1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Test mode

The panel outlets receive airflow from the HVAC
housing through a molded plastic main panel duct,
center panel duct and two end panel ducts. The two
end panel ducts direct airflow to the left and right
instrument panel outlets, while the center panel duct
directs airflow to the two center panel outlets. Each
of these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air.
The floor outlets receive airflow from the HVAC
housing through the floor distribution duct. The front
floor outlets are integral to the molded plastic floor
distribution duct, which is secured to the bottom of
the housing. The floor outlets cannot be adjusted.
The air conditioner for all models is designed for
the use of non-CFC, R-134a refrigerant. The air con-
ditioning system has an evaporator to cool and dehu-
midify the incoming air prior to blending it with the
heated air. This air conditioning system uses a fixed
orifice tube in the liquid line near the condenser out-
let tube to meter refrigerant flow to the evaporator
coil. To maintain minimum evaporator temperature
and prevent evaporator freezing, a evaporator tem-
perature sensor is used. The JTEC control module is
programmed to respond to the evaporator tempera-
ture sensor input by cycling the air conditioning com-
pressor clutch as necessary to optimize air
conditioning system performance and to protect the
system from evaporator freezing.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE
The air conditioning system is designed to remove
heat and humidity from the air entering the passen-
ger compartment. The evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing, is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the
fins in the evaporator, moisture in the air condenses
to water, dehumidifying the air. Condensation on the
evaporator fins reduces the evaporators ability to
absorb heat. During periods of high heat and humid-
ity, an air conditioning system will be less effective.
With the instrument control set to Recirculation
mode, only air from the passenger compartment
passes through the evaporator. As the passenger com-
partment air dehumidifies, A/C performance levels
rise.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporator
has to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature ofthe moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wring-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from their
air conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
Review Safety Warnings and Cautions before per-
forming this procedure (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION). Air temperature in test
room and on vehicle must be 21É C (70É F) minimum
for this test.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set
or A/C recycling/charging station.
(2) Set the A/C-heater mode control in the Recircu-
lation Mode position, the temperature control knob in
the full cool position, and the blower motor switch to
the highest speed position.
(3) Start the engine and hold at 1,000 rpm with
the A/C compressor clutch engaged.
(4) The engine should be warmed up to operating
temperature with the doors closed and windows
open.
(5) Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
panel A/C-heater outlet and operate the engine for
five minutes.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon the ambient temperature and humidity.
(7) With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
discharge air temperature and the compressor dis-
charge pressure.
(8) If the discharge air temperature fails to meet
the specifications in the A/C Performance Tempera-
ture chart, refer to the Pressure Diagnosis chart.
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side
pressure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid, Suction, and Discharge Line in this
group. Inspect the refrigerant lines for kinks, tight
bends or improper routing. Correct the routing or
replace the refrigerant line, if required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the fixed orifice tube.2. See A/C Orifice Tube in this group. Replace
the liquid line, if required.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace the
restricted condenser, if required.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE TEST
Review Safety Warnings and Cautions before per-
forming this procedure (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION).
Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, vacuum
line connections, radiator air flow and fan operation.
Start engine and allow to warm up to normal tem-
perature.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP
WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes
before removing cap. Place a rag over the cap andturn it to the first safety stop. Allow pressure to
escape through the overflow tube. When the system
stabilizes, remove the cap completely.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION
Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by
two heater hoses. With the engine idling at normal
operating temperature, set the temperature control
to maximum heat, the mode control to the floor posi-
tion, and the blower in the highest speed position.
Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of
the air being discharged from the floor outlets. Com-
pare the test thermometer reading to the Tempera-
ture Reference chart.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE CHART
Ambient Air Temperature15.5É C
(60É F)21.1É C
(70É F)26.6É C
(80É F)32.2É C
(90É F)
Minimum Air Temperature at
Floor Outlet62.2É C
(144É F)63.8É C
(147É F)65.5É C
(150É F)67.2É C
(153É F)
Both of the heater hoses should be HOT to the
touch (coolant return hose should be slightly cooler
than the supply hose). If the coolant return hose is
much cooler than the supply hose, locate and repair
the engine coolant flow obstruction in the heater sys-
tem. If both heater hoses are cool to the touch,
inspect the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW Possible loca-
tions or causes of obstructed coolant flow are as fol-
lows:
²Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
²Improper heater hose routing.
²Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports
at the cooling system connections.
²Plugged heater core.If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is
verified, and heater outlet air temperature is insuffi-
cient, a mechanical problem may exist.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Possible causes of
insufficient heat due to mechanical problems are as
follows:
²Obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²Blend door not functioning properly.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be
adjusted with the temperature control knob on the
A/C-heater control, the following could require ser-
vice:
²Blend door binding.
²Faulty blend door motor.
24 - 6 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL...........10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK-IN.......10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSPECTION..........................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION.........................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................18OPERATION...........................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK..............19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR SWITCH......................20
DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/
COIL
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a pulley bearing and
pulley assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 1). The elec-
tromagnetic coil and the pulley bearing and pulley
assembly are each retained on the nose of the com-
pressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is keyed to the compressor shaft and secured
with a nut. These components provide the means toengage and disengage the compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch provides the means to
engage and disengage the A/C compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the pulley bearing, which is
part of the pulley assembly. The compressor clutch
DRCONTROLS 24 - 9

and coil are the only serviced parts on the compres-
sor.
A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the A/C-heater control, A/C pres-
sure transducer, A/C compressor clutch relay, evapo-
rator temperature sensor and the powertrain control
module (PCM). The PCM may delay compressor
clutch engagement for up to thirty seconds (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the A/C-heater controls in any A/C mode,
and the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, start the engine and run it at normal idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of thecompressor clutch circuit and PCM control. The fol-
lowing components must be checked and repaired as
required before you can complete testing of the clutch
coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the power distri-
bution center (PDC)
²A/C-heater control
²A/C compressor clutch relay
²A/C pressure transducer
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is within
specifications with the electrical system voltage at
11.5 to 12.5 volts (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - SPECIFICATIONS). This should
only be checked with the work area temperature at
21É C (70É F). If system voltage is more than 12.5
volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical
accessories until the system voltage drops below 12.5
volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is above
specifications, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C-heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher
compressor clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, rotor, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the compressor clutch coil wire har-
ness connector.
(4) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor to
the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. Support the compressor in the engine com-
partment while servicing the clutch.
Fig. 1 Compressor Clutch - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (not used on KJ)
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 10 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

spikes and electromagnetic interference that can be
generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay
coil collapses.
The A/C compressor clutch relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the integrated power module (IPM). The
inputs and outputs of the A/C compressor clutch
relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from a fuse in the IPM through a
fused B(+) circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (86) receives a ground
input from the PCM/ECM through the A/C compres-
sor clutch relay control circuit only when the PCM/
ECM electronically pulls the control circuit to
ground.
²The coil battery terminal (85) receives a battery
current input from PTC 1 in the IPM through a
fused ignition switch output (run) circuit only when
the ignition switch is in the On position.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the compressor clutch coil
through the A/C compressor clutch relay output cir-
cuit only when the A/C compressor clutch relay coil is
energized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the A/C compres-
sor clutch relay coil is de-energized.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
diagnosis and testing of the micro-relay and for com-
plete HVAC wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the integrated power
module (IPM) (Fig. 11).
(3) Refer to the fuse and relay layout label on the
IPM cover for compressor clutch relay identification
and location.
(4) Remove the A/C compressor clutch relay from
the IPM.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the IPM cover for A/C compressor
clutch relay location.
(2) Position the A/C compressor clutch relay in the
proper receptacle in the IPM.
(3) Align the A/C compressor clutch relay termi-
nals with the terminal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(4) Push down firmly on the A/C compressor clutch
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(5) Install the cover onto the IPM.(6) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The heater and air conditioning systems use elec-
trical controls. These controls provide the vehicle
operator with a number of setting options to help
control the climate and comfort within the vehicle.
The A/C-heater control for the Single Zone system
(Fig. 12) or Dual Zone system (Fig. 13) is located to
the right of the instrument cluster on the instrument
panel.
The Single Zone control panel contains a rotary-
type temperature control switch, a rotary-type mode
control switch and a rotary-type blower motor speed
switch. The A/C-heater control also has a push but-
ton to activate the optional heated side view mirror
defroster elements and to turn the A/C on.
The Dual Zone control panel contains a pair of slid-
er-type temperature control switches, a rotary-type
mode control switch and a rotary-type blower motor
speed switch. The control also has buttons to activate
the optional heated sideview mirror defroster ele-
ments, turn the A/C on and set the system to Max
A/C.
The A/C-heater control panel cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire unit must be replaced.
Fig. 11 Integrated Power Module (IPM)
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
24 - 14 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)

BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is controlled by a rotary-type
blower motor switch, mounted in the A/C-heater con-
trol. The switch allows the selection of one of four
different blower motor speeds and includes an Off
position.
OPERATION
The blower motor switch provides a blower motor
ground path through the A/C-heater mode control
switch. The blower motor switch directs this ground
path through or around the blower motor resistor
wires, as required to achieve the selected blower
motor speed.
The blower motor switch cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire A/C-heater control
must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
SWITCH
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the A/C-heater control from the instrument
panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL -
REMOVAL). Check for continuity between the
ground circuit cavity of the A/C-heater control wire
harness connector and a good ground. There should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair
the open circuit to ground as required.
(3) With the A/C-heater control wire harness con-
nector disconnected, place the A/C-heater mode con-
trol switch in any position except the Off position.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit ter-
minal and each of the blower motor driver circuit ter-
minals of the A/C-heater control as you move the
blower motor switch to each of the four speed posi-
tions. There should be continuity at each driver cir-
cuit terminal in only one blower motor switch speed
position. If OK, test and repair the blower driver cir-
cuits between the A/C-heater control connector and
the blower motor resistor as required. If not OK,
replace the faulty A/C-heater control.
DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The defrost door actuator is a reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motor. The defrost door
actuator is located on the driver side end of the
HVAC housing, underneath the instrument panel
and is mechanically connected to the defroster door.
The defrost door actuator is interchangeable with
the actuators for the mode door, blend door(s) and
the recirculation door. Each actuator is contained
within an identical black molded plastic housing with
an integral wire connector receptacle. Integral
mounting tabs allow the actuator to be secured with
three screws to the HVAC housing. Each actuator
also has an identical output shaft with splines that
connects it to the linkage that drives the proper door.
The defrost door actuator does not require mechani-
Fig. 18 A/C-Heater Control - Single Zone Shown,
Dual Zone Typical
1 - MOUNTING TAB (4)
2 - A/C BUTTON
3 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER BUTTON (IF EQUIPED)
4 - MODE CONTROL SWITCH
5 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL SWITCH
6 - BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
24 - 20 CONTROLSDR

DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AIR OUTLETS
DESCRIPTION.........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................27
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR .............................28
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
DEFROST DOOR
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
DEFROSTER DUCT
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL.............................34
DISASSEMBLY.........................35
ASSEMBLY............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
INSTRUMENT PANEL DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
RECIRCULATION DOOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
AIR OUTLETS
DESCRIPTION
There are four panel outlets in the instrument
panel, one located near each outboard end of the
instrument panel facing the rear of the vehicle, and
two located near the top of the instrument panel cen-
ter bezel. The air outlets can be removed individually
for service replacement.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
24 - 26 DISTRIBUTIONDR

(5) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor and blower wheel are located in
the passenger side end of the HVAC housing, below
the glove box. The blower motor controls the velocity
of air flowing through the HVAC housing by spinning
a squirrel cage-type blower wheel within the housing
at the selected speed. The blower motor and wheel
can be removed from the housing inside the vehicle
without removing the instrument panel or HVAC
housing.
OPERATION
The blower motor will only operate with the igni-
tion switch in the On position and the A/C-heater
mode control switch in any position, except Off. The
blower motor receives a fused battery feed circuit
through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC) whenever the ignition switch is in the On posi-
tion. Blower motor speed is controlled by regulating
the ground path through or around the blower motor
resistor block and through the A/C-heater blower
motor switch.
The blower motor and blower motor wheel are ser-
viced only as a unit and cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
Refer to the Blower Motor Electrical Diagnosis
chart for basic checks of the blower motor circuit
(Fig. 3).
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 4).
24 - 28 DISTRIBUTIONDR
BLEND DOOR (Continued)