The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure via a A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. When the pressure is high the signal voltage is high. When the pressure is low the signal voltage is low. When pressure is too high the PCM will not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0530 Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit
The PCM/ECM detects an A/C request.
• | The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal is less than 0.1 volt for 5 seconds. |
• | The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal is greater than 4.9 volts for 5 seconds. |
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
• | The DTC will become history if the PCM/ECM no longer detects a failure. |
• | The history DTC will clear after 40 fault-free ignition cycles. |
• | The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool. |
For an intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range.
This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to ground.
This step tests for a short to voltage in the 5-volt reference circuit.
This step tests for a high resistance or an open in the low reference circuit.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is within the specified range? | 0.1-4.9 V | Go to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 3 |
Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is less than the specified value? | 0.09 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 10 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than the specified value? | 4.9 V | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 | |
Does the voltage measure less than the specified value? | 5.1 V | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | |
Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 5 Ω | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 11 | |
7 | Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 13 |
8 | Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 9 |
9 | Test the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 13 |
10 | Test the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 13 |
11 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 13 |
12 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 14 |
13 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM or ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 15 |
14 | Replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 15 |
15 | Replace the PCM/ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | -- |
16 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |