GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The instrument panel integration module (IPM) monitors the left A/C duct air temperature through the upper left air temperature sensor. When the air is cold, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are high. The upper left air temperature sensor is a variable resistor. The IPM supplies 5 volts to the upper left air temperature sensor signal circuit and provides a low reference circuit. When the air is warm, the sensor resistance and signal voltage are low. The IPM requests A/C compressor clutch engagement and controls the left air temperature door position in order to maintain the selected air temperature on the HVAC control module.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The IPM detects the upper left air temperature sensor signal circuit is less than 0.09 volt (5 counts) or greater than 4.90 volts (250 counts).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • When the ambient air temperature is at or below 15°C (59°F), a default value of 4.80 volts (245 counts) will be substituted for the upper left air temperature sensor data by the IPM. The Left AC Duct Temp. displayed on the scan tool is the default value. The Left AC Duct Temp displayed on the scan tool in the Open/Short Data list is the actual value.
    • When the ambient air temperature is at or above 16°C (60°F), a default value of 0.19 volt (10 counts) will be substituted for the upper left air temperature sensor data by the IPM. The Left AC Duct Temp displayed on the scan tool is the default value. The Left AC Duct Temp displayed on the scan tool in the Open/Short data list is the actual value.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the IPM no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

If the condition is not present, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. The operating range of the sensor is between 0.09-4.90 volts. If the scan tool displays a value between 0-.08 volts or 4.91-5.0 volts, then the sensor is performing outside of it's designed limits.

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

  3. 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 Left AC Duct Temp parameter in the Instrument Panel Module Open/Short Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Left AC Duct Temp parameter is within the specified range?

0.09-4.90 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the upper left air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Left AC Duct Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Left AC Duct Temp 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 upper left air temperature sensor signal circuit of the upper left air temperature sensor and the low reference circuit of the upper left air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Left A/C Duct Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Left A/C Duct Temp parameter is less than the specified value?

0.09 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

Test the upper left air temperature sensor signal circuit of the upper left 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 12

Go to Step 9

6

Test the upper left air temperature sensor signal circuit of the upper left 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 12

Go to Step 7

7

Test the low reference circuit of the upper left 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 12

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the upper left 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 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPM. 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 upper left air temperature sensor. Refer to Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Left Side .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important: : Perform the Recalibration procedure for the IPM.

Replace the IPM. Refer to Instrument Panel Module Replacement in Body Control System.

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