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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2006 🢒 Pursuit 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 DTC P0645

Circuit Description

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the A/C compressor clutch relay. The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) controls the relay by grounding the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit via an internal solid state device called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. The driver has a fault line which is monitored by the ECM or PCM. When the ECM or PCM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be near 0 volts. When the ECM or PCM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, this DTC will set.

The ECM or PCM will monitor the control circuit for the following:

    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage
    • An open circuit
    • An open relay coil
    • An internally shorted or excessively low resistance relay coil

When the ECM or PCM detects any of the above malfunctions, this DTC is set and the affected driver is disabled.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

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

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • The engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
    • The ECM or PCM driver transitions from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0645: The ECM or PCM detects an open on the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The ECM or PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The ECM or PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The ECM or PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM or PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center (DIC), if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.
    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Be sure to verify that the ECM or PCM engine grounds are secure and clean.

If DTC P0645 cannot be duplicated, reviewing the Failure Records vehicle millage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

If the condition is not present, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Listen for an audible click when the A/C compressor clutch relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

    2.

  2. Tests for voltage at the coil side of the A/C compressor clutch relay. The 10 amp EXH fuse supplies power to the coil side of the A/C compressor clutch relay.

    3.

  3. Verifies that the engine control module or powertrain control module is providing ground to the A/C compressor clutch relay.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, command the A/C Relay ON and OFF in the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM), General Info Inputs/Outputs data list.

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

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  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 battery positive voltage 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 4

Go to Step 6

4

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

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

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Test the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay for a short to voltage, open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

6

Repair the battery positive voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

--

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM or PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the A/C compressor clutch relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the ECM or PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

11
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs .
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK