HVAC Control Components
HVAC Control
The HVAC controls contains all buttons, switches and dials which are required to control the functions of the HVAC system and serve as an interface between the operator and the HVAC control module. The selected values are passed to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus.
HVAC Control Module
The HVAC control module is a GMLAN device that interfaces between the operator and the HVAC system to maintain and control desired air temperature and air distribution settings. The battery positive voltage circuit provides power that the HVAC control module uses for keep alive memory. If the battery positive voltage circuit loses power, all HVAC DTCs and settings will be erased from keep alive memory. 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 and air temperature settings.
The HVAC control module supports the following features:
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Afterblow | Available if reprogrammed by the technician |
| Purge | Yes |
| Personalization | Yes |
| Actuator Calibration | Yes |
Mode Actuator
The mode actuator is a 5-wire stepper motor. The HVAC control module supplies a 12 V reference voltage to the stepper motor and energizes the 4 stepper motor coils with a pulsed ground signal. The stepper motor puts the mode door into the calculated position in order to reach the selected position. The null point of the stepper motor will be calibrated, if the stepper motor is new. When the stepper motor is calibrated, the HVAC control module can drive the applicable coil to reach exactly the desired position of the mode door.
Air Temperature Actuator
The air temperature actuator is a 5-wire stepper motor. The HVAC control module supplies a 12 V reference voltage to the stepper motor and energizes the 4 stepper motor coils with a pulsed ground signal. The air temperature actuator puts the mixed air door into the calculated position, in order to reach the selected temperature of the temperature controls. The null point of the stepper motor will be calibrated, if the stepper motor is new. When the stepper motor is calibrated, the HVAC control module can drive the applicable coil to reach exactly the desired position of the air temperature door.
Recirculation Actuator
The recirculation actuator is a 5-wire stepper motor. The HVAC control module supplies a 12 V reference voltage to the stepper motor and energizes the 4 stepper motor coils with a pulsed ground signal. The stepper motor puts the recirculation door into the calculated position in order to reach the desired position. The null point of the stepper motor will be calibrated, if the stepper motor is new. When the stepper motor is calibrated, the HVAC control module can drive the applicable coil to reach exactly the desired position of the recirculation door.
Blower Motor and Module
The blower motor control processor controls the speed of the blower motor by increasing or decreasing the voltage drop on the ground side of the blower motor. The HVAC control module provides a low side pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the blower motor control processor via the blower motor speed control circuit. As the requested blower speed increases, the HVAC control module increases the amount of time that the speed signal is modulated to ground. As the requested blower speed decreases, the HVAC control module decreases the amount of time that the signal is modulated to ground.
Evaporator Temperature Sensor
The evaporator temperature sensor is a 2-wire negative temperature coefficient thermistor. The sensor operates within a temperature range of -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F). The sensor is installed at the evaporator and measures its temperature. If the temperature drops under 3°C (38°F), the compressor will be switched off in order to prevent a frozen evaporator.
Duct Temperature Sensors
The air temperature sensors are 2-wire negative temperature coefficient thermistors. The sensors operate within atemperature range of -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F). The sensors are installed in the air distribution ducts and measurethe temperature of the air that streams from the ducts. The HVAC control module uses these values to calculate the desired Air temperature door position.
A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor is a 3-wire piezoelectric pressure transducer. The 5 V reference voltage, low reference and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. The A/C pressure signal can be between 0.2-4.8 V. When the A/C refrigerant pressure is low, the signal value is near 0 V. When the A/C refrigerant pressure is high, the signal value is near 5 V. The engine control module (ECM) converts the voltage signal to a pressure value. When pressure is too high or too low, the ECM will not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.
A/C Compressor
The A/C compressor uses a conventional belt driven magnetic clutch to engage and mechanically turn the compressor. When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module sends an A/C request message to the ECM via serial data. If specific criteria is met, the ECM then grounds the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C compressor clutch relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the permanently grounded A/C compressor clutch. The A/C compressor clutch will then be activated.
This A/C system utilizes a variable displacement solenoid valve to alter the amount of displacement created by the turning of the compressor. The HVAC control module provides both battery voltage and a pulse width modulated ground to the variable displacement solenoid valve. When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module grounds the variable displacement solenoid using a (PWM) signal in order to determine the amount of compressor displacement. The performance of the A/C compressor is regulated based on the adjusted interior temperature.
Windshield Temperature and Inside Moisture Sensor
The windshield temperature and inside moisture sensor assembly provides information about:
- Relative humidity level at windshield (compartment side)
- Temperature of the windshield inside (compartment side)
- Temperature of the humidity sensor element
The relative humidity sensor measures the relative humidity of the compartment side of the windshield. It also detects the temperature of the windshield surface on the passenger compartment side. Both values are used as control inputs for the HVAC control module application to calculate the fog risk on windshield compartment side and ability to reduce fuel consumption by decreasing A/C compressor power to a minimum without causing any fog. The sensor will also enable partial recirculation mode in order to improve heat-up performance of the passenger compartment under cold ambient temperature conditions without the risk of mist build-up on the windshield. The humidity sensor element temperature sensor supplies the temperature of the humidity sensor element. It is only needed if the thermal contact between the humidity sensing element and the inside windshield surface is not sufficient.
Auxiliary Electric Heater (Diesel ONLY)
Models equipped with a diesel engine are also equipped with an auxiliary electric heater grid to provide faster cabin warm-ups in cold climates. The auxiliary heater grid is mounted in the low-center of the HVAC module, where heat is transferred from the grid to air which is directed to the floor outlet ducts.
The auxiliary heater is enabled only when the cabin temperature is set to MAX, the engine coolant temperature is less than 80°C (176°F) and the outside air temperature is below 12°C (54°F). When engine coolant temperature rises above 80°C (176°F), the temperature control is moved away from the MAX position or the outside air temperature is above 12°C (54°F), the auxiliary electric heater is disabled and cabin heat is managed only by the coolant-based heater core and temperature door position. If the auxiliary electric heater is activated and then turns off, it can actuate once again if the engine coolant temperature drops below 75°C (167°F) or the outside air temperature drops below 8°C (46°F).
The actual amount of heat output from the auxiliary electric heater can vary and is dependant upon internal overheating protection, battery state of charge and other vehicle electrical load requirements.