When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module sends a discrete message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The IPC then sends a serial data message to the ECM requesting the A/C. This input will request the engine control module (ECM) to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CMPRSR CLUTCH relay on. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch assembly.

The ECM detects an open on the control circuit of the A/C compressor clutch relay when commanded OFF with the engine in crank or run status.

The ECM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.

A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

The following conditions must be met in order for the ECM to turn on the compressor clutch:

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Engine running place the mode switch in the defrost position. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 86 and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.

3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and ignition circuit fuse is open, test all components connected to the ignition circuit and replace as necessary.

4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and B+ circuit fuse is open, replace the A/C clutch relay.

5. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C clutch coil.
6. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

7. Connect the harness connector at the A/C clutch coil.
8. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and control circuit terminal 87. Verify the A/C clutch is activated.

⇒	If the A/C clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C clutch.

9. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
10. Command the A/C Relay output function ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C clutch relay.

Relay Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C relay.
2. Test for 60-200 ohms between terminal 85 and 86.

⇒	If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

•

30 and 86

•

30 and 87

•

30 and 85

•

85 and 87

⇒	If not the specified value, replace the relay.

4. Install a 15A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.