The VCM control of the A/C clutch improves idle quality and performance by performing the following conditions:
• | Delaying clutch engagement until the idle speed is increased |
• | Releasing the clutch when the idle speed is too low |
• | Providing additional fuel at the instant the clutch is applied |
The additional fuel smooths the cycling of the compressor.
Turning the air conditioning ON supplies battery voltage through the pressure switches to the VCM. When the VCM receives the voltage on the A/C request signal, the A/C enable relay circuit is grounded. The A/C compressor clutch then engages.
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
• | A poor connection |
• | Rubbed through wire insulation |
• | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Checks for low refrigerant as the cause of no A/C.
The A/C request signal circuit consists of the HVAC control assembly, the A/C high pressure cutout switch, and the related wiring.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Important: Before using this table confirm that the A/C system has an adequate state of charge. Does the A/C system have an adequate state of charge? | -- | Go to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in HVAC | ||
2 |
Does the A/C clutch engage within the specified time? | 60 seconds | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
3 |
Does the scan tool indicate YES? | -- | ||
4 | Monitor the A/C evaporator switch in the scan tool. Does the scan tool indicate a CLOSED switch? | -- | ||
Does the scan tool indicate a CLOSED switch? | -- | |||
6 | Probe pin B of the harness connector with a test lamp connected to B+. Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
7 | Replace the A/C Evaporator/Cycling Cutoff switch. Refer to HVAC. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury. Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
9 | Probe the A/C clutch ground circuit at the A/C clutch harness connector with a test lamp connected to B+ Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
10 | Repair the A/C clutch ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
11 | Check for a poor connection at the compressor clutch harness connector. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
12 | Repair the A/C compressor clutch harness connector. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Replace the A/C compressor clutch. Refer to Compressor Control Valve Assembly Install (V7 - Direct Mount) in HVAC. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
15 | Check for an open in the A/C request signal circuit between the HVAC control module and the VCM. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
16 |
Does the relay A/C click? | -- | ||
17 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
18 | Repair the open in the A/C relay ignition positive voltage circuit. If the fuse is open, repair the short to ground on the circuit. An open fuse or a lack of voltage to the fuse may cause other symptoms or DTCs to be present. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
19 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
20 | Check for an open or a short to voltage in the circuit between the underhood fuse block A/C relay control terminal cavity and the VCM C3 connector pin 1. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
21 | Repair the open in the circuit between the underhood fuse block A/C relay control terminal cavity and the VCM C3 connector pin 1. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
22 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | ||
23 | Repair the open in the A/C relay battery feed circuit. If the fuse is open, repair the short to ground on the circuit. An open fuse or a lack of voltage to the fuse may cause other symptoms or DTCs to be present. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
24 |
Does the A/C clutch engage? | -- | ||
25 | Replace the A/C relay. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
26 | Repair the open or short to ground in the compressor clutch control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
27 | Check for an open in the A/C cycling signal circuit. Did you find a problem? | |||
28 | Replace the HVAC control assembly. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
29 | Check for a poor VCM connection. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
30 | Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
31 |
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
32 |
Does the A/C clutch engage within the specified time? | 60 seconds | ||
33 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |