Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse and 2008 Buick Allure. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The actuator is an electronic stepper motor. The HVAC control module supplies power and ground to the actuator. The HVAC control module controls the direction of the actuator by changing the polarity of the control circuits. When the actuator reaches its desired position, both circuits are fixed to the same value 0 volts. The HVAC control module determines the door or mode film position by counting pulses, voltage fluctuations, caused by the brush to commutator action generated during normal motor operation. The HVAC control module monitors a voltage drop across an internal resistance to detect the pulses. The HVAC control module converts the pulses to counts with a range of 0-255 counts.

When a calibration or recalibration procedure is performed, the HVAC control module calculates the door or mode film travel range. The HVAC control module commands the actuator in one extreme position then counts pulses starting from 0 counts. The HVAC control module compares the total number of pulses to calibrated limits. If the total pulse count is less than or equal to the maximum calibrated limit and greater than or equal to the minimum calibrated limit, then the calibration is considered successful.

Air flow control 3 circuit refers to the mode actuator.
Air flow control 7 circuit refers to the recirculation actuator.
Temperature control 1 circuit refers to the left air temperature.
Temperature control 2 circuit refers to the right air temperature.