GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 235399  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Coolant Fans
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

When A/C is selected through the A/C control head a 12.0 volt signal is supplied to the A/C request input of the PCM. The A/C compressor clutch relay is controlled through the PCM. The PCM monitors the A/C refrigerant pressure. If the A/C refrigerant pressure, and engine operating conditions are within a specific calibrated acceptable ranges the PCM will enable the A/C compressor relay. This is accomplished by providing a ground path for the A/C relay coil within the PCM. When the A/C compressor relay is enabled battery voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil.

The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch whenever the engine is running and the A/C has been requested, unless any of the following conditions are met:

    •  Throttle greater than 90%.
    •  A/C head pressure greater than 414 psi (4.27 volts) or less than 34 psi (0.35 volt) (as determined by the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor).
    •  Ignition voltage below 10.5 volts.
    •  Engine speed greater than 4500 RPM for 5 seconds or 5400 RPM.
    •  ECT greater than 125°C (257°F).
    •  IAT less than 5°C (41°F)

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    •  Poor connection at PCM or oil level switch. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis and Connector Repairs and Wiring Repairs .
    •  Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the PCM and turn the ignition ON. Observe a voltmeter connected to the affected PCM output circuit while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the PCM output circuit. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis and Connector Repairs and Wiring Repairs .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

The A/C compressor clutch should not be engaged with the engine running if an A/C mode is not selected at the control head.

  1. Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (That may not illuminate the Malfunction indicator Lamp) may disable the A/C compressor. This Diagnostic Table may lead to improper diagnosis and replacement of good parts if Diagnostic Trouble Codes are present.

  2. The A/C compressor clutch should apply if the conditions under the Notice have been met.

  3. Checks for an A/C request signal from the control head to the PCM.

  4. Checks the ignition feed circuit to the A/C relay.

  5. Determines whether the A/C relay or the circuitry is at fault.

  6. Determines whether or not the PCM is turning the A/C relay ON due to a false A/C request.

  7. Isolates problem to the A/C control head or the PCM.

Step

Action

Values

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 PCM DTCs stored?

--

Go to applicable DTC tables

Go to Step 3

3

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

   •  Ambient air temperature must be above 5°C (41°F).
   •  A/C Pressure must be above 36°C (96°F).
   •  Coolant temperature must be below 121°C (250°F).

  1. A/C selector switch OFF.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, and leave the engine OFF.
  3. Listen for engagement of the A/C clutch.

Is the A/C Clutch engage?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Start engine.
  2. Select Defrost or MAX mode on HVAC control head.
  3. Observe A/C compressor.

Is the A/C compressor clutch engaged?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

With Defrost or Max mode selected, monitor A/C Request display on the scan tool Engine data list.

Does A/C Request display Yes?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. With Defrost or Max mode selected, measure voltage on the A/C request circuit at the PCM harness connector.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Check the A/C request circuit for the following conditions:
  2. •  Open
    •  Shorted to ground
    •  Poor connection at the A/C control head or A/C programmer (as applicable).
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to HVAC Compressor Controls System Check in HVAC System-Manual

8

  1. Check the A/C request circuit for a poor connection at the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 27

9

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

Is indicated A/C pressure between the specified values?

36 - 440 psi

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Connect J 39183-C R-134a Manifold gauge set.
  2. Observe high side refrigerant pressure on the gauge.

Is high side refrigerant pressure within the specified values?

36 - 440 psi

Go to Step 11

Go to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in HVAC System -- Manual.

11

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the A/C Pressure sensor.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. View A/C Highside display on the scan tool Engine data list.

Does the scan tool display an A/C Highside pressure at the specified value?

0 psi

Go to Step 28

Go to Step 27

12

  1. Disconnect the A/C relay electrical connector.
  2. Probe the ignition feed circuits at the A/C relay harness connector with a test light to ground.

Is the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 23

13

Connect a fused jumper between the ignition feed circuit and A/C compressor clutch control circuit at the A/C relay connector.

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

  1. Check for poor connections at A/C relay.
  2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminals as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 24

15

  1. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch electrical connector (leave the ignition control circuit and A/C compressor clutch control circuit jumpered at the A/C relay connector).
  2. Connect a test light between A/C compressor clutch feed circuit and the compressor ground circuit.

Is the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

16

  1. Check for poor connections at the A/C compressor clutch.
  2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminals as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 25

17

  1. Check for an open or short to ground in the A/C compressor clutch control circuit.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 26

18

  1. Turn the ignition ON.
  2. Turn the A/C OFF.
  3. Observe A/C Request display on the scan tool.

Does A/C Request display Yes?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 21

19

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, and leave the A/C OFF.
  4. Using a DMM, measure voltage between the A/C request circuit at the PCM harness connector and ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 27

20

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the A/C control head.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Check the A/C Request circuit for a short to battery positive voltage.
  5. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to HVAC Compressor Controls System Check in HVAC System-Manual

21

  1. Disconnect A/C relay.
  2. Start vehicle and observe the A/C compressor.

Is the A/C compressor clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 24

22

Locate and repair short to voltage in the A/C compressor clutch control circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

23

Repair open or short to ground in ignition feed circuit to the A/C compressor relay.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

24

Replace A/C compressor relay. Refer to Compressor Relay Replacement in HVAC System - Manual.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

25

Repair A/C compressor clutch. Refer to Compressor Clutch Plate and Hub Assembly Removal in HVAC System-Manual.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

26

Locate and repair open in A/C compressor clutch ground circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

27

Important: :  The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

28

Replace A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement in HVAC System - Manual.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 29

--

29

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

   •  Ambient air temperature must be above 5°C (41°F).
   •  A/C Pressure must be above 36°C (96°F).
   •  Coolant temperature must be below 121°C (250°F).

  1. Turn the ignition ON, and leave the engine running.
  2. Turn A/C selector switch ON.
  3. Listen for engagement of the A/C clutch.

Is the A/C Clutch engaged?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3