Evaporator Temperature Sensor / Switch: Description and Operation

Air Conditioning

Evaporator Discharge Air Temperature Sensor

The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor contains a thermistor. The resistance of this thermistor varies by a specific amount based on the evaporator discharge air temperature. The HVAC module measures a voltage ratio between the reference voltage it supplies to the sensor and the sensor return voltage to determine this resistance and the associated discharge air temperature.

The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor maintains evaporator core temperature and prevents icing of the evaporator core. It does this by signaling the HVAC module to switch off the A/C request signal to the instrument cluster on non-hybrid vehicles, or signaling the PCM to cycle the A/C compressor off when the evaporator discharge air temperature sensor reading falls below acceptable levels. The A/C request or A/C compressor will be switched back on when the evaporator temperature rises above acceptable levels.

The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor is located on the heater core and evaporator core housing behind the glove compartment.