For 1990-2009 cars
HVAC Components
Defrost Actuator, Recirc and Water Cut-Off Vacuum Solenoid ValvEs

### Circuit Description

When the water cut-off solenoid valve is activated, it allows vacuum to be applied to the hot water control valve. The control valve prevents heated coolant from entering the heater core when the vacuum is applied.

In the air conditioning mode or when cooler air is requested, the heater and A/C control grounds the coil of the water cut-off solenoid valve. When the ignition is in the ON position, battery voltage is supplied from the heater and A/C control to the solenoid. With voltage supplied and ground provided the solenoid energizes, and allows vacuum to flow to the hot water control valve.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

• | If a short circuit to battery is detected on a low side driver, the controller automatically protects the low side driver by disabling all low side outputs.

• | A short to battery has been detected on CKT 920.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | Stores a DTC 31 in the heater and A/C control memory.

• | The fault detection process is repeated 3 times at a fixed interval of 70 ms to allow for debouncing.

• | The heater and A/C control disables the output internally.

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

• | The conditions for the fault are no longer present.

• | Using a scan tool.

• | A history DTC will clear after 20 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the fault is no longer present.

### Diagnostic Aids

• | If the DTC is a history or an intermittent. Try performing the tests shown while moving wiring harnesses and connectors, this can often cause the malfunction to appear.

• | When moving related harnesses and harness connectors, visually/physically inspect wiring and connectors for the following:

- | Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. The terminals must be clean and free of any foreign material which could impede proper terminal contact.

- | Damaged connector body, exposing the terminals to moisture and dirt, as well as not maintaining proper terminal orientation with the component or mating connector.

- | Wire insulation which is rubbed through, causing an intermittent short as the bare area touches other wiring or parts of the vehicle.

• | Check the power and ground circuits before replacing the heater and A/C control.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. Tests for voltage to the water cut-off solenoid valve.

2. This step checks for shorted solenoid windings.

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you perform the HVAC Systems Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check
2 |

1. Disconnect the water cut-off solenoid valve connector.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
3. Probe the coil side feed circuit of the solenoid with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the heater and A/C control.
3. Disconnect connector C2.
4. Test the control circuit of the water cut-off solenoid valve for a short to voltage. Refer to Testing for a Short to Voltage in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

4 | Repair the coil side feed circuit of the water cut-off solenoid valve. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 5 | --
5 |

1. Install a scan tool in order to clear codes.
2. Operate the HVAC system within the Conditions for Setting the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

6 | Measure the resistance of the water cut-off solenoid valve. Does the resistance measure much less than the specified value? | 36.4 ohms | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8
7 | Replace the water cut-off solenoid valve. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 5 | --
8 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector for the heater and A/C control. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 9
9 | Replace and program the heater and A/C control. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 5 | --