GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

A/C CLTCH Relay Coil B+

B1428

B1428

--

--

A/C CLTCH Relay Switch B+

2

2

--

--

A/C Compressor Clutch Relay Control

P0645

P0645

P0645

--

A/C CLTCH Relay Controlled Output

2

2

1

--

A/C Compressor Clutch Ground

--

2

2

--

1. A/C Clutch Always Engaged

2. A/C Clutch Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the A/C compressor clutch relay. The engine control module (ECM) controls the relay by grounding the A/C clutch relay control circuit via an internal solid state device called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. The driver has a fault line which is monitored by the ECM. When the ECM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be near 0 volts. When the ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions must be met in order for the ECM to engage the A/C compressor clutch:

    • Battery voltage is between 9-18 volts
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F)
    • Engine speed is less than 4,760 RPM
    • Engine speed is more than 600 RPM
    • A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi)
    • Throttle position is less than 100 percent
    • Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F)
    • ECM/PCM does not detect excessive torque load
    • ECM/PCM does not detect insufficient idle quality

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Temperature Description and Operation
    •  Air Delivery Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the A/C relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe the A/C compressor operation, the A/C compressor clutch should engage and disengage when changing between the commanded states.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLTCH relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal and ground.
  3. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit terminal and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, refer to DTC B1428 .
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ ignition circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal for a short to ground.
  8. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  9. Test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the A/C compressor clutch ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  10. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  11. Connect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  12. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal and the control circuit terminal. Verify the A/C compressor clutch is activated.
  13. If the A/C compressor clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the A/C compressor.
  14. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil B+ circuit terminal and the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit terminal.
  15. Command the A/C relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  16. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  17. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C CLTCH relay.

Component Testing

Relay Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLTCH relay.
  2. Test for 60-180 ohms of resistance between terminals 85 and 86.
  3. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
  5. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  6. Install a 30-amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between terminals 30 and 87.
  7. If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming