GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Aids

The Mitsubishi scroll type A/C compressor carries an internal thermal cut off switch. The thermal cut off switch normal operation is to open and disable the compressor under extreme load and temperatures above 155°C (311°F). The internal thermal cut off switch is non-serviceable.

Test Description

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

  1. The voltage will vary between .25-14.7 volts during normal operation. The HVAC control module connector must be connected during this step.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

DEFINITION: The temperature cannot be adjusted, or the cooling is insufficient during A/C operation.

1

Important: Both left (driver) and right (passenger) air temperature control concerns are diagnosed in this table.

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Manual

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Place the mode switch in the vent position.
  3. Place the blower motor switch in each speed position.

Does the blower motor operate in any of the speed positions?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Blower Motor Inoperative

3

Does the blower motor operate in each speed position?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

4

  1. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  2. Place the mode switch in the vent position.
  3. Place the recirculation switches in the recirculation position and in the outside air position.

Does the recirculation door move to the correct position for each selection?

--

Go to Step  5

Go to Air Recirculation Malfunction

5

Does the Too Hot in Vehicle concern occur when A/C cooling is desired?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

Important: The ambient air temperature must be above 3°C (38°F).

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the mode switch in the vent position.
  4. Place the A/C request switch in the ON position.
  5. Place the left and right air temperature switches in the coldest position.

Does the A/C compressor operate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

7

Perform the A/C system performance test. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step  8

8

  1. Observe the drive shaft of the left and right air temperature actuator.
  2. Place the left and right air temperature switches from the coldest position to the warmest position.

Does the left and right air temperature actuator drive shaft rotate?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect the left and right air temperature door and the left and right air temperature actuator for the following conditions:

    • Misaligned air temperature actuator
    • Broken or binding linkages or air temperature door
    • An obstruction that prevents the air temperature door from operating within its full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the air temperature door
    • Misaligned seals to the air temperature door

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

10

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the suspect air temperature actuator for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 11

11

Test the ground circuit of the suspect air temperature actuator for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 12

12

Test the air temperature door control circuit of the suspect air temperature actuator for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 13

13

Important: Ensure that the HVAC control module connector is connected during this step in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Measure the voltage from the air temperature door control circuit of the suspect air temperature actuator to a good ground.
  3. Place the suspect air temperature switch from the coldest position to the warmest position.

Does the voltage measure within the specified values with a smooth transition between cold and hot?

0.25 V at cold 14.7 V at hot

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

14

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the air temperature 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 19

Go to Step 15

15

Inspect the air temperature actuator, door and any attaching linkage for binding or a condition that prevents drive shaft rotation.

    • Misaligned air temperature actuator
        Refer to Air Temperature Actuator Replacement .
    • Broken or binding linkages or air temperature door
    • An obstruction that prevents the air temperature door from operating within its full range of motion
    • Missing seals to the air temperature door
    • Misaligned seals to the air temperature door

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step  17

16

Inspect 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 19

Go to Step 18

17

Replace the air temperature actuator. Refer to Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Right Side or Air Temperature Actuator Replacement - Left Side .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2