The A/C compressor control module sends an A/C idle-up signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) when the A/C compressor clutch is ON (engaged). The PCM sends a signal to the idle air control (IAC) valve in order to increase the flow through the idle (bypass) air passage. The engine idle speed increases as more air flows through the idle air passage. The increase in the idle speed prevents a rough idle or stalling condition.
Observe the IAC Duty Cycle on a scan tool while operating the A/C. The IAC Duty Cycle percentage should increase 4 to 12 percent when the A/C compressor is engaged. If the scan tool indicates that the IAC Duty Cycle is increasing, but the idle quality is unsatisfactory, inspect the IAC system for proper operation.
Check for a faulty electrical connection at the A/C compressor control module and the PCM.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the A/C idle-up electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
• | Backed out terminals |
• | Improper mating of terminals |
• | Broken electrical connector locks |
• | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
• | Faulty terminal to wire connections |
• | Physical damage to the wiring harness |
• | A broken wire inside the insulation |
• | Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals |
If no malfunction was found in the A/C idle-up circuit, refer to Symptoms .
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
This step checks whether the PCM is receiving the A/C ON signal from the A/C compressor control module.
The A/C idle-up signal circuit at the PCM should indicate 0.0 volts with the A/C ON (operating).
The A/C idle-up signal circuit at the PCM should indicate B+ with the A/C OFF (not operating).
The A/C cut-out signal circuit at the PCM should indicate 0.0 volts with the A/C OFF (not operating).
The A/C cut-out signal circuit at the PCM should indicate B+ with the A/C ON (operating).
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Does the scan tool indicate ON with the A/C operating? | -- | Go to Symptoms | ||
Is the voltage at the specified value? | 0 volts | |||
Is the voltage at the specified value? | B+ | |||
5 |
Is the voltage at the specified value? | B+ | ||
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
Is the voltage at the specified value? | 0 volts | |||
Is the voltage at the specified value? | B+ | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
9 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
10 |
Is the voltage at the specified value? | B+ | ||
11 |
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was noticed. Does the system now operate properly? | -- | System OK | Go to Diagnostic Aids |