The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure through an 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 high, the PCM commands the cooling fans ON. When pressure is too high or too low, the PCM will not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage. The PCM sends the A/C pressure data to the dash integration module (DIM) over the Class 2 serial data circuit. The DIM will command the inline A/C orifice solenoid to increase or decrease the high side pressure. This keeps the high side pressure in a normal operating range. This will prevent the A/C compressor clutch from disengaging under normal operating conditions. The DIM will not request A/C compressor clutch engagement if the A/C pressure is too high.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:
• | DTC P0532 Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage |
• | DTC P0533 Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage |
The engine is running.
• | A/C pressure of less than 0.1 volt or more than 4.92 volts |
• | The condition must be present for more than 5 seconds. |
• | The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
• | The PCM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only. |
• | The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction. |
• | The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function. |
Test the following conditions:
• | Visually inspect the sensor for contamination or damage. |
• | Inspect for the following that may affect the sensors accuracy: |
- | A malfunction within the refrigerant system causing low pressure |
- | Visually inspect the A/C components and lines for damage. |
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | 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 that DTC P0532 or P0533 is current? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||
3 |
Does the voltage measure near the specified value? | 5 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | ||||
4 | Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor to a good ground. Does the voltage measure near the specified value? | 5 V | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
Does the voltage measure less than the specified value? |
1.5 V | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 | |||||
6 | Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 | ||||
7 | Test the low reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 | ||||
8 | Test the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 | ||||
9 | 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 13 | Go to Step 11 | ||||
10 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 12 | ||||
11 | 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 13 | -- | ||||
12 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||
13 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |