Outside Air Temperature Sensor

The air temperature sensor is a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. 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 decreases as the resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 volts. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts.

The ambient sensor operates within a temperature range between -30 to +51°C (-22 to +123.8°F). If the HVAC control module has determined that the ambient temperature sensor has failed, the driver information center (DIC) display shall display (-°F) in place of the outside air temperature. If the sensor is shorted to ground, voltage, or an open, the system will operate using an estimated default value to allow the system to operate. If the engine coolant temperature is not more than 3°C (5.4°F) above the sensor reading, or if the engine has not been started in 3 hours, then the actual ambient air temperature sensor reading is displayed. Also at vehicle speeds greater than 16 km/h (10 mph), the ambient air temperature displayed may be allowed to increase or decrease, but only at a slow, filtered rate. The DIC displays the ambient air temperature value that it receives from the HVAC control module through a GMLAN message. The ambient air temperature value can be updated by an outside air instant update feature.

To use this feature, press the following switches on the HVAC control module simultaneously:

• A/C
• RECIRCULATION