GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 218753  Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
A/C System
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The A/C clutch relay is PCM controlled to delay A/C clutch engagement after the A/C is turned ON. This allows the PCM to adjust engine RPM before the A/C clutch engages. The PCM will engage the A/C clutch any time A/C has been requested unless any of the following conditions exist:

    • High coolant temperature.
    • Low A/C system pressure.
    • High A/C system pressure.
    • Wide open throttle.
    • High engine RPM.

When the heater and A/C control is placed in the A/C mode, a 12 volt signal is sent to the PCM. When the PCM receives this signal the PCM will ground the A/C clutch relay control circuit to energize the A/C relay. This is shown on the scan tool as A/C request YES.

When a request for A/C has been detected by the PCM, the PCM will ground the A/C clutch relay control circuit, the relay contacts will close, and current will flow through the relay to the A/C compressor clutch.

When A/C request has been detected by the PCM, the cooling fan(s) will be turned ON when A/C pressure is above a predetermined pressure.

Diagnostic Aids

Ensure no PCM DTC(s) are stored before using this table. The PCM will not activate the A/C clutch with a stored DTC.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. A/C DTCs will disable the A/C system. Repair A/C DTCs before proceeding.

  2. The request circuit is shorted to a voltage if the scan tool displays A/C request as YES.

  3. A condition exists with the request circuit between the PCM and the HVAC Controller or the HVAC Controller is malfunctioning if the test lamp did not illuminate.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Are any A/C DTCs set?

--

Go to applicable DTC table.

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine with the A/C OFF.
  3. Monitor A/C request on the ENG 1 data list using a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Turn ON the A/C.

Does the scan tool indicate A/C request as YES?

--

System OK

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector C1 located on the opposite side of the manufacturer's logo. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .
  3. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the A/C request circuit at the PCM electrical harness connector using the DMM J 39200 connected to ground. Refer to Probing Electrical Connectors in Wiring Systems.
  5. Turn the A/C to the ON position,

Does the DMM display near the specified value when the A/C is enabled?

B+

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the HVAC Controller. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Manual.
  3. Test the A/C request circuit for continuity between the HVAC Controller and the PCM using the DMM J 39200 . Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Does the DMM indicate continuity?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 11

7

Probe the A/C request circuit at the PCM harness connector using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect the A/C request circuit for a short to voltage. Repair the circuit as necessary if a short to voltage is found. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Important: Before replacing the HVAC Controller, refer to Functional Check in HVAC Manual.

Replace the HVAC Controller. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Manual.

Is the action complete?

--

System OK

--

10

  1. Inspect for poor connections at the PCM. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
  2. If you find a poor connection, repair as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 13

11

Repair the open A/C request circuit between the HVAC Controller and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

System OK

--

12

Repair the grounded A/C request circuit between the HVAC Controller and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

System OK

--

13

Important:: Program the replacement PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

System OK

--