HVAC System - Automatic: Overview GMC Terrain I

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light/sunload sensor includes the sunload sensor and passenger compartment temperature sensor.

This sensor assembly provides information about

1. Sun heat intensity
2. Passenger compartment temperature

The vehicle uses a sunload sensor that is integrated into one sensor assembly along with the passenger compartment temperature sensor. Low reference and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V.

The passenger compartment temperature sensor is a negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. A signal and low reference circuit enables the sensor to operate. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V.

Bright or high intensity light causes the vehicles interior temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

The air temperature sensors are a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. The vehicle uses the following air temperature sensors

1. Air temperature sensor - right upper
2. Air temperature sensor - right lower
3. A/C evaporator temperature sensor

A signal and low reference circuit enables the sensor to operate. As the air temperature surrounding the sensor increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal voltage decreases as the resistance decreases. The sensor operates within a temperature range between -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F). The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts. As the air temperature increases the count value will decrease. If the HVAC control module detects a malfunctioning sensor, then the control module software will use a default air temperature value. The default action ensures that the HVAC system can adjust the inside air temperature near the desired temperature until the condition is corrected.

The windshield temperature and inside moisture sensor integrates the relative humidity sensor, windshield temperature sensor and humidity sensing element temperature sensor.

This sensor assembly provides information about

1. Relative humidity level on inside windshield
2. Temperature of the inside windshield
3. Temperature of the humidity sensor element

The relative humidity sensor measures the relative humidity on the compartment side of the windshield. It also detects the temperature of the windshield surface on the compartment side. Both values are used as control inputs for the HVAC control module application to calculate the fog risk on windshield compartment side and ability to reduce fuel consumption by decreasing A/C compressor power to a minimum without causing any fog. The sensor will also enable partial recirculation mode in order to improve heat-up performance of the passenger compartment under cold ambient temperature conditions without the risk of mist build-up on the windshield. The humidity sensor element temperature sensor supplies the temperature of the humidity sensor element. It is only needed if the thermal contact between the humidity sensing element and the inside windshield surface is not sufficient.

The ambient light/sunload sensor integrates the sunload sensor and passenger compartment temperature sensor.

This sensor assembly provides information about

1. Sun heat intensity
2. Passenger Compartment Temperature

The solar sensor is connected to ground and to the 5 V stabilized voltage supply through the HVAC control module. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal voltage also increases and vice versa. The signal varies between 1.4-4.5 V and is provided to the HVAC control module.

The passenger compartment temperature sensor is a negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. A signal and low reference circuit enables the sensor to operate. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V.

Bright or high intensity light causes the vehicles interior temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

The blower motor control module is an interface between the HVAC control module and the blower motor. The blower motor speed control from the HVAC control module, battery positive and ground circuits enable the blower motor control module to operate. The HVAC control module provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the blower motor control module in order to command the blower motor speed. The blower motor control module transfers the PWM signal into a corresponding blower motor voltage. The voltage resides between 2-13 V and changes linear to the height of the PWM signal.

The actuators are 5-wire bi-directional electric motors that incorporate a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5V reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12 V value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 V. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 V. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted, value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.

The HVAC control module supplies battery voltage to the A/C compressor. When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the A/C compressor in order to command the performance of the A/C compressor. The performance of the A/C compressor is regulated according to adjusted interior temperature on the basis of characteristic lines. Therefore the HVAC control module grounds the A/C compressor with the PWM signal.

The engine control module (ECM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure through the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. The ECM supplies a 5 V reference and a low reference to the sensor. Changes in the A/C refrigerant pressure cause the sensor signal to the ECM to vary. When the pressure is high, the signal voltage is high. When the pressure is low, the signal voltage is low. When pressure is high, the ECM commands the cooling fans on. When pressure is too high or too low, the ECM will not allow the activation of the A/C compressor.

When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module sends an A/C request message to the engine control module (ECM) via serial data. The ECM grounds the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C compressor clutch relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch. The A/C compressor clutch will be activated.

The actuator is a 5-wire bi-directional electric motor that incorporates a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5V reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12 V value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 V. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 V. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted, value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.

The actuator is a 5-wire bi-directional electric motor that incorporates a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5 V reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12 V value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 V. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 V. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted, value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.

The actuator is a 5-wire bi-directional electric motor that incorporates a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5V reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12 V value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 V. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 V. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted, value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.

Automatic HVAC Description and Operation

The air temperature and the air delivery description and operation are divided into 8 areas

1. HVAC Control Components
2. Air Speed
3. Air Delivery
4. Heating and A/C Operation
5. Recirculation Operation
6. Automatic Operation
7. Engine Coolant
8. A/C Cycle

Heating and A/C Operation

The purpose of the heating and A/C system is to provide heated and cooled air to the interior of the vehicle. The A/C system will also remove humidity from the interior and reduce windshield fogging. Regardless of the temperature setting, the following can affect the rate that the HVAC system can achieve the desired temperature

1. Recirculation actuator setting
2. Difference between inside and desired temperature
3. Blower motor speed setting
4. Mode setting

Pressing the A/C switch or AUTO switch enables the HVAC control module to request A/C compressor engagement and turn ON the A/C switch LED respectively the AUTO switch LED if the AUTO switch is pressed. The setting of the A/C Mode can be adjusted to be set to On, Off, or kept to the Last Setting when the vehicle was last shut off. This setting is made in the Configuration Settings Menu and will determine what mode the A/C will be in when the vehicle is started. The HVAC control module sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) for A/C compressor engagement. The ECM will provide a ground for the A/C compressor relay enabling it to close its internal contacts to send battery voltage to the A/C compressor clutch coil. The A/C compressor diode will prevent a voltage peak, resulting from the collapse of the magnetic field of the coil, from entering the vehicle electrical system when the compressor is disengaged.

The following conditions must be met in order to activate the A/C compressor

1. Battery voltage is between 9-18 V.
2. Engine coolant temperature is less than 124°C (255°F).
3. Engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.
4. Engine speed is less than 5 500 RPM.
5. A/C high side pressure is between 269-2 929 kPa (39-425 PSI).
6. Throttle position is less than 100%.
7. Evaporator temperature is greater than 3°C (38°F).
8. ECM does not detect immoderate torque load.
9. ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
10. The ambient temperature is above 1°C (34°F).

The sensor information is used by the ECM to determine the following

1. The A/C high side pressure
2. An A/C system load on the engine
3. An immoderate A/C high side pressure
4. The heat load at the A/C condenser

The air streams into the passenger compartment through the heater core and the evaporator core. The air temperature actuator drives the mixed air flap to induce the airflow. If the interior temperature should be increased, the mixed air flap is put into the position in which more air streams through the heater core. If the interior temperature should be decreased, the mixed air flap is put into the position in which more air streams through the evaporator core.

Recirculation Operation - without Heated Seats

The recirculation switch and the fresh air switch are part of the Radio/HVAC control. The selected switch position is sent to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module controls the air intake through the recirculation actuator. The recirculation switch closes the recirculation flap in order to circulate the air within the vehicle. Through selection of the fresh air switch, the recirculation flap is opened again in order to route outside air into the vehicle.

Recirculation is only available if the defrost mode is not active. When the defrost mode is active, the recirculation actuator opens the recirculation flap and outside air is circulated to the windshield to reduce fogging.

Recirculation Operation - with Heated Seats

The recirculation switch is part of the Radio/HVAC control. The selected recirculation switch position is sent to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module controls the air intake through the recirculation actuator. The recirculation switch closes the recirculation flap in order to circulate the air within the vehicle. Through renewed selection of the recirculation switch, the recirculation flap is opened again in order to route outside air into the vehicle.

Recirculation is only available if the defrost mode is not active. When the defrost mode is active, the recirculation actuator opens the recirculation flap and outside air is circulated to the windshield to reduce fogging.

Automatic Operation

In automatic operation, the HVAC control module maintains the comfort level inside of the vehicle by controlling the A/C compressor clutch, the blower motor, the air temperature actuators, mode actuator and recirculation actuator. Personalized settings for auto fan speed, air conditioning mode, and remote start auto heat seats are available in the Configuration Settings Menu.

To put the HVAC system in automatic mode, the following is required

1. The auto switch must be activated.
2. The air temperature switch must be in any other position than full hot or full cold position.

Once the desired temperature is reached, the blower motor, mode, recirculation and temperature actuators automatically adjust to maintain the temperature selected. The HVAC control module performs the following functions to maintain the desired air temperature

1. Monitors the following sensors: Ambient air temperature sensor Lower left air temperature sensor Upper left air temperature sensor Ambient light/sunload sensor
2. Regulate blower motor speed
3. Position the air temperature actuator
4. Position the mode actuator
5. Position the recirculation actuator
6. Request A/C operation

When the warmest position is selected in automatic operation the blower speed will increase gradually until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature. When normal operating temperature is reached the blower stays on high speed and the air temperature actuators stays in the full heat position.

When the coldest position is selected in automatic operation the blower stays on high and the air temperature actuators stay in full cold position. The mode actuator remains in the panel position and the recirculation actuator will remain in the recirculation position.

Under cold ambient temperatures, the automatic HVAC system provides heat in the most efficient manner. The operator can select an extreme temperature setting but the system will not warm the vehicle any faster. Under warm ambient temperatures, the automatic HVAC system also provides air conditioning in the most efficient manner. Selecting an extreme cool temperature will not cool the vehicle any faster.

Note. The "High" blower setting cannot raise the blower setting past 12, and the "Low" blower preference cannot drop the blower setting below 1, but the blower setting in Auto can be in-between blower settings.

Personalized Auto Fan Speed settings of "High", "Low", and "Normal" can be selected. The factory setting is "Normal", and will control the fan speed automatically from 1 to 12 according to the vehicle air temperature sensors and preprogrammed logic. A "High" personal fan setting can increase the fan speed up to 1 blower setting. A "Low" personal fan setting can decrease the fan speed 1 blower setting across a range of vehicle conditions.