Circuit/System Description

The HVAC module monitors the signal circuit of the outside air temperature sensor. The outside air temperature (OAT) sensor is a thermistor which varies in resistance as the temperature changes. When the resistance of OAT sensor increases, the outside air temperature is cold. When the resistance of the OAT sensor decreases, the outside air temperature is high. The HVAC module interfaces with the ambient air temperature via two discreet circuits. The HVAC module applies 5 volts to an internal input resistor that is connected to the signal circuit of the outside air temperature sensor. The HVAC module provides ground through the low reference circuit. The HVAC module uses the outside air temperature resistance and voltage for automatic control calculations and conversion to temperature values. The HVAC module sends the temperature value to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via GMLAN serial data circuits for display in the driver information center (DIC). If the OAT sensor is opened or shorted, the temperature display is either a cold or hot extreme. An open OAT sensor will display -40°F (-40°C) in the DIC and an OAT sensor shorted to ground displays 189.5°F (87.5°C).