GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When the PCM detects that A/C has been requested, the PCM will activate the A/C clutch relay. When the relay is activated, voltage should be present at both the A/C compressor clutch and the A/C clutch status terminal at the PCM.

If the PCM detects voltage on the A/C clutch status terminal when the A/C has not been requested a DTC P1539 will set.

A short to voltage at any point in the A/C status circuit, or the A/C relay contacts are stuck, will set a DTC P1539. For the A/C system schematic refer to

A/C Controls - C60


Object Number: 30426  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
A/C Controls - C67 and C68
Transmission Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
or

A/C Controls - C67 and C68


Object Number: 30427  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Engine Cooling Fan Control - w/o VO8
A/C Controls - C60
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Voltage is detected on the A/C status circuit for more than 5.0 seconds after the PCM has disengaged the A/C clutch relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The DTC will be stored in the PCM memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • A last test failed (Current DTC) will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • PCM battery voltage is interrupted.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The A/C status circuit goes to the A/C compressor clutch and to the A/C clutch relay. Inspect all circuits going to these components.
    • For intermittents, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Checks if the malfunction is present. If the scan tool displays A/C status ON, indicates the PCM has detected a voltage on the A/C status circuit with the A/C OFF.

  2. If the scan tool displayed YES in the RAN column and INT in the FAIL column, indicates an intermittent condition is present. Inspect A/C status circuit for an intermittent short to B+. Refer to Symptoms . Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If the DTC cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can be useful in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also be used to determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that were noted. This will isolate when the DTC failed.

  3. If the scan tool displays that the test passed, indicates that the relay is shored internally.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Engine idling with A/C OFF.
  3. Using a scan tool, monitor A/C Status display on the Engine 1 Data List.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C Status as ON?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn the ignition ON, engine OFF, review Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data for this DTC and note parameters.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for 15 seconds.
  3. Start the engine and operate the vehicle within the conditions required for this diagnostic to run, and as close to the conditions recorded in Freeze Frame/Failure Records as possible. Special operating conditions that need to be met before the PCM will run this diagnostic, where applicable, are listed in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  4. Using the scan tool, select DTC, Specific, then enter the DTC number which was set.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Remove the A/C clutch relay.
  3. Start and idle the engine for 30 seconds.
  4. Using a scan tool, select DTC Info, FAIL THIS IGN.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P1539 failed?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Repair the A/C clutch status circuit (shorted to B+).

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

6

Repair the faulty A/C clutch relay. Refer to A/C Clutch Relay replacement.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Using the scan tool, select DTC, Clear Info.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Select DTC, Specific, then enter the DTC number which was set.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

Using the scan tool, select Capture Info, Review Info.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK