Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control assembly grounds the A/C request signal circuit. The body control module (BCM) receives the ground input and sends a GMLAN message to the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) for
an A/C request. This input will request the PCM/ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CLUTCH relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch assembly.
Diagnostic Aids
The following conditions must be met in order for the PCM/ECM to turn on the compressor clutch:
• | Battery voltage is between 9-16 volts. |
• | Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F). |
• | Engine speed is less than 5300 RPM. |
• | Engine speed is more than 600 RPM. |
• | A/C high side pressure is between 2951-310 kPa (428-44 psi). |
• | Throttle position is 100 percent for 10 seconds. |
• | Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F) |
• | PCM/ECM does not detect excessive torque load |
• | PCM/ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality. |
• | For a compressor does not engage condition check the center instrument panels engine coolant temperature gage refer to
Engine Overheating
for a possible engine overheat condition. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
HVAC Schematics
Connector End View Reference
HVAC Connector End Views
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Verification
- Press the A/C request switch. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.
- Place the mode switch in the defrost position. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector C2 pin K ground circuit terminal at the HVAC control assembly.
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal K and ground.
⇒ | If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance. |
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C2 pin C and ground. With a scan tool, verify the A/C Request Switch parameter is ON.
⇒ | If not On, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit tests normal, replace the BCM. |
- Reconnect the harness connector of the HVAC control assembly. With a scan tool, verify the A/C Request Switch parameter cycles between On and Off with each press of the A/C switch.
⇒ | If the parameter does not cycle, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the HVAC control assembly. |
- Remove the A/C compressor clutch relay.
- Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit pin G3 and ground.
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit pin G3 for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. |
- Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit pin G1 and ground.
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay switch B+ circuit pin G1 for an open/high resistance. If the A/C fuse 5 is open, test the relay switch control circuit pin H3 for a short to ground. If all circuits test normal, test
or replace the A/C compressor clutch. |
- Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
- Ignition OFF test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the A/C compressor ground circuit pin B and ground.
⇒ | If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance. |
- Connect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
- Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ circuit pin G1 and the relay switch control circuit pin H3. Verify the A/C compressor clutch engages.
⇒ | If the A/C compressor clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C compressor. |
- Connect a test lamp between the relay control circuit pin H3 and the relay coil B+ circuit pin G3.
- Using a scan tool, command the A/C relay output ON and OFF. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
⇒ | If the test lamp remains ON all the time, test for a short to ground on the control circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM/ECM. |
⇒ | If the test lamp remains OFF all the time, test for a short to voltage
or an open/high resistance on the control circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM/ECM. |
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C compressor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification
after completing the diagnostic procedure.