A/C Controls
schematic.
The A/C compressor control module sends an A/C On signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) when the A/C is turned ON. The PCM sends a signal to the idle air control (IAC) valve in order to increase the flow through the idle air bypass passage. The engine idle speed increases as more air flows through the idle air passage. The increase in the idle speed prevents a rough idle or a stalling condition.
The scan tool will display A/C Switch On when the air conditioning control is turned ON and the blower switch is also ON, and A/C Command On when the PCM is allowing A/C compressor engagement.
Check for a faulty electrical connection to the PCM.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the A/C On electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
• | Any backed-out terminals |
• | Any improper mating of terminals |
• | Any broken electrical connector locks |
• | Any improperly formed or damaged terminals |
• | Any faulty terminal-to-wire connections |
• | Any physical damage to the wiring harness |
• | A broken wire inside the insulation |
• | Any corrosion of the electrical connections, the splices, or the terminals |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
This step checks for an increase in the IAC Duty Cycle with the A/C ON. The engine speed should increase 100-200 RPM when the A/C is ON.
The A/C On Signal circuit at the PCM should indicate 0.0 volts with the A/C on.
The A/C On Signal circuit at the PCM should indicate B+ with the A/C off.
The A/C Cutout Control circuit at the PCM should indicate 0.0 volts with the A/C off.
The A/C Cutout Control circuit at the PCM should indicate B+ with the A/C on.
This step checks for a short to ground in the Diagnostic Request circuit. A short to ground in the Diagnostic Request circuit can cause the PCM to continually ground the A/C Cutout Control circuit at engine speeds below 1,200 RPM. A short in the Diagnostic Request circuit will prevent the A/C compressor from operating. A short in the Diagnostic Request circuit will also cause the IAC duty cycle and the ignition timing to remain fixed at engine speeds of less than 1,200 RPM.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check? | -- | |||
Does the IAC Duty Cycle increase within the specified range when the A/C is turned ON? | 4-7 % | The A/C Idle Circuit is functioning normally | ||
Is the voltage within the specified range? | 0.0-1.0 V | |||
Does the voltage equal the specified value? | B+ | |||
5 |
Does the voltage equal the specified value? | B+ | ||
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
Does the voltage equal the specified value? | 0 V | |||
Does the voltage equal the specified value? | B+ | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
9 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
10 |
Does the voltage equal the specified value? | B+ | ||
11 |
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | |||
13 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was specified. Does the system now operate properly? | -- | System OK | Go to Diagnostic Aids |