HVAC Control Components
HVAC Control Module
The HVAC control module is a GMLAN device that interfaces between the operator and the HVAC system to maintain desired air temperature and distribution settings. The battery positive voltage circuit provides power that the control module uses for keep alive memory (KAM). If the battery positive voltage circuit loses power, all HVAC DTCs and settings will be erased from KAM. The body control module (BCM), which is the vehicle mode master, provides a device on signal. The HVAC control module provides blower, air delivery mode, air temperature settings and input signals to auxiliary HVAC control module. The HVAC system assembly receives power from battery input with ignition 3 Voltage circuit as a backup.
The HVAC control module supports the following features:
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Afterblow | Yes |
| Purge | No |
| Personalization | Yes |
| Actuator Calibration | Yes |
Auxiliary HVAC Control Module (without RSA)
The Auxiliary HVAC Control Module uses a set of three potentiometers to control rear fan speed, temperature, and mode settings. The Auxiliary HVAC Control module has inputs for 5V and low Reference that is used by all three potentiometers. There are three signal circuits between each of the potentiometers and the HVAC Control Module.
Auxiliary HVAC Control Module (with RSA)
Auxiliary HVAC Control functions are integrated into the Rear Seat Entertainment Module. The Rear Seat Entertainment Module communicates Rear HVAC settings over serial data.
Auxiliary HVAC Control Functions
All Auxiliary functions and DTCs are handled by the HVAC control module. There are two ways the rear functions can be controlled.
Control from the HVAC control module: If the AUX button on the HVAC control module is pressed, the rear HVAC system will be enabled. The settings for the rear will mimic the Driver settings on the HVAC Control Module.
Control from the auxiliary HVAC control module: If at any time any of the three Auxiliary controls are adjusted, control of the rear HVAC System will transfer to the Auxiliary controls. If the Aux button is not currently enabled, adjusting the Auxiliary controls will enable it, even if the front system is Off.
Front Temperature Actuators
The air temperature actuator is a 5-wire bi-directional electric motor that incorporates a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5-volt reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The driver air temperature actuator is a reverse polarity motor. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12-volt value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 volts. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 volts. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 volts. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.
Auxiliary Temperature Actuator
The auxiliary air temperature actuator is a 5-wire bi-directional electric motor that incorporates a feedback potentiometer. Low reference, 5-volt reference, position signal, and 2 control circuits enable the actuator to operate. The driver air temperature actuator is a reverse polarity motor. The control circuits use either a 0 or 12-volt value to coordinate the actuator movement. When the actuator is at rest, both control circuits have a value of 0 volts. In order to move the actuator, the HVAC control module grounds one of the control circuits while providing the other with 12 volts. The HVAC control module reverses the polarity of the control circuits to move the actuator in the opposite direction. When the actuator shaft rotates, the potentiometers adjustable contact changes the door position signal between 0-5 volts. The HVAC control module uses a range of 0-255 counts to index the actuator position. The door position signal voltage is converted to a 0-255 count range. When the module sets a commanded, or targeted value, one of the control circuits is grounded. As the actuator shaft rotates the changing position signal is sent to the module. Once the position signal and the commanded value are the same, the module removes power and ground from the control circuits.
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
The ambient air temperature sensor mounts underhood and can be affected by city traffic, by idling, and by restarting a hot engine. Therefore, the HVAC control module filters the value of the ambient air temperature sensor for temperature display. If the ambient air temperature sensor drops below 2°C (35°F) the compressor clutch will be disabled until the ignition is OFF for more than 3 hours or an instant OAT update is performed no matter what the actual temperature is due to the filtered value being used by the HVAC control module. The ambient air temperature value is updated under the following conditions:
| Condition | Display |
|---|---|
| Using Scan Tool Special Function | Updates temperature display instantly |
| When the HVAC module RECIRC, and A/C buttons are pressed simultaneously. | Updates temperature display instantly |
| At start up with the engine off less than 3 hours | Displays last stored temperature unless temperature has decreased. The outside air temperature reading is always instantly updated if ambient air temperature has decreased. |
| At start up with the engine off more than 3 hours | Displays actual outside temperature |
| Vehicle speed above 32 km/h (20 mph) for a minimum of 80 seconds | Updates temperature display at a slow filtered rate |
| Vehicle speed above 72 km/h (45 mph) | Displays actual outside temperature |
| Sensor ambient temperature reading is less than the last displayed value | Displays actual outside temperature |
| When the ambient air decreases. | Updates temperature display rapidly |
A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor is a 3-wire piezoelectric pressure transducer. A 5-volt reference, low reference, and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. The A/C pressure signal can be between 0-5 volts. When the A/C refrigerant pressure is low, the signal value is near 0 volts. When the A/C refrigerant pressure is high, the signal value is near 5 volts. The PCM converts the voltage signal to a pressure value.
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor protects the A/C system from operating when an excessively high pressure condition exists. The PCM disables the compressor clutch if the A/C pressure is more than 3234 kPa. The clutch will be enabled after the pressure decreases to less than 1931 kPa.