GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage 4.3L

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. The A/C compressor relay output is disabled if engine coolant temperature is above 121°C (250°F).

  1. Placing the mode switch in any position other than OFF, along with placing the air temperature control switch in a cold setting, activates A/C operation. For the purpose of this and future steps where A/C operation is necessary, bi-level mode is used for consistent testing.

  2. The HVAC control assembly is inoperative when the module does not respond to any operator control requests.

  3. Ensure to test both A/C request signal circuits of the A/C high pressure sensor for the listed conditions.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

DEFINITION: The A/C compressor clutch will not engage when an A/C request has been made and a Powertrain DTC has not been set.

1

Did you review the HVAC operation and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the ECT parameter in the Powertrain data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the ECT parameter is below 121°C (250°F)?

Go to Step 3

Go to Engine Overheating

3

Important: For A/C compressor operation, ambient air temperature must be above 3°C (38°F).

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the mode switch in bi-level position.
  4. Place the air temperature switch in the coldest position.

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Park the vehicle inside or in the shade.
  2. Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
  3. If the A/C system was operating, then allow the A/C system to equalize (about 2 minutes).
  4. Turn OFF the ignition.
  5. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000.
  6. Record the ambient air temperature at the vehicle.
  7. Record readings of the low and high side STATIC pressures.

Are the side pressure values within the specifications for the ambient air temperature, and within 103 kPa (15 psi) of each other?

Go to Step 5

Go to Leak Testing in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

5

Is the HVAC control assembly inoperative?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Start the engine.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Request Signal parameter in the powertrain Engine Data 2 list.
  3. Place the air temperature switch in the coldest position.
  4. Place the mode switch in bi-level position.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Request Signal parameter is YES?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C high pressure switch.
  3. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the A/C request signal circuits at the A/C high pressure switch connector.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Request Signal parameter.
  6. Place the air temperature switch in the coldest position.
  7. Place the mode switch in the bi-level position.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Request Signal parameter is YES?

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 24

8

Does the scan tool indicate the A/C Compressor Cycling Switch parameter is Normal?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C low pressure switch.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the A/C low pressure switch signal and ground circuits.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Compressor Cycling Switch parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate the A/C Compressor Cycling Switch parameter is Normal?

Go to Step 28

Go to Step 20

10

With a scan tool, command the A/C Relay ON and OFF.

Does the A/C compressor clutch relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the coil side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 26

12

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay and the coil side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor relay.
  2. With a scan tool, command the A/C compressor clutch relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 13

13

Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

14

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch relay.
  3. Probe the switch side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 25

15

Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the switch side voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay and the A/C compressor clutch supply voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch.

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 22

16

Test the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 32

17

Test the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 32

18

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the HVAC control assembly for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 19

19

Test the ground circuit of the HVAC control assembly for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 30

20

Test the A/C low pressure switch signal circuit for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 21

21

Test the ground circuit of the A/C low pressure switch for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 32

22

Test the A/C compressor clutch supply voltage circuit at the A/C compressor clutch for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 23

23

Test the ground circuit of the A/C compressor clutch for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 29

24

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Reconnect the A/C high pressure switch.
  3. Test both of the A/C request signal circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 32

25

Repair the switch side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 39

--

26

Repair the coil side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 39

--

27

Inspect for poor connections at the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 33

28

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C low pressure switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 34

29

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C compressor clutch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 36

30

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 37

31

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C high pressure switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 35

32

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 in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 39

Go to Step 38

33

Replace the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Compressor Relay Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

34

Replace the A/C low pressure switch. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Low Pressure Switch Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

35

Replace the A/C high pressure switch. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) High Pressure Switch Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

36

Replace the A/C compressor clutch coil. Refer to Air Conditioning Clutch Coil Removal and Air Conditioning Clutch Coil Installation in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

37

Replace the HVAC control assembly. Refer to Heater and Air Conditioning Control Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

38

Important:  Perform the programming procedure for the PCM.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 39

--

39

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 4