GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

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

  1. The A/C compressor relay output is disabled if engine coolant temperature is above 121°C (250°F). The engine coolant indicator will illuminate at this temperature.

  1. The HVAC control module is inoperative when the HVAC control unit does not respond to any operator control request to enable the A/C compressor. The blower motor may still operate independent of the A/C controls.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

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

1

Did you perform the HVAC Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Manual

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Observe the coolant temperature indicator.

Is the engine coolant temperature indicator illuminated?

--

Go to Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling

Go to Step 3

3

Important: For A/C compressor operation, ambient air temperature must be above 3°C (36°F).

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  3. Place the A/C switch in the ON position.
  4. Place the air temperature switch in the coldest position.

Does the A/C compressor operate?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Park the vehicle in the shade.
  2. Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
  3. If the A/C system was operating, then allow the A/C system to equalize for approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Ensure that the ignition key is in the OFF position.
  5. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
  6. Record the ambient air temperature at the vehicle.
  7. Record readings of the low and high side STATIC pressures.
  8. Compare the low and high side pressure values with the allowable limits for the recorded ambient air temperature. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

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

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Leak Testing

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the A/C High Side Pressure parameter in the Powertrain Control Module engine data 2 list.
  3. Compare the A/C high side pressure on the scan tool to the high side pressure value on the ACR 2000.

Are the high side pressure values within 103 kPa (15 psi) of each other?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 21

6

Is the HVAC control module inoperative?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Start the engine.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Request Signal parameter in the Powertrain Control Module engine data 2 list.
  3. Place the blower motor switch in the maximum speed position.
  4. Place the A/C switch in the ON position.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C request parameter is YES?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

8

With a scan tool, observe the A/C Relay Command parameter in the Powertrain Control Module Engine Data 2 list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Commanded parameter is ON?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 31

9

With a scan tool, command the A/C compressor clutch relay ON and OFF.

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

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

10

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the HVAC control module for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 11

11

Test the ground circuit of the HVAC control module for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 12

12

Test the OFF blower motor control circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 29

13

With a scan tool, observe the A/C Switch parameter in the Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Switch parameter is Active?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 19

14

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch relay.
  3. Probe the switch side 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 15

Go to Step 24

15

Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the switch side voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay and the A/C compressor clutch supply voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch.

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

 

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 20

16

  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 coil side voltage supply 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 17

Go to Step 23

17

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

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

 

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 25

18

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the BCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Place the A/C request switch in the ON position.
  5. Measure the voltage on the A/C request signal circuit at the BCM.

Does the voltage measure within the specified range?

8-12 V

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 29

19

Test the A/C request signal circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

 

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 29

20

Test the A/C compressor clutch supply voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch for a short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 22

21

Test the ground circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 26

22

Test the ground circuit of the A/C compressor clutch for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 28

23

Repair the coil side voltage supply circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 38

--

24

Test the switch side battery positive voltage circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 20

25

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 31

26

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 32

27

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 33

28

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C compressor clutch coil. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 34

29

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 35

30

Inspect for poor connections at the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 36

31

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 38

Go to Step 37

32

Replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

33

Replace the A/C compressor clutch relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

34

Replace the A/C compressor clutch coil. Refer to Air Conditioning Clutch Coil Removal and Air Conditioning Clutch Coil Installation in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

35

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Heater and Air Conditioning Control Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

36

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

37

Important:  Perform the programming procedure for the PCM.

Replace the PCM. Refer to one of the following procedures:

    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L
    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 38

--

38

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 4