GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 577188  Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
Power, Ground, A/C Compressor Clutch, and AIR
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

When A/C is selected through the HVAC controller a signal is supplied to the powertrain control module (PCM) through the Class II serial data circuit. The A/C relay is controlled through the PCM. The PCM monitors the A/C refrigerant pressure. If the A/C refrigerant pressure, and engine operating conditions are within a specific calibrated acceptable ranges the PCM will enable the A/C relay. This is accomplished by providing a ground path for the A/C relay coil within the PCM. When the A/C compressor relay is enabled battery positive voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil.

The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch whenever the engine is running and the A/C has been requested, unless any of the following conditions are met:

    •  Throttle more than 96 percent
    •  A/C pressure sensor more than 499 psi (4.99 volts) or less than 35 psi (0.35 volt), as determined by the A/C pressure sensor
    •  Ignition voltage is below 9.5 volts
    •  Engine speed is more than 5559 RPM for 3 seconds with the transmission engaged.
    •  Engine speed is more than 3330 RPM for 3 seconds with the transmission not engaged.
    •  ECT is more than 140°C (284°F)
    •  IAT is less than -40°C (-40°F)
    •  Class II communication error between the HVAC controller and the PCM

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.

Important: :  Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

    • Loose terminal connection
       -  Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
       -  Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    • Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    •  Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

If the condition is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Snapshot or Freeze Frame/Failure Records may be useful in determining when the DTC or condition was identified.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

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

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Are any PCM or HVAC DTCs stored?

--

Diagnose applicable DTCs

Go to Step 3

3

Important:  The following conditions must be met before continuing with this step:

   •  Ambient air temperature must be above -40°C (-40°F)
   •  A/C pressure must be above 35 psi (0.4 volts)
   •  Coolant temperature must be below 140°C (284°F)

  1. Turn the A/C selector switch to the OFF position.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Test for the engagement of the A/C clutch.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Start and operate the engine at 1000-1500 RPM.
  2. Turn the A/C selector switch to an A/C Mode.
  3. Observe A/C clutch.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Leave the A/C selector switch turned to an A/C Mode.
  2. Observe the A/C Request display on the scan tool.

Does the A/C Request display YES?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Observe the A/C pressure sensor display on the scan tool.

Does the A/C pressure sensor indicate a voltage between the specified values?

0.4V- 4.9V

Go to Cooling Insufficient - Air Conditioning (A/C) System in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Connect a J 39500-B refrigerant recovery, recycling, and recharging (ACR4) to monitor high side refrigerant pressure.
  2. Observe high side refrigerant pressure on the J 39500-B refrigerant recovery, recycling, and recharging (ACR4) gauge.

Is high side refrigerant pressure within the specified values?

35-499 psi

Go to Cooling Insufficient - Air Conditioning (A/C) System in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Go to DTC P0530 Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit

8

Inspect the A/C clutch fuse.

Is the A/C clutch fuse open?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

  1. Remove the A/C clutch fuse.
  2. Remove the A/C relay.
  3. Test for the following circuit conditions:
  4. •  Short to ground in the battery positive feed to the A/C relay
    •  Short to ground in the battery positive feed to the A/C clutch
    •  Shorted diode
  5. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

10

  1. Remove the A/C relay.
  2. Connect a 10A fused jumper between the battery positive and A/C clutch coil feed cavities in the A/C relay connector.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Test for the following circuit conditions:
  2. •  Open in the battery positive feed circuit to the A/C relay
    •  Open in the battery positive feed circuit to the A/C clutch
    •  Open in the A/C clutch ground circuit
    •  Faulty terminal connections in the A/C clutch coil connector
  3. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

12

Test for faulty terminal connections in the A/C relay in the Underhood Accessory Wiring Junction Block. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

13

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the A/C relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

14

Disconnect the A/C clutch connector.

Is the A/C clutch engaged?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 17

15

Replace the A/C clutch. Refer to Compressor Clutch Plate and Hub Assembly Removal in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

16

Replace the A/C relay. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor and Cooling Fan Relays Replacement in HVAC.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

17

Locate and repair the short to voltage in the battery positive feed circuit to the A/C clutch. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

Important:  The following conditions must be met before continuing with this step:

   •  Ambient air temperature must be above -40°C (-40°F)
   •  A/C pressure must be above 35 psi (0.4 volts)
   •  Coolant temperature must be below 140°C (284°F)

  1. Start and operate the engine between 1000-1500 RPM.
  2. Turn the A/C selector switch to the ON position.
  3. Listen for engagement of the A/C clutch.
  4. Wait 5 seconds and then turn the A/C selector switch to the OFF position.
  5. Listen for disengagement of the A/C clutch.

Did the A/C clutch engaged and disengage?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3