GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The A/C system uses an A/C refrigerant pressure sensor mounted in the high pressure side of the A/C refrigerant system to monitor A/C refrigerant pressure. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this information to turn ON the engine coolant fans when the A/C refrigerant pressure is high and to keep the compressor disengaged when A/C refrigerant pressure is excessively high or low. The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor operates like other 3 wire sensors. The PCM applies a 5 volt reference and a sensor ground to the sensor. Changes in the A/C refrigerant pressure will cause the A/C refrigerant pressure input to the PCM to vary. The PCM monitors the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal circuit. The PCM sends the A/C pressure data to the dash integration module (DIM) over the class 2 serial data circuit. The DIM will not request A/C compressor clutch engagement if the A/C pressure is too high and set DTC P1540.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DIM must be powered.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The A/C refrigerant pressure is greater than 2968 kPa (430 psi) for more than 500 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The DIM disables the A/C clutch.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • When the A/C refrigerant pressure drops to less than 1386 kPa (201 psi) the DIM will clear the current DTC and go to a history DTC. If A/C is still requested, the DIM will then enable the A/C clutch.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 ignition cycles.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If DTC P1540 is stored as a history code it indicates that the DIM did receive a high A/C refrigerant pressure message from the PCM. This code could also be caused by an intermittent short to voltage on the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal circuit which would cause the PCM to set DTC P0530. The code could be the result of an actual A/C refrigerant over-pressure condition.
    • It is possible for the refrigerant system pressure to exceed 2968 kPa (430 psi) during extended engine idle speed with A/C ON when ambient temperatures are greater than 41°C (105°F). This could be caused by the following conditions:
       - An overcharged A/C system
       - A failed A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
       - Blockage in a refrigerant line
       - Debris in front of the A/C condenser
       - Radiator or A/C condenser air shields missing or out of location
       - Inoperative engine cooling fans
       - Extended periods at idle in city traffic followed by rapid acceleration
       - Aftermarket products affecting cooling system performance
    • If the concern is intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Manual

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Wait for one minute for A/C system pressure to equalize.
  4. With the scan tool, observe the current DTC list in the dash integration module.

Is DTC P1540 stored as current?

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Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Connect the J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
  2. Observe the A/C Pressure parameter in the dash integration module A/C Information data list using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate system pressure near the gauge pressure within the specified range?

-138 to +138 kPa

(-20 to +20 psi)

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

Go to Step 4

4

Replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 5

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5

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

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Go to Step 2

System OK