System Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

System Operation

For airflow, the manual selection (1-7) with the fan control dial has priority.
If the AUTO switch is pressed or if the DEF switch is pressed while in the OFF condition, it changes to the automatic control by A/C auto amp.
When increasing the airflow, it changes the duty ratio of the blower motor drive signal to prevent the airflow from suddenly increasing.
There are the following types of airflow control: starting airflow control, starting airflow control at low coolant temperature, starting airflow control at high in-vehicle temperature, and airflow control at actuator operation in addition to manual control, normal automatic airflow control.

Fig 1: Blower Motor Circuit

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Normal Automatic Airflow Control

When the target temperature is set by the temperature control switch of A/C switch assembly, the A/C auto amp. performs the calculation and decides the target according to the signal from each sensor.
The A/C auto amp. changes the duty ratio of blower motor drive signal and controls the airflow, continuously, so that the airflow becomes the target airflow.
The minimum airflow will change, according to the sunload, when the air discharge outlet is VENT or B/L.

Fan Speed Control Specification

Fig 2: Fan Speed Control Graph

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Starting Airflow Control

When starting the automatic control of airflow, the system gradually increases the duty ratio of the blower motor drive signal to prevent too much air from blowing.
The time period from when the airflow changes from LO to HI is approximately 8 seconds.
It becomes the starting airflow control at low coolant temperature according to the calculation result of the A/C auto amp. and engine coolant temperature [approximately 56°C (133°F) or less] during the automatic airflow control.
Do not perform the starting airflow control when the air discharge outlet is set to DEF.

Starting Fan Speed Control

Start-up from COLD SOAK Condition (Automatic mode)

In cold start-up condition, where the engine coolant temperature is below 56°C (133°F), the blower does not operate for a short period of time (up to 150 seconds). The exact start delay time varies depending on the ambient temperature and engine coolant temperature.

In the most extreme case (very low ambient temperature) the blower start delay is 150 seconds, as described above. After this delay, the blower will operate at low speed until the engine coolant temperature rises above 56°C (133°F), and then the fan speed increases to the objective speed.

Start-up from usual or HOT SOAK Condition (Automatic mode)

The blower will begin operation momentarily after the AUTO switch is pressed. The fan speed rises gradually to the objective speed over a time period of 3 seconds or less (actual time depends on the objective fan speed).