Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Automatic HVAC System All sections

HVAC System - Automatic: Diagnosis Cadillac STS I

Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Output ControlAdditional Menu Selection(s)Description
Air Inlet Door PositionHVAC MotorsWhen you select Outside, the HVAC control module commands the recirculation actuator toward the outside air position. When you select Recirc, the HVAC control module commands the recirculation actuator toward the recirculation position.
Blower MotorMiscellaneous TestWhen you select ON, the HVAC control module commands the blower motor relay ON. When you select OFF, the HVAC control module commands the blower motor relay OFF.
Driver Temp Door PositionHVAC MotorsWhen you select Cold, the HVAC control module commands the driver air temperature actuator to the full cold position. When you select Hot, the HVAC control module commands the actuator to the full hot position.
Htr./Def./A/C Door PositionHVAC MotorsWhen you select A/C, the HVAC control module commands the mode actuator to the panel position. When you select Defrost, the HVAC control module commands the actuator to the defrost position.
Passenger Temp Door PositionHVAC MotorsWhen you select Cold, the HVAC control module commands the passenger air temperature actuator to the full cold position. When you select Hot, the HVAC control module commands the actuator to the full hot position.

HVAC Control Module Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Output ControlAdditional Menu Selection(s)Description
A/C RelayEngine Output ControlsThe engine must be running and the ECM must receive an A/C request from the HVAC control module in order to enable the output control. The ECM de-energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay when you select OFF. The relay remains de-energized until you select ON.

ECM Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Data List

Scan Tool ParameterData ListUnits DisplayedTypical Data Value
Operating Conditions: Engine idling, A/C ON, ambient air temperature between 22-27°C (70-80°F)
A/C Clutch-actualA/C Compressor DataOn/OffOn
A/C Clutch-DesiredA/C Compressor DataYes/NoYes
AC PressureA/C Compressor DataKPa/psiVaries
Commanded BlowerHVAC System Data%Varies
Coolant TemperatureHVAC System Data°C/°FVaries
Driver Temp. Dr. ActualHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Driver Temp. Dr. CommandedHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Driver Solar SensorOpen/Short DataCounts/VoltsVaries
Driver SunloadHVAC System DataW/m2Varies
Evaporator TempHVAC System Data°C/°FVaries
Evaporator TempA/C Compressor Data°C/°FVaries
Evaporator TempOpen/Short DataCounts/VoltsVaries
Htr./Def./A/C Dr. ActualHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Htr./Def./A/C Dr. CommandedHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Inside Air TempHVAC System Data°C/°FVaries
Inside Air TempOpen/Short DataCounts/VoltsVaries
Low Coolant StatusHVAC System DataOK/LowOK
Low Coolant SwitchHVAC System DataOpen/ClosedClosed
Outside Air TempHVAC System Data°C/°FVaries
Outside Air TempOpen/Short DataCounts/VoltsVaries
Passenger Solar SensorOpen/Short DataCounts/VoltsVaries
Passenger SunloadHVAC System DataW/m2Varies
Passenger Temp Dr. ActualHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Passenger Temp Dr. CommandedHVAC Door PositionsCounts/VoltsVaries
Pressure SensorA/C Compressor DataOK/FailedOK
Vehicle SpeedHVAC System DataKm/h/mphVaries

HVAC Control Module Scan Tool Data List

Scan Tool ParameterData ListUnits DisplayedTypical Data Value
Operating Conditions: Engine idling, A/C ON, ambient air temperature between 22-27°C (70-80°F)
A/C High Side PressureEngine Data 2KPa/Psi629-845 kPa (85-120 psi)
A/C High Side PressureEngine Data 2VoltsVaries
A/C Relay CommandEngine Data 2On/OffVaries
A/C Request SignalEngine Data 2Yes/NoVaries
ECT SensorEngine Data 2°C/°F92°C (197°F)
ECT SensorEngine Data 2Volts1.10-1.45 Volts

ECM Scan Tool Data List

Circuit Description

The ambient air temperature sensor provides the HVAC control module software with the temperature of the air outside the vehicle. That temperature can be displayed in the driver information center (DIC). A reference voltage is supplied to the sensor thermistor and the HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across that device which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the resistance decreases and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the resistance increases and the voltage signal increases. The inside air temperature sensor provides the HVAC control module with the temperature of the air drawn through an aspirator from the passenger compartment across a sensor. A reference voltage is supplied to the sensor thermistor and the HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across that device which is proportional to temperature. As the air temperature increases, the resistance decreases and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the resistance increases and the voltage signal increases.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs

  1. DTC B0158 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit.
  2. DTC B0163 Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor 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
03Voltage Below Threshold
06Short to Ground or Open
07Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B0158 or B0163

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Visual/Physical Inspection

  1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the HVAC System. Refer to «Checking Aftermarket Accessories»(ref-197533-S03944243902005101200000) in Wiring Systems.
  2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
  3. Verify the A/C compressor clutch turns freely and is not seized.
  4. Verify that the customer is using the correct key to enable personalization and is not inadvertently activating auxiliary HVAC controls.
  5. The A/C compressor will not operate in cold outside air temperatures. Refer to «Air Temperature Description and Operation»(ref-197560-S42300243782005101200000) .
  6. The following conditions may cause window fogging: Wet carpet or mats High humidity Interior water leak Blocked A/C evaporator drain tube Maximum passenger capacity Blocked body pressure relief valves
  7. Inspect the air distribution system for causes of reduced air flow: Obstructed or dirty passenger compartment air filter, if equipped Blocked or damaged air inlet or outlet vents

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

  1. «HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage»(ref-197560-S19350007492005101200000)
  2. «HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Disengage»(ref-197560-S08118794112005101200000)
  3. «Blower Motor Always On»(ref-197560-S38781294002005101200000)
  4. «Blower Motor Inoperative»(ref-197560-S28017168452005101200000)
  5. «Blower Motor Malfunction»(ref-197560-S31004354172005101200000)
  6. «Too Hot in Vehicle»(ref-197560-S29064761022005101200000)
  7. «Too Cold in Vehicle»(ref-197560-S07414210622005101200000)
  8. «Air Delivery Improper»(ref-197560-S00679745522005101200000)
  9. «Air Recirculation Malfunction»(ref-197560-S04882761362005101200000)
  10. «Leak Testing»(ref-197627-S14271993192005101200000) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  11. «Noise Diagnosis - Blower Motor»(ref-197627-S15777028482005101200000) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  12. «Noise Diagnosis - Air Conditioning (A/C) System»(ref-197627-S26229898672005101200000) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  13. «Odor Diagnosis»(ref-197627-S40745734262005101200000) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  14. «Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative»(ref-197539-S12953729862005101200000) in Entertainment

Scan Tool Not Completed

Refer to Air Quality Sensor (RPO K14) in the HVAC Systems Automatic Description and Operation to understand the functionality of this system. The air quality sensor sensitivity can be adjusted. Refer to Air Quality Calibration Offset .

Diagnostic Aids

  1. The condition may be intermittent. Refer to «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-197533-S35858719362005101200000) in Wiring Systems.
  2. Inspect the air delivery system for the following conditions: A dirty HVAC air filter An obstruction to the airflow Air leaks Misaligned air ducts Broken or binding linkages or doors
StepActionYesNo
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
2Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Turn OFF the HVAC control module. Is the blower motor OFF?Go to Step 3Go to Blower Motor Always On
3Place the blower motor switch in each speed position. Does the blower motor operate in any of the speed positions?Go to Step 4Go to Blower Motor Inoperative
4Does the blower motor operate in each speed position?Go to Step 5Go to Blower Motor Malfunction
5Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position. Place the mode switch in the bi-level position. Place the recirculation switch in the ON position. Observe the drive shaft of the recirculation actuator. Place the recirculation switch in the OFF position. Does the recirculation door move from the recirculation position to the outside air position?Go to Step 6Go to Air Recirculation Malfunction
6Place the mode switch in the PANEL position. Observe the drive shaft of the mode actuator. Place the defrost switch in the ON position. Does the drive shaft of the mode actuator rotate?Go to Diagnostic AidsGo to Step 7
7Inspect 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 9Go to Step 8
8Replace 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 9
9Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 2

Air Delivery Improper

  1. If the control A circuit of the recirculation actuator is shorted to ground, the following conditions will occur. The recirculation actuator will operate properly when recirculation is requested. The recirculation actuator will continually modulate between the outside air and recirculation positions when outside air is requested.
  2. If the control B circuit of the recirculation actuator is shorted to ground, the following conditions will occur. The recirculation actuator will operate properly when outside air is requested. The recirculation actuator will continually modulate between the outside air and recirculation positions when recirculation is requested.
  3. The condition may be intermittent. Refer to «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-197533-S35858719362005101200000) in Wiring Systems.
  4. Inspect the recirculation door and the recirculation actuator for the following conditions: A misaligned recirculation actuator - Refer to «Recirculation Actuator Replacement»(ref-197560-S18564314042005101200000) . Broken or binding linkages A broken or binding recirculation door An obstruction that prevents the recirculation door from operating within its full range of motion Missing seals to the recirculation door Misaligned seals to the recirculation door
StepActionYesNo
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views DEFINITION: Air recirculation is inoperative or is always ON.
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position. Place the mode switch in the bi-level position. Place the recirculation switch in the outside air position. Place the recirculation switch in the recirculation position. Do you hear an audible difference in the airflow when the recirculation switch is placed in the recirculation position?Go to Diagnostic AidsGo to Step 3
3Place the recirculation switch in the outside air position. Observe the drive shaft of the recirculation actuator. Place the recirculation switch in the recirculation position. Does the drive shaft of the recirculation actuator rotate?Go to Diagnostic AidsGo to Step 4
4Observe the drive shaft of the recirculation actuator. With a scan tool, command the recirculation actuator to the recirculation position and to the outside air position. Does the drive shaft of the recirculation actuator rotate?Go to Step 12Go to Step 5
5Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the recirculation actuator. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Probe the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the recirculation actuator with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate?Go to Step 6Go to Step 13
6Connect a test lamp between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the door control A circuit of the recirculation actuator. With a scan tool, command the recirculation actuator to the recirculation position and to the outside air position. Does the test lamp illuminate with either command?Go to Step 7Go to Step 8
7Connect a test lamp between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the door control B circuit of the recirculation actuator. With a scan tool, command the recirculation actuator to the recirculation position and to the outside air position. Does the test lamp illuminate with either command?Go to Step 10Go to Step 9
8Test the control A circuit of the recirculation actuator for an open, a high resistance, a short to ground, or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 16Go to Step 12
9Test the control B circuit of the recirculation actuator for an open, a high resistance, a short to ground, or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 16Go to Step 12
10Inspect the recirculation door and the recirculation actuator for the following conditions: A misaligned recirculation actuator - Refer to Recirculation Actuator Replacement . Broken or binding linkages A broken or binding recirculation door An obstruction that prevents the recirculation door from operating within its 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 16Go to Step 11
11Inspect 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 16Go to Step 14
12Inspect 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 16Go to Step 15
13Repair 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
14Replace the recirculation actuator. Refer to Recirculation Actuator Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 16
15Replace 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 16
16Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Air Recirculation Malfunction