GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

A/C Relay Coil B+

2

2

--

--

A/C Relay Switch B+

2

2

--

--

A/C Relay Control

P0645, P0646

P0645, P0647

P0645, P0647

--

A/C Clutch Control

2

2

1

--

A/C Compressor Clutch Ground

--

2

2

--

1. A/C Clutch Always Engaged

2. A/C Clutch Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control assembly sends a GMLAN message to the Engine control module (ECM) for an A/C request. This input will request the ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CMPR relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch assembly.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions must be met in order for the ECM to turn on the compressor clutch:

    • Battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
    • Engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.
    • Engine speed is less than 4,760 RPM.
    • A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (39-425 psi) Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test
        .
    • Throttle position is less than 100 percent.
    • Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F).
    • ECM does not detect excessive torque load.
    • ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
    • The ambient temperature is above 1°C (34°F).

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Temperature Description and Operation
    •  Air Delivery Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Engine running, press the A/C request switch. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON, with a scan tool, verify the A/C Switch parameter cycles between On and Off with each press of the A/C switch
  2. If the parameter does not cycle, replace the HVAC control module.
  3. Remove the A/C CLTCH relay.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay switch B+ circuit for an open/high resistance. If the A/C clutch fuse is open, test the relay switch control circuit for a short to ground. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C compressor clutch.
  8. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  9. Ignition OFF test for less than 1.0 ohm between the A/C compressor ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  10. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  11. Connect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  12. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the relay switch control circuit terminal 87. Verify the A/C compressor clutch engages.
  13. If the A/C compressor clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C compressor.
  14. Connect a test lamp between the relay control circuit terminal 86 and the B+ circuit terminal 85.
  15. Using a scan tool, command the A/C relay output ON and OFF. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  16. If the test lamp remains ON all the time, test for a short to ground on the control circuit connector X1 terminal 53. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If the test lamp remains OFF all the time, test for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance on the control circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  17. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C compressor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
    •  Compressor Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module and ECM replacement, setup, and programming