Powertrain Control Module Controlled Air Conditioning Description. Buick Skylark 1998

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.1L 🢒 Powertrain Control Module Controlled Air Conditioning Description

IAT, MAF, A/C Pressure Sensors, Cruise Control Module


(1)	Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
(2)	Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
(3)	A/C Referigerant Pressure Sensor
(4)	Cruise Control Module

The air conditioning system uses a compressor with variable displacement.

The A/C compressor operation is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the following reasons:

•	Improves idle quality during compressor clutch engagement.

•	Improves wide open throttle performance (WOT).

•	Provides A/C compressor protection from operation with incorrect refrigerant pressures

For a description of the system and an explanation of the components used.

The A/C electrical system consists of the following components:

•	A/C control head

•	A/C refrigerant pressure switch

•	A/C compressor clutch

•	A/C compressor clutch relay

•

PCM

When A/C is selected through the A/C control head a signal is communicated via class II to the PCM. The A/C compressor clutch relay is controlled through the PCM. This allows the PCM to increase the engine idle speed just prior to A/C clutch engagement for better idle quality. In addition the PCM will command the cooling fan on during A/C operation. The PCM monitors the A/C refrigerant pressure. If the A/C refrigerant pressure, and engine operating conditions are within a specific calibrated acceptable ranges the PCM will enable the A/C compressor relay. This is accomplished by providing a ground path for the A/C relay coil within the PCM. When the A/C compressor relay is enabled battery voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil.

The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch whenever the engine is running and the A/C has been requested, unless any of the following conditions are met:

•	Throttle greater than 90 percent.

•	A/C head pressure greater than 427 psi (4.27 volts) or less than 41 psi (0.35 volt) (as determined by the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor).

•	Ignition voltage below 9.5 volts.

•	Engine speed greater than 6900 RPM for 5 seconds.

•	ECT greater than 121°C (250°F).

•	IAT less than 0°C (32°F)

A/C Clutch Circuit Diagnosis should be used for diagnosing the electrical portion of the A/C compressor clutch circuit. When diagnosing the refrigerant portion of the HVAC system.

A scan tool will be used in diagnosing the system. The scan tool has the ability to read the A/C refrigerant pressure inputs to the PCM. The scan tool can display when the PCM has commanded the A/C clutch on. The scan tool should have the ability to override the A/C request signal and energize the A/C control relay.