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.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0645: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Relay Control Circuit

DTC P0646: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0647: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Relay Control Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

A/C Relay Coil Ignition

2

2

--

--

A/C Relay Switch B+

2

2

--

--

A/C Relay Control

P0645, P0646

P0645, P0647

P0645, P0647

--

A/C Clutch Control

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.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition voltage is between 11.0-18.0 volts.
    • The engine speed is less than 600 RPM.
    • The A/C is commanded from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTCs

The ECM detects an open on the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay when commanded off with the engine in crank or run status.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The ECM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as failure records data only. This information will not be stored as freeze frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Manual HVAC 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, with the engine OFF, command the A/C relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Feel/listen for the A/C relay to click.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLUTCH relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 86 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 ignition circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C CLUTCH relay.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLUTCH relay.
  2. Test for 60-180 ohms 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 30A 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 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