scan tool indicate that the Appropriate Air Temp parameter is less than the specified value?2 CountsGo to Step 9Go to Step 6
5Test the signal circuit of the appropriate air temperature 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 13Go to Step 10
6Test the signal circuit of the appropriate air temperature 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 13Go to Step 7
7Test the low reference circuit of the Appropriate air temperature 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 13Go to Step 8
8Test the following signal circuits for a short to voltage: Evaporator temperature sensor Ambient air temperature sensor Inside air temperature sensor Left sunload sensor Right sunload sensor Ambient light sensor Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 10
9Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the Appropriate air temperature 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 13Go to Step 11
10Inspect 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 13Go to Step 12
11Replace the appropriate air temperature sensor. Refer to Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement or Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
12Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
13Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC reset?Go to Step 2System OK

DTC B0158 or B0163

Circuit Description

The sunload sensor is a 2-wire photo diode. The vehicle uses left and right sunload sensors. The 2 sensors are integrated into the sunload sensor assembly along with the ambient light sensor. Low reference and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal decreases. The sensor operates within an intensity range between completely dark and bright. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 volts. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts. The sunload sensor provides the HVAC control module a measurement of the amount of light shining on the vehicle. Bright, or high intensity, light causes the vehicle's inside temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

  1. Solar Load Sensor 1 Circuit refers to the left sunload sensor
  2. Solar Load Sensor 2 Circuit refers to the right sunload sensor

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs

  1. DTC B0183 Solar Load Sensor 1 Circuit
  2. DTC B0188 Solar Load Sensor 2 Circuit

This vehicle has DTCs which include DTC Symptoms. For more information on DTC Symptoms, refer to DTC Symptom Description in Vehicle DTC Information.

DTC SymptomDTC Symptom Descriptor
00Out of Range Condition

DTC B0183 or B0188

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the signal circuit is less than 0.09 volt (5 counts) or more than 4.90 volts (250 counts).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

  1. If the DTC is set the system will act as if no sunload condition exists.
  2. The driver information center (DIC) will display SERVICE A/C SYSTEM.
  1. The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
  2. The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.
  3. The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

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

  1. 3: This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.
  2. 4: This step 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.
StepActionValuesYesNo
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Driver or Passenger Solar Sensor parameter in the Climate Control Panel Open/Short Data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Solar Sensor parameter is with in the specified range?0.09-4.90 VGo to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring SystemsGo to Step 3
3Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the sunload sensor assembly. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Driver or Passenger Solar Sensor parameter in the Climate Control Panel Open/Short Data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Solar Sensor parameters are greater than the specified value?4.90 VGo to Step 4Go to Step 5
4Turn OFF the ignition. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the driver or passenger signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly and the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor assembly. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, observe the Driver or Passenger Solar Sensor parameter in the Climate Control Panel Open/Short Data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Solar Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?0.09 VGo to Step 9Go to Step 6
5Test the driver or passenger signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly 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 13Go to Step 10
6Test the driver or passenger signal circuit of the sunload sensor assembly 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 13Go to Step 7
7Test the low reference circuit of the sunload sensor assembly 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 13Go to Step 8
8Test the following signal circuits for a short to voltage: Evaporator temperature sensor Ambient air temperature sensor Inside air temperature sensor Left or Right sunload sensor Ambient light sensor Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 10
9Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the sunload sensor assembly. 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 13Go to Step 11
10Inspect 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 13Go to Step 12
11Replace the sunload sensor assembly. Refer to Sun Load Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
12Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
13Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC reset?Go to Step 2System OK

DTC B0183 or B0188

The HVAC door actuator is an electronic motor with a feedback potentiometer. The HVAC control module supplies power and ground to the actuator. The HVAC control module controls the direction of the actuator by changing the polarity of the control circuit. When the actuator reaches the desired position, voltage is removed from the control circuit. The HVAC control module determines the current position of the actuator by monitoring the feedback voltage of the door position signal circuit. The feedback potentiometer position is a function of the actuator position.

  1. Air flow control 3 circuit refers to the front mode actuator
  2. Air flow control 7 circuit refers to the recirc actuator.
  3. Temperature control 1 circuit refers to the driver air temperature actuator
  4. Temperature control 2 circuit refers to the passenger air temperature actuator
  5. Temperature control 3 circuit refers to the rear air temperature actuator
  6. Air flow control 10 circuit refers to the rear mode actuator

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs

  1. DTC B0248 Air Flow Control 3 Circuit
  2. DTC B0268 Air Flow Control 7 Circuit
  3. DTC B0408 Temperature Control 1 Circuit
  4. DTC B0418 Temperature Control 2 Circuit
  5. DTC B0428 Temperature Control 3 Circuit
  6. DTC B3531 Air Flow Control 10 Circuit

This vehicle has DTCs which include DTC Symptoms. For more information on DTC Symptoms, refer to DTC Symptom Description in Vehicle DTC Information.

DTC SymptomDTC Symptom Descriptor
61Actuator Stuck

DTC B0248, B0268, B0408, B0418, B0428, or B3531

  1. The ignition is ON.
  2. Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

The actuator door movement is restricted or the actual door position differs from the commanded door position by 4 counts or greater for more than 16 seconds.

The HVAC control module will not command actuator movement past the point where the stall condition is detected and will continue to make use of the remaining nonrestricted range.

  1. The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC.
  2. The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.
  3. The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

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

  1. 4: This step verifies that the HVAC control module is able to command the appropriate HVAC actuator.
StepActionValuesYesNo
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, command the appropriate actuator in both directions. Does the actual parameter of the appropriate actuator change?Go to Step 3Go to Step 4
3Is the voltage difference between the actual parameter and the commanded parameter of the appropriate actuator less than the specified value?.3 VGo to Step 7Go to Step 6
4Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the actuator connector. Turn ON the ignition. Turn ON the HVAC module. Connect a test lamp between the two driver circuits. Command the actuator in both directions. Does the test lamp illuminate then turn OFF in both directions?Go to Step 13Go to Step 5
5Test the control A circuit and control B circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
6Inspect the appropriate HVAC door and appropriate HVAC actuator for the following conditions: A misaligned HVAC actuator Broken or binding linkages or door An obstruction that prevents the door from operating within its full range of motion Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 13
7Turn OFF the ignition. Unplug the appropriate actuator. Turn ON the ignition. Turn ON the HVAC control module. Using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) measure the 5-volt reference. Does the volt meter display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 8Go to Step 12
8Using a DMM measure the signal circuit. Does the DMM display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 9Go to Step 11
9Connect a DMM between the 5-volt reference circuit and the low reference circuit. Does the DMM display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 13Go to Step 10
10Test the low reference circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A short to voltage A high resistance Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
11Test the signal circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
12Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
13Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the appropriate HVAC 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 17Go to Step 14
14Replace the appropriate HVAC actuator. Refer to the appropriate replacement procedure: Mode Actuator Replacement Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Right Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Left Recirculation Actuator Replacement Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Auxiliary Mode Actuator Replacement - Console Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 17
15Inspect 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 17Go to Step 16
16Replace the appropriate HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 17
17Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC reset?Go to Step 2System OK

DTC B0248, B0268, B0408, B0418, B0428, or B3531

The HVAC control module controls the HVAC door actuators to regulate the airflow through the HVAC system. Each actuator consists of an electric motor and a potentiometer. The potentiometer inside the door actuator allows the module to monitor the current position of the actuator drive shaft. The module supplies a 5-volt source voltage to the potentiometer on the 5-volt reference circuit. The module supplies ground to the potentiometer through the low reference circuit. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drop across the potentiometer on the door position signal circuit. When the actuator shaft rotates, the voltage on the door position signal circuit changes.

  1. Temperature control 1 Feedback circuit refers to the driver air temperature actuator
  2. Temperature control 2 Feedback circuit refers to the passenger air temperature actuator
  3. Temperature control 3 Feedback circuit refers to the rear air temperature actuator
  4. Air flow control 3 Feedback circuit refers to the front mode actuator
  5. Air flow control 7 Feedback circuit refers to the recirc actuator.
  6. Air flow control 10 Feedback circuit refers to the rear mode actuator

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs

  1. DTC B0413 Temperature Control 1 Feedback Circuit
  2. DTC B0423 Temperature Control 2 Feedback Circuit
  3. DTC B0433 Temperature Control 3 Feedback Circuit
  4. DTC B3761 Air Flow Control 3 Feedback Circuit
  5. DTC B3773 Air Flow Control 7 Feedback Circuit
  6. DTC B3782 Air Flow Control 10 Feedback Circuit

This vehicle has DTCs which include DTC Symptoms. For more information on DTC Symptoms, refer to DTC Symptom Description in Vehicle DTC Information.

DTC SymptomDTC Symptom Descriptor
00Out of Range Condition

DTC B0413, B0423, B0433, B3761, B3773, or B3782

The ignition is turned ON.

The HVAC control module detects the door position signal circuit is less than 7 counts or greater than 250 counts for 1 minute.

The HVAC control module uses only the minimum and maximum door positions.

  1. The DTC becomes history when the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC.
  2. The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.
  3. The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

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

  1. 4: This step verifies that the HVAC control module is able to command the appropriate HVAC actuator.
StepActionValuesYesNo
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, command the appropriate actuator in both directions. Does the actual parameter of the appropriate actuator change?Go to Step 3Go to Step 4
3Is the voltage difference between the actual parameter and the commanded parameter of the appropriate actuator less than the specified value?0.3 VGo to Step 7Go to Step 6
4Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the actuator connector. Turn ON the ignition. Turn ON the HVAC module. Connect a test lamp between the two driver circuits. Command the actuator in both directions. Does the test lamp illuminate then turn OFF in both directions?Go to Step 13Go to Step 5
5Test the control A circuit and control B circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
6Inspect the appropriate HVAC door and appropriate HVAC actuator for the following conditions: A misaligned HVAC actuator Broken or binding linkages or door An obstruction that prevents the door from operating within its full range of motion Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 13
7Turn OFF the ignition. Unplug the appropriate actuator. Turn ON the ignition. Turn ON the HVAC control module. Using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) measure the 5-volt reference. Does the volt meter display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 8Go to Step 12
8Using a DMM measure the signal circuit. Does the DMM display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 9Go to Step 11
9Connect a DMM between the 5-volt reference circuit and the low reference circuit. Does the DMM display near the specified value?5 VGo to Step 13Go to Step 10
10Test the low reference circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A short to voltage A high resistance Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
11Test the signal circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
12Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the appropriate actuator for the following: An open A high resistance A short to ground A short to voltage Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 17Go to Step 15
13Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the appropriate HVAC 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 17Go to Step 14
14Replace the appropriate HVAC actuator. Refer to the appropriate replacement procedure: Mode Actuator Replacement Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Right Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Left Recirculation Actuator Replacement Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Auxiliary Mode Actuator Replacement - Console Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 17
15Inspect 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 17Go to Step 16
16Replace the appropriate HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 17
17Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC reset?Go to Step 2System OK

DTC B0413, B0423, B0433, B3761, B3773, or B3782