HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage. Saab 9-7x 2006

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Saab 🢒 2006 🢒 9-7x 🢒 Body 🢒 Wiring Systems 🢒 HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

Diagnostic Aids

•

The air conditioning (A/C) compressor is protected from overheating by the compressor temperature switch, which is mounted at the rear of the A/C compressor. The switch is wired internally to the compressor and is not serviceable. The switch opens and disengages the compressor clutch when temperatures reach 135°C (275°F). The switch closes when the compressor temperature cools to 120°C (248°F).

•	A/C compressor clutch will not engage under the following conditions:

-	The A/C high side line pressure is over 2,413 kPa (350 psi).

-	The A/C low side line pressure is under 151 kPa (22 psi).

-	Throttle angle is at 100 percent.

-	Engine speed is more than 5,500 RPM.

-	Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 123°C (253°F).

-	Ambient air temperature is less than 1°C (35°F).

-	Engine is idling at a low unstable RPM.

Test Description

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

The A/C compressor output is disabled if the engine is idling at a low unstable RPM.

The A/C compressor relay output is disabled if engine coolant temperature is above 123°C (253°F). The engine coolant indicator will illuminate at this temperature.

This step ensures that the HVAC control module is receiving an input from the A/C switch.

These actions will enable the A/C compressor to operate.

This test ensures that there is sufficient refrigerant in the A/C system. The specific values come from the A/C System Performance Test.

The A/C low pressure switch parameter is out of range when the HVAC control module interprets the signal being below 151 kPa (22 psi) or above 275 kPa (40 psi).

This action will simulate a closed switch condition. If the Pressure Cycle Switch parameter reads Low Pressure than there is a circuit condition or a condition with the HVAC control module.

The A/C compressor relay output from the powertrain control module (PCM) is disabled if the A/C high side system pressure is interpreted to be higher than 2,413 kPa (350 psi).

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

DEFINITION: The air conditioning (A/C) compressor clutch will not engage when an A/C request has been made and a Powertrain DTC has not been set.

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

Start the engine.
Set the parking brake.
Place the vehicle in drive and allow the engine to idle.
Observe the engine RPM.

Does the engine idle at a steady RPM?

Go to Step 3

Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling for the 4.2L engine

Start the engine.
Observe the coolant temperature indicator.

Is the engine coolant temperature indicator illuminated?

Go to Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On

Go to Step 4

Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Using a scan tool, observe the A/C Switch parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list while pressing the A/C request switch.

Does the A/C Switch parameter change states when the A/C request switch is pressed?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 26

Important: For A/C compressor operation, the ambient air temperature display must be above 1°C (35°F).

Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Display Updating .

Start the engine.
Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
Place the A/C request switch in the ON position.
Place the left air temperature switch in the coldest position.

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 6

Park the vehicle inside or out of direct sunlight.
Open the window in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
Turn OFF the ignition.
If the A/C system was operating, then wait for approximately 2 minutes.
Install J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
Record the ambient temperature at the vehicle.
Record readings of the low and high side STATIC pressures.
Compare the low and the high side pressure values with the allowable limits for the recorded ambient air temperature.

Are the low and the high side pressure values within the allowable limits for the recorded ambient air temperature? Are the pressure values within 103 kPa (15 psi) of each other?

•	Above 16°C (60°F) 345 kPa (50 psi)

•	Above 24°C (75°F) 483 kPa (70 psi)

•	Above 33°C (90°F) 690 kPa (100 psi)

Go to Step 7

Go to Leak Testing

Start the engine.
With a scan tool, observe the A/C Permission parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.

Does the A/C Permission parameter display Granted?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

Turn the ignition OFF.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
With a scan tool, observe the Pressure Cycle Switch parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.

Does the Pressure Cycle Switch parameter display Normal?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the A/C low pressure switch.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Connect a 3-amp fused jumper between the signal circuit and the ground circuit of the A/C low pressure switch.
Observe the Pressure Cycle Switch parameter in the Heating and Air Conditioning data list.

Does the Pressure Cycle Switch parameter display Normal?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 10

Test the signal circuit of the A/C low pressure switch for a high resistance or for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?