B0173
DTC B0173, B0178, B0509, B0514 or B3933
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptors
DTC B0173 02
-
Upper Left Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B0173 05
-
Upper Left Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage/Open
DTC B0178 02
-
Lower Left Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B0178 05
-
Lower Left Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage/Open
DTC B0509 02
-
Upper Right Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B0509 05
-
Upper Right Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage/Open
DTC B0514 02
-
Lower Right Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B0514 05
-
Lower Right Duct Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage/Open
DTC B3933 02
-
Air Conditioning Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B3933 05
-
Air Conditioning Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage/Open
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The air temperature sensors are 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistors. The vehicle uses the following air temperature sensors:
* Air temperature sensor - left upper
* Air temperature sensor - left lower
* Air temperature sensor - right upper
* Air temperature sensor - right lower
* A/C evaporator temperature sensor
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 voltage decreases as the resistance decreases. The sensor operates within a temperature range between -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F). The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts. As the air temperature increases the count value will decrease. If the HVAC control module detects a malfunctioning sensor, then the control module software will use a default air temperature value. The default action ensures that the HVAC system can adjust the inside air temperature near the desired temperature until the condition is corrected.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* Ignition ON
* The HVAC control module is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The HVAC control module detects the sensor signal out of range. The signal voltage is less than 0.1 V or greater than 4.9 V for more than 50 ms.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The system operates using a default value.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
The sensor signal is within specified range between 0.1-4.9 V.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
HVAC Schematics HVAC - Automatic
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Sunshade - Left (DH6)
Description and Operation
Automatic HVAC Description and Operation HVAC - Automatic
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Verify that no DTC is set.
• If a DTC is set
Refer to Circuit/System Testing.
• If no DTC is set
2. Measure actual temperature using a thermometer at each of the duct temperature sensors. Compare this value to the appropriate scan tool Duct Actual parameter. The measured temperature should be within 5°C (9°F) difference of appropriate Duct Actual parameter value.
• If not within the specified range
Replace the duct temperature sensor.
• If within the specified range
3. Measure actual evaporator temperature using a thermometer. Compare this value to the scan tool A/C Evaporator Temperature Sensor parameter. The measured temperature should be within 5°C (9°F) difference of parameter value.
• If not within the specified range
Replace the B39 A/C Evaporator Temperature Sensor.
• If within the specified range
4. All OK.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, remove the ignition key, open the driver door, disconnect the scan tool and disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate temperature sensor.
Note:
Some control module ground circuits may require up to 20 min to achieve a resistance reading of less than 10 ohms. In most cases the readings will drop below 20 ohms within 1 min indicating the control modules are going to sleep.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the temperature sensor ground circuit terminal B and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the K33 HVAC Control Module.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms between the K33 HVAC Control Module low reference circuit terminal 9 X3 and the low reference circuit terminal 2 at the temperature sensor.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
• If less than 10 ohms
3. Ignition ON.
4. Test for 4.8-5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
• If less than 4.8 V
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the K33 HVAC Control Module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
• If greater than 5.2 V
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the K33 HVAC Control Module, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 0.3 V between the signal circuit and ground.
• If greater than 0.3 V, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 0.3 V, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
• If within 4.8-5.2 V
5. Replace the temperature sensor and verify the DTC does not reset.
• If DTC resets
Replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
• If DTC does not reset
6. All OK.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Left Side Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Left Side
* Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Left Side Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Left Side
* Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Right Side Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Upper Right Side
* Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Right Side Duct Air Temperature Sensor Replacement - Lower Right Side
* Air Conditioning Refrigerant Temperature Sensor Replacement HVAC - Automatic
* Control Module References Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, programming and setup