Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Testing
Sun Load Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the sunload sensor.
- Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
- Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the ground circuit terminal C and the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below:
- Left solar load sensor circuit terminal A.
- Right solar load sensor circuit terminal B.
- If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the sunload sensor.
If a solar load sensor has an out of range condition caused by a short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance, the scan tool will display the same value: 225 counts.
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient temperature sensor.
- Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Outside Air Temp. Raw parameter is greater than 85°C (185°F).
- If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Outside Air Temp. Raw parameter is less than -35°C (-39°F).
- If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient temperature sensor.
Inside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate inside air temperature sensor.
- Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
- Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
- If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal D and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Ignition ON, verify the appropriate scan tool Inside Temp Sensor parameter is greater than 85°C (185°F).
- If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Temp Sensor Voltage parameter is less than -35°C (-39°F).
- If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate temperature sensor.
Duct Temperature Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate temperature sensor.
- Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Ignition ON, verify the appropriate Duct Temp Sensor Actual parameter is greater than 85°C (185°F).
- If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A. Verify the scan tool Duct Temp Sensor Actual parameter is less than -35°C (-39°F).
- If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate temperature sensor.
If the evaporator air temperature sensor has an out of range condition caused by a short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance, the scan tool will display the same value: 11°C (51°F).
Evaporator Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the evaporator air temperature sensor.
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
- If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal 1 and low reference circuit terminal 2.
- If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the evaporator air temperature sensor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.