GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    â€¢ Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    â€¢ Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    â€¢  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:

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

Automatic HVAC Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    â€¢  Circuit Testing
    â€¢  Connector Repairs
    â€¢  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    â€¢  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.

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