GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematic

A/C Compressor Controls


Object Number: 488725  Size: FS
FUEL INJ, TRANS SOL and A/C RLY (COIL) Fuses
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
EXT LTS, A/C RLY (CMPR) and PCM Fuses
G100, G111, G113 and G151
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module Description
Coolant Fans
Automatic Transaxle, ISS, PC Solenoid, TFP
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
, and to HVAC Schematic
Object Number: 483606  Size: FS
HVAC Components
HVAC Compressor Controls Circuit Description
Power and Grounds - RPO C60
HVAC Blower Control SChematics
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Ignition and Start Switch and A/C CRUISE, A/C FAN, CRUISE, PCM (Crank)and PCM/BCM/CLSTR Fuses
AIR PMP RLY, FUEL INJ, TRANS SOL, A/C RLY (Coil), OXY SEN, DFI MDL, ENG DEVICES, FAN CONT #1, FAN CONT #2 & #3 Fuses, and IGN and Air Pump Relays
EXT LTS, A/C RLY (CMPR) and PCM Fuses
EXT LTS, A/C RLY (CMPR) and PCM Fuses
Power and Grounds - RPO CJ3
Data Link Communications Schematic
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G100, G111, G113 and G151
in HVAC.

Circuit Description

When A/C is selected through the HVAC controller, a 12 volt signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM). The BCM in turn signals the PCM through the Class 2 serial data circuit that A/C has been requested. The PCM then determines if conditions suitable for A/C operation are present. If the PCM determines that the engine operating conditions are within the acceptable ranges, the PCM will enable the A/C relay. The PCM provides a ground path for the A/C relay coil. This action closes that A/C compressor relay contacts and B+ voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil. The compressor clutch coil has its own ground path.

The PCM will enable the A/C unless any of the following conditions are met:

    •  The throttle position is more than 96 percent .
    • The A/C pressure is more than 472 psi (4.9 volts) or less than 9 psi (0.1 volt) as determined by the A/C pressure sensor.
    •  The ignition voltage is less than 10.0 volts.
    •  The engine is speed more than 4700 RPM.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 124°C (255°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is less than 5°C (41°F).
    • A Class II communication error occurs between the HVAC controller and the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.

Important: :  Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

    • Loose terminal connection
       -  Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
       -  Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    • Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    •  Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

If the condition is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Snapshot or Freeze Frame/Failure Records may be useful in determining when the DTC or condition was identified.

Test Description

The numbers below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table:

  1. If the scan tool indicates that an A/C request is not present the PCM will not engage the A/C relay. Verify that the HVAC controller is providing the 12 volt signal to the BCM. If the 12 volt signal is being supplied to the BCM, inspect the BCM for DTCs. A malfunction in the Class 2 serial data circuit will prevent the PCM from receiving the A/C request.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Are any PCM, BCM, or UXXXX DTCs stored?

--

Diagnose the applicable DTCs

Go to Step 3

3

Important: :  The following conditions must be met before continuing with this step:

   •  The ambient air temperature must be more than 5°C (41°F).
   • The A/C pressure must be more than 35 psi (0.4 volts).
   •  The engine coolant temperature must be less than 121°C (250°F).

  1. Turn the A/C selector OFF.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, leaving the engine OFF.
  3. Test for engagement of the A/C clutch.

Does the A/C clutch engage?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Start and operate the engine at 1000-1500 RPM.
  2. Turn the A/C selector switch to an A/C mode.
  3. Observe the A/C clutch.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Leave the A/C selector switch turned to an A/C mode.
  2. Observe the A/C Request display on the scan tool.

Does the A/C Request display YES?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Observe the A/C pressure sensor display on the scan tool.

Is the A/C pressure sensor voltage within the specified range?

0.1 - 4.9 V

Go to Cooling Insufficient - Air Conditioning (A/C) System in HVAC

Go to Step 7

7

Use the J 39500-B refrigerant recovery, recycling, and recharging (ACR4) to monitor the high side refrigerant pressure.

Is high side refrigerant pressure within the specified range?

9 - 472 psi

Go to Cooling Insufficient - Air Conditioning (A/C) System in HVAC

Go to DTC P0530 Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit

8

Inspect the A/C clutch fuse.

Is the A/C clutch fuse open?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

  1. Remove the A/C clutch fuse.
  2. Remove the A/C relay.
  3. Test for the following circuit conditions:
  4. • A short to ground in the B+ feed to the A/C relay
    •  A short to ground in the B+ feed to the A/C clutch
    •  A shorted diode
  5. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

10

  1. Remove the A/C relay.
  2. Connect a 10 A fused jumper between the B+ cavity and the and A/C clutch coil feed cavity in the A/C relay connector.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Test for the following circuit conditions:

    • An open in the B+ feed circuit to the A/C relay
    •  An open in the B+ feed circuit to the A/C clutch
    •  An open in the A/C clutch ground circuit
    • Any poor terminal connections in the A/C clutch coil connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

12

Test for poor terminal connections in the A/C relay in the underhood accessory wiring block. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

13

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the A/C relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.

Does the A/C clutch engage?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

14

Disconnect the A/C clutch connector.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 17

15

Replace the A/C clutch. Refer to Compressor Clutch Plate and Hub Assembly Removal in HVAC.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

16

Replace the A/C relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

17

Locate and repair the short to voltage in the B+ feed circuit to the A/C clutch. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

Important: :  The following conditions must be met before continuing with this step:

   •  The ambient air temperature must be more than 5°C (41°F).
   • The A/C pressure must be more than 35 psi (0.4 volts).
   •  The engine coolant temperature must be less than 121°C (250°F).

  1. Start and operate the engine between 1000-1500 RPM.
  2. Turn the A/C selector switch on.
  3. Listen for engagement of the A/C clutch.
  4. Wait 5 seconds and then turn the A/C selector switch off.
  5. Listen for disengagement of the A/C clutch.

Does the A/C clutch engage and disengage?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3