Operation
The air conditioning system uses a compressor with variable displacement.
This compressor is referred to as the V-5 type compressor. The V-5 compressor
meets A/C requirements without cycling. The A/C compressor operation is controlled
by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the following reasons:
| • | Improved idle quality during compressor clutch engagement. |
| • | Improved wide open throttle performance (WOT). |
| • | Protects the A/C compressor from operation with incorrect refrigerant
pressures. |
The A/C clutch electrical system consists of the following components:
| • | The A/C control head and/or the A/C programmer. |
| • | The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. |
| • | The A/C compressor clutch. |
| • | The A/C compressor clutch relay. |
When an A/C mode is selected at the A/C control head, the A/C programmer
provides a 12 volt signal to the A/C request circuit. The PCM monitors the
A/C request circuit and controls the A/C compressor relay based on the A/C
request signal. This allows the PCM to increase the engine idle speed just
prior to A/C clutch engagement for better idle quality. In addition, the PCM
will command the cooling fans ON during A/C operation. The PCM also monitors
the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor circuit. If the A/C refrigerant pressure
is too high or low, the PCM will disable the A/C compressor relay.
The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch whenever the engine is
running and the A/C has been requested unless one or more of the following
conditions are present:
| • | Throttle angle is greater than 90%. |
| • | A/C head pressure is greater than 440 psi (4.6 volts) or less
than 36 psi (0.4 volt) as determined by the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. |
| • | Ignition voltage is less than 10 volts. |
| • | Engine speed is greater than 4300 RPM. |
| • | ECT is greater than 123°C (253°F). |
| • | IAT is less than 5°C (41°F). |
Any of the conditions described above will inhibit A/C compressor relay
operation.
Diagnosis
DTC P0530, P0560, P1639, or P1654 can affect A/C operation. Refer to
the DTC tables if any DTCs are set.
The A/C Clutch Control Circuit Diagnosis table should be used for diagnosing
the electrical portion of the A/C compressor clutch circuit if a DTC is not
set. To diagnose the refrigerant portion of the HVAC system, refer to the
Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) section. A scan tool will
be used in diagnosing the system. The scan tool has the ability to display
the A/C request and refrigerant pressure inputs to the PCM. The scan tool
can display when the PCM has commanded the A/C clutch ON. The scan tool also
has the ability to override the A/C request signal and energize the A/C control
relay.
