GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description:

The A/C clutch relay is PCM controlled to delay A/C clutch engagement after the A/C is turned ON. This allows the PCM to adjust engine RPM before the A/C clutch engages. The PCM will engage the A/C clutch any time A/C has been requested unless any of the following conditions exist:

    • High coolant temperature.
    • Low A/C system pressure.
    • High A/C system pressure.
    • Wide open throttle.
    • High engine RPM.

When the heater and A/C control is placed in the A/C mode, a 12 volt signal is sent to the PCM. When the PCM receives this signal the PCM will ground the A/C clutch relay control circuit to energize the A/C relay. This is shown on the scan tool as A/C request YES.

When a request for A/C has been detected by the PCM, the PCM will ground the A/C clutch relay control circuit, the relay contacts will close, and current will flow through the relay to the A/C compressor clutch.

When A/C request has been detected by the PCM, the cooling fan(s) will be turned ON when A/C pressure is above a predetermined pressure. For the 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
.

Diagnostic Aids

Before using this table, be sure no PCM DTC(s) are stored. The PCM will not activate the A/C clutch with a stored DTC.

Test Description

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

  1. A/C DTCs will disable the A/C system. Repair A/C DTCs before proceeding.

  2. If the scan tool displays A/C request as YES, indicates the request circuit is shorted to a voltage.

  3. If the test light did not illuminate, indicates a problem with the request circuit between the A/C pressure switch and the control head or the control head is malfunctioning. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 67).

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

Are any A/C DTCs set?

--

Go to applicable DTC table.

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Engine idling with A/C OFF.
  3. Using a scan tool on the ENG 1 data list, monitor A/C request.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

Turn the ignition ON and A/C ON.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

Go to Symptoms

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the A/C pressure cycling switch.
  2. Using a DVM J 39200, probe the A/C request circuit (HVAC side of the of the A/C pressure cycling switch electrical connector.)

Does the DVM display near the specified voltage?

B+

Go to Step 6

Go to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 67).

6

Using a fused jumper wire, jumper terminals A and B together at the A/C pressure cycling switch harness connector.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector C2.
  3. Check the continuity of A/C request circuit between the PCM and the A/C pressure cycling switch.

Is the A/C request circuit open?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Is the A/C request circuit shorted to ground?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

9

Disconnect the A/C pressure cycling switch.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

Go to Step 10

Go toRepair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 67).

10

Using a test light connected to ground, probe the A/C request circuit at the A/C pressure cycling switch harness connector (PCM side).

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 17

11

Repair the A/C request circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 5).

Is the action completed?

--

System OK

--

12

Check PCM connections. If faulty connections are found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 5).

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

System OK

Go to Step 17

13

  1. Check connections of the A/C pressure cycling switch harness connector.
  2. If faulty connections are found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 5).

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

System OK

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the A/C pressure cycling switch.

Is the action completed?

--

System OK

--

15

Repair the open A/C request circuit between the switch and the PCM. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 5).

Is the action completed?

--

System OK

--

16

Repair the grounded A/C request circuit between the switch and the PCM. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis (8A Cell 5).

Is the action completed?

--

System OK

--

17

Important:: Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

System OK

--