GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

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

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Press the A/C request switch. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.
  2. Place the mode switch in the defrost position. The A/C compressor clutch should engage.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector C2 pin K ground circuit terminal at the HVAC control assembly.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal K and ground.
  3. If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. 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.
  5. If not On, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Remove the A/C compressor clutch relay.
  9. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit pin G3 and ground.
  10. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit pin G3 for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  11. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit pin G1 and ground.
  12. 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.
  13. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  14. Ignition OFF test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the A/C compressor ground circuit pin B and ground.
  15. If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  16. Connect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Connect a test lamp between the relay control circuit pin H3 and the relay coil B+ circuit pin G3.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C compressor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM, PCM, and ECM replacement, setup and programming
    •  Compressor Clutch Assembly Replacement
    •  Relay Replacement