1998 DODGE RAM 1500 blend

ber above the heating, ventilation and air condition-
ing (HVAC) housing. On models equipped with air
conditioning, the air passes through the evaporator
coil. Air flow can be directed either through or
around the heater core. This is done by adjusting the
blend door with the temperature control knob on the
A/C-heater control located the instrument panel. The
air flow can then be directed from the panel, floor
and defrost outlets in various combinations using the
mode control knob located on the A/C-heater control.
Air flow velocity can be adjusted with the blower
speed selector located on the A/C-heater control.
NOTE: It is important to keep the air intake opening
clear of debris. Leaf particles and other debris that
is small enough to pass through the cowl opening
screen can accumulate within the HVAC housing.
The closed, warm, damp and dark environment cre-
ated within the housing is ideal for the growth of
certain molds, mildews and other fungi. Any accu-mulation of decaying plant matter provides an addi-
tional food source for fungal spores, which enter
the housing with the fresh intake-air. Excess debris,
as well as objectionable odors created by decaying
plant matter and growing fungi can be discharged
into the passenger compartment during heater-A/C
operation if the air intake opening is not kept clear
of debris.
The heater and air conditioning systems are blend-
air type systems. In a blend-air system, a blend door
controls the amount of unconditioned air (or cooled
air from the evaporator on models with air condition-
ing) that is allowed to flow through, or around, the
heater core. A temperature control knob determines
the discharge air temperature by actuating an elec-
tric motor, which operates the blend door. This allows
an almost immediate control of the output air tem-
perature of the system.
On all models, the outside air intake can be shut
off by selecting the Recirculation Mode with the
mode control knob. This will operate a electric actu-
ated recirculation air door that closes off the outside
fresh air intake and recirculates the air that is
already inside the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor can be engaged in
any mode by pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off but-
ton. It can also be engaged by placing the mode con-
trol in the mix to defrost positions. This will remove
heat and humidity from the air before it is directed
through or around the heater core. The mode control
knob on the A/C-heater control is used to also direct
the conditioned air to the selected system outlets.
The mode control switch uses an electric motor to
control the mode doors.
The defroster outlet receives airflow from the
HVAC housing through the molded plastic defroster
duct, which connects to the HVAC housing defroster
outlet. The airflow from the defroster outlets is
directed by fixed vanes in the defroster outlet grilles
and cannot be adjusted. The defroster outlet grilles
are integral to the instrument panel top cover.
The side window demister outlets receive airflow
from the HVAC housing through the molded plastic
defroster duct and two molded plastic demister ducts.
The airflow from the side window demister outlets is
directed by fixed vanes in the demister outlet grilles
and cannot be adjusted. The side window demister
outlet grilles are integral to the instrument panel.
The demisters direct air from the HVAC housing
through the outlets located on the top corners of the
instrument panel. The demisters operate when the
mode control knob is positioned in the floor-defrost
and defrost-only settings. Some air may be noticeable
from the demister outlets when the mode control is
in the bi-level to floor positions.
Fig. 1 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - NUT
2 - PASSENGER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - NUT
4 - INLET BAFFLE
5 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - RECIRCULATION DOOR
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - HVAC HOUSING
9 - BOLT
10 - DEFROSTER DOOR ACTUATOR
11 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

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
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air
temperatures at center panel
outlet are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil Level in this group.
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system and inspect the refrigerant oil content.
Restore the refrigerant oil to the proper level, if
required.
2. Blend door inoperative or
sealing improperly.2. See Blend Door in this group. Inspect the
blend door for proper operation and sealing and
correct, if required.
3. Blend door actuator faulty
or inoperative.3. Perform blend door actuator diagnosis, replace
if faulty.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly low, and the
high side pressure is too low.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
2. Refrigerant flow through
the accumulator is restricted.2. See Accumulator in this group. Replace the
restricted accumulator, if required.
3. Refrigerant flow through
the evaporator coil is
restricted.3. See A/C Evaporator in this group. Replace the
restricted evaporator coil, if required.
4. Faulty compressor. 4. See A/C Compressor in this group. Replace
the compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly high, and
the high side pressure is too
high.1. Condenser air flow
restricted.1. Check the A/C condenser for damaged fins,
foreign objects obstructing air flow through the
condenser fins, and missing or improperly
installed air seals. Refer to Cooling for more
information on air seals. Clean, repair, or replace
components as required.
2. Inoperative cooling fan. 2. Refer to Cooling for more information. Test the
cooling fan and replace, if required.
3. Refrigerant system
overcharged.3. See Refrigerant System Charge in this group.
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. Charge the refrigerant system to the
proper level, if required.
4. Air in the refrigerant
system.4. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
5. Engine overheating. 5. Refer to Cooling for more information. Test the
cooling system and repair, if required.
The low side pressure is too
high, and the high side
pressure is too low.1. Accessory drive belt
slipping.1. Refer to Cooling for more information. Inspect
the accessory drive belt condition and tension.
Tighten or replace the accessory drive belt, if
required.
2. Fixed orifice tube not
installed.2. See A/C Orifice Tube in this group. Replace
the liquid line, if required.
3. Faulty compressor. 3. See A/C Compressor in this group. Replace
the compressor, if required.
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 5
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

(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The blend door actuators are reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motors. Models with the
single zone heater and air conditioner system have a
single blend door, which is controlled by a single
blend door actuator. Models with the optional dual
zone front heater and air conditioner system have
dual blend doors, which are controlled by two blend
door actuators. The single zone blend door actuator is
located on the driver side end of the HVAC housing,
close to the dash panel. In the dual zone system, the
same blend door actuator used for the single zone
system becomes the driver side blend door actuator,
and is mechanically connected to only the driver side
blend door. In the dual zone system, a second sepa-
rate blend door actuator is also located on the top of
the HVAC housing and is mechanically connected to
only the passenger side blend door.
The blend door actuators are interchangeable with
each other, as well as with the actuators for the
mode door, defrost door and the recirculation door.
Each actuator is contained within an identical blackmolded plastic housing with an integral wire connec-
tor 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 link-
age that drives the proper door. The blend door
actuators do not require mechanical indexing to the
blend door linkage, as they are electronically cali-
brated by the heater-A/C control module. The blend
door actuators cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
damaged or faulty, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each blend door actuator is connected to the A/C-
heater control through the vehicle electrical system by a
dedicated two-wire lead and connector from the HVAC
wire harness. The blend door actuator can move the
blend-air door in two directions. When the A/C-heater
control pulls the voltage on one side of the motor con-
nection high and the other connection low, the blend-air
door will move in one direction. When the A/C-heater
control reverses the polarity of the voltage to the motor,
the blend-air door moves in the opposite direction.
When the A/C-heater control makes the voltage to both
connections high or both connections low, the blend-air
door stops and will not move. The motor connections
also provide a feedback signal to the A/C-heater control.
This feedback signal allows the A/C-heater control to
monitor the operation and relative positions of the blend
door actuator and the blend-air door. The A/C-heater
control learns the blend door stop positions during the
calibration procedure and will store a diagnostic trouble
code (DTC) for any problems it detects in the blend door
actuator circuits.
The blend door actuator can be diagnosed using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures for more information. The blend door actuators
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if damaged or
faulty, they must be replaced.
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.
Fig. 15 A/C Pressure Transducer - 3.7L Shown
1 - NUT
2 - FRONT UPPER CROSSMEMBER
3 - A/C CONDENSER
4 - NUT (2)
5 - SUCTION LINE
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
8 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
9 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
DRCONTROLS 24 - 17
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)

NOTE: The single zone heating and air conditioning
system is equipped with a single blend door actua-
tor. The dual zone system has two blend door
actuators, one for the driver side blend air door and
one for the passenger side blend air door. The
same service procedures can be used for each of
these actuators.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
blend door actuator(s) (Fig. 16).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the blend door
actuator(s) to the HVAC housing.
(5) Remove the blend door actuator(s) from the
HVAC housing.INSTALLATION
(1) Position the blend door actuator(s) into the
HVAC housing. If necessary, rotate the actuator(s)
slightly to align the splines on the actuator output
sleeve(s) with those on the blend door linkage.
(2) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
blend door actuator(s) to the HVAC housing. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC wire harness connector to
the blend door actuator(s).
(4) Install the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor resistor is mounted to the bot-
tom side of the HVAC housing near the blower motor.
It can be accessed for service from underneath the
instrument panel.
OPERATION
The resistor has multiple resistor wires, each of
which will reduce the current flow to the blower
motor to change the blower motor speed by changing
the resistance in the blower motor ground path. The
blower motor switch directs the ground path through
the correct resistor wire to obtain the selected speed.
With the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, the ground path for the motor is applied
through all of the resistor wires. Each higher speed
selected with the blower motor switch applies the
blower motor ground path through fewer of the resis-
tor wires, increasing the blower motor speed. When
the blower motor switch is in the highest speed posi-
tion, the blower motor resistor is bypassed and the
blower motor receives a direct path to ground.
The blower motor resistor cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 16 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - NUT
2 - PASSENGER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - NUT
4 - INLET BAFFLE
5 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - RECIRCULATION DOOR
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - HVAC HOUSING
9 - BOLT
10 - DEFROSTER DOOR ACTUATOR
11 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
24 - 18 CONTROLSDR
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (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