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Home >> Saab >> 2011 >> 9-5 FWD (9650) L4-2.0L Turbo >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Heating and Air Conditioning >> Description and Operation >> Part 2

Part 2



Air Delivery (Front)
The HVAC control module controls the distribution of air by the use of recirculation and mode door actuator. The modes that may be selected are:
- Defrost
- Defog
- Panel
- Floor
- Tri-Level
- Bi-Level
- Hi-Level

The desired air distribution mode can be selected with the air distribution switches at the Radio/HVAC control. The Radio/HVAC control delivers the values to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module controls the mode door actuator so that it drives the flap to the calculated position. Depending on the position of the flap, air is distributed through various ducts leading to the outlets in the dash. Turning the mode flap to the defrost position, the HVAC control module will move the recirculation actuator to outside air, reducing window fogging. When defrost is selected, the blower motor will be activated, regardless of the coolant temperature. The HVAC control module enables a high volume of air delivered to the front defrost vents. A/C is available in all modes.

The rear window defogger does not affect the HVAC system.

Air Delivery (Rear)
The HVAC control module controls the distribution of air by the mode door actuator - auxiliary. The modes that may be selected are:
- AUTO
- Floor
- Bi-Level
- Vent

The desired rear air distribution mode can be selected with the Mode switch at the Radio/HVAC control - auxiliary. The Radio/HVAC control - auxiliary delivers the values to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module controls the mode door actuator - auxiliary so that it drives the flap to the calculated position. Depending on the position of the flap, air is distributed through various ducts.

Heating and A/C Operation
The purpose of the heating and A/C system is to provide heated and cooled air to the interior of the vehicle. The A/C system will also remove humidity from the interior and reduce windshield fogging. Regardless of the temperature setting, the following can affect the rate that the HVAC system can achieve the desired temperature:
- Recirculation actuator setting
- Difference between inside and desired temperature
- Blower motor speed setting
- Mode setting

Only LLU:
If the A/C or AUTO switch is depressed, the HVAC control module is permitted to request engagement of the A/C compressor and to connect IN the LED in the depressed switch. The HVAC control module transmits a message to the engine control module requesting engagement of the A/C compressor.The ECM grounds the compressor relay so that its internal contacts close and connect the compressor clutch solenoid to the battery voltage. The A/C compressor's diode prevents the voltage spike, that occurs when the solenoid's magnetic field collapses when the compressor is disengaged, from reaching the vehicle electrical system.

Only LAU, LBR, LBS, LBY, LDK or LHU:
When the A/C switch or the AUTO switch is pressed, the HVAC control sends a signal to the HVAC control module via the LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module evaluates this signal and sends an A/C request signal to the ECM via the CAN-Bus. The ECM checks all preconditions before it gives its approval. If all conditions are met, it sends a release signal back to the HVAC control module. The A/C compressor is activated by the HVAC control module, which supplies battery voltage to the A/C compressor. When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the A/C compressor in order to command the performance of the A/C compressor. The performance of the A/C compressor is regulated according to adjusted interior temperature on the basis of characteristic lines. Therefore the HVAC control module grounds the A/C compressor with the PWM signal.

The following conditions must be met in order to activate the A/C compressor:
- Battery voltage is between 9-18 V
- Engine coolant temperature is less than 120°C (248°F)
- Engine speed is greater than 600 RPM
- Engine speed is less than 5 500 RPM
- A/C high side pressure is between 230-3 100 kPa (33-449 PSI)
- Throttle position is less than 100%
- Evaporator temperature is greater than 2°C (36°F)
- ECM does not detect immoderate torque load
- ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
- The ambient temperature is above 0°C (32°F)

The sensor information is used by the ECM to determine the following:
- The A/C high side pressure
- An A/C system load on the engine
- An immoderate A/C high side pressure
- The heat load at the A/C condenser

The air streams into the passenger compartment through the heater core and the evaporator core. The air temperature actuator drives the mixed air flap to induce the airflow. If the interior temperature should be increased, the mixed air flap is put into the position in which more air streams through the heater core. If the interior temperature should be decreased, the mixed air flap is put into the position in which more air streams through the evaporator core.

Recirculation Operation
The recirculation switch is integrated into the Radio/HVAC control. The selected recirculation switch position is sent to the HVAC control module via LIN-Bus. The HVAC control module controls the air intake through the air inlet actuator and recirculation actuator. In the recirculation mode the air inlet flap closes and the recirculation flap opens in order to circulate the air within the vehicle. In fresh air mode the air inlet flap opens and the recirculation flap is closed again in order to route outside air into the vehicle.

In automatic mode the values of the windshield temperature and inside moisture sensor are used as control inputs for the HVAC control module application to calculate the fog risk on passenger compartment side of the windshield compartment side. The A/C compressor and the defrost mode are activated to prevent or remove fog on the passenger compartment side of the windshield.

Automatic Operation
In automatic operation, the HVAC control module maintains the comfort level inside of the vehicle by controlling the A/C compressor clutch, the blower motor, the air temperature actuators, mode actuator and recirculation actuator.

To put the HVAC system in automatic mode, the following is required:
1. The auto switch must be activated.
2. The air temperature switches must be in any other position than full hot or full cold position.

Once the desired temperature is reached, the blower motor, mode, recirculation and temperature actuators automatically adjust to maintain the temperature selected. The HVAC control module performs the following functions to maintain the desired air temperature:

- Monitors the following sensors:
- Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
- Lower left air temperature sensor
- Lower right air temperature sensor
- Lower rear air temperature sensor (only CJ4)
- Upper left air temperature sensor
- Upper right air temperature sensor
- Upper rear air temperature sensor (only CJ4)
- Windshield Temperature and Inside Moisture Sensor
- Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor

- Regulate the blower motor speed
- Regulate the rear blower motor speed (only CJ4)
- Position the air temperature actuators
- Position the rear air temperature actuators (only CJ4)
- Position the mode door actuator
- Position the rear mode door actuator (only CJ4)
- Position the recirculation actuator
- Position the air inlet actuator
- Request A/C operation
- Control of the A/C compressor (only LAU, LBR, LBS, LBY, LDK or LHU)

When the warmest position is selected in automatic operation the blower speed will increase gradually until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature. When normal operating temperature is reached the blower stays on high speed and the air temperature actuators stays in the full heat position.

When the coldest position is selected in automatic operation the blower stays on high and the air temperature actuators stay in full cold position. The mode actuator remains in the panel position and the recirculation actuator will remain in the recirculation position.

Under cold ambient temperatures, the automatic HVAC system provides heat in the most efficient manner. The operator can select an extreme temperature setting but the system will not warm the vehicle any faster. Under warm ambient temperatures, the automatic HVAC system also provides air conditioning in the most efficient manner. Selecting an extreme cool temperature will not cool the vehicle any faster.

In automatic mode the values of the windshield temperature and inside moisture sensor are used as control inputs for the HVAC control module application to calculate the fog risk on the passenger compartment side of the windshield and ability to reduce fuel consumption by decreasing A/C compressor power to a minimum without causing any fog. The A/C compressor and the defrost mode are activated to prevent or remove fog on the passenger compartment side of the windshield.

Engine Coolant
Engine coolant is the essential element of the heating system. The thermostat controls the normal engine operating coolant temperature. The thermostat also creates a restriction for the cooling system that promotes a positive coolant flow and helps prevent cavitation.

Coolant enters the heater core through the inlet heater hose, in a pressurized state. The heater core is located inside the HVAC control module. The ambient air drawn through the HVAC control module absorbs the heat of the coolant flowing through the heater core. Heated air is distributed to the passenger compartment, through the HVAC control module, for passenger comfort. Opening or closing the air temperature flap controls the amount of heat delivered to the passenger compartment. The coolant exits the heater core through the return heater hose and recirculates back to the engine cooling system.

A/C Cycle
Refrigerant is the key element in an air conditioning system. R-134a is presently the only Environmental Protection Agency approved refrigerant for automotive use. R-134a is a very low temperature gas that can transfer the undesirable heat and moisture from the passenger compartment to the outside air.

The compressor builds pressure on the vapor refrigerant. Compressing the refrigerant also adds heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, through the discharge hose, and forced to flow to the condenser and then through the balance of the A/C system. The A/C system is mechanically protected with the use of a high pressure relief valve. If the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor fails or if the refrigerant system becomes restricted and refrigerant pressure continued to rise, the high pressure relief will pop open and release refrigerant from the system.

Compressed refrigerant enters the condenser in a high temperature, high pressure vapor state. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the ambient air passing through the condenser. Cooling the refrigerant causes the refrigerant to condense and change from a vapor to a liquid state.

The condenser is located in front of the radiator for maximum heat transfer. The condenser is made of aluminum tubing and aluminum cooling fins, which allows rapid heat transfer for the refrigerant. The semi-cooled liquid refrigerant exits the condenser and flows to the Receiver/Dehydrator (R/D).

The R/D contains desiccant that absorbs moisture that may be in the refrigerant system. The R/D also acts as a storage vessel to ensure that a steady flow of liquid reaches the thermal expansion valve. The refrigerant exits the R/D and flows through the liquid line to the thermal expansion valve.

The thermal expansion valve is located at the front of dash and attaches to the evaporator inlet and outlet pipes. The thermal expansion valve is the dividing point for the high and the low pressure sides of the A/C system. As the refrigerant passes through the thermal expansion valve, the pressure on the refrigerant is lowered. The thermal expansion valve also meters the amount of liquid refrigerant that can flow into the evaporator.

Refrigerant exiting the thermal expansion valve flows into the evaporator core in a low pressure, liquid state. Ambient air is drawn through the HVAC control module and passes through the evaporator core. Warm and moist air will cause the liquid refrigerant boil inside of the evaporator core. The boiling refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air and draws moisture onto the evaporator. The refrigerant exits the evaporator through the suction line and back to the A/C compressor, in a vapor state, and completing the A/C cycle of heat removal. At the A/C compressor, the refrigerant is compressed again and the cycle of heat removal is repeated.

The conditioned air is distributed through the HVAC control module for passenger comfort. The heat and moisture removed from the passenger compartment will also change form, or condense, and is discharged from the HVAC control module as water.
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