Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module grounds the A/C request signal circuit. The body control module (BCM) receives the ground input and sends a GMLAN message to the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) for
an A/C request. This input will request the ECM or PCM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CLUTCH relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch assembly.
Diagnostic Aids
The following conditions must be met in order for the ECM or PCM to turn on the compressor clutch:
• | Battery voltage is between 9-18 volts. |
• | Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F). |
• | Engine speed is less than 4760 RPM. |
• | Engine speed is more than 600 RPM. |
• | A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi). |
• | Throttle position is less than 100 percent. |
• | Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F). |
• | ECM or PCM does not detect excessive torque load. |
• | ECM or PCM does not detect insufficient idle quality. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
HVAC Schematics
Connector End View Reference
HVAC Connector End Views
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Verification
- Press the A/C request switch. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.
- Place the mode switch in the defrost position. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector C2, terminal A5 ground circuit terminal at the HVAC control module.
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal and ground.
⇒ | If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance. |
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the a/c request signal circuit terminal and ground. With a scan tool, verify the A/C Request Switch parameter is ON.
⇒ | If not On, test the a/c request signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit tests normal, replace the BCM. |
- Reconnect the harness connector of the HVAC control module. With a scan tool, verify the A/C Request Switch parameter cycles between On and Off with each press of the A/C switch.
⇒ | If the parameter does not cycle, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the HVAC control module. |
- Remove the A/C compressor clutch relay.
- Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit and ground.
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. |
- Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit and ground.
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay switch B+ circuit for an open/high resistance. If the A/C fuse is open, test the relay switch control circuit for a short to ground. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C
compressor clutch. |
- Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
- Ignition OFF test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the A/C compressor ground circuit and ground.
⇒ | If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance. |
- Connect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
- Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ circuit and the relay switch control circuit. Verify the A/C compressor clutch engages.
⇒ | If the A/C compressor clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C compressor. |
- Connect a test lamp between the relay control circuit and the relay coil B+ circuit.
- Using a scan tool, command the A/C relay output ON and OFF. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
⇒ | If the test lamp remains ON all the time, test for a short to ground on the control circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM or PCM. |
⇒ | If the test lamp remains OFF all the time, test for a short to voltage
or an open/high resistance on the control circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM or PCM. |
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C compressor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification
after completing the diagnostic procedure.