HVAC - Manual
DTC P0530, P0532, or P0533
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0530
- Air Conditioning A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit
DTC P0532
- Air Conditioning A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
DTC P0533
- Air Conditioning A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure through the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. The PCM / ECM supplies a 5-volt reference and a low reference to the sensor. Changes in the A/C refrigerant pressure cause the sensor signal to the PCM / ECM to vary. When the pressure is high, the signal voltage is high. When the pressure is low, the signal voltage is low. When pressure is high, the PCM / ECM commands the cooling fans on. When pressure is too high or too low, the PCM / ECM will not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The engine is running.
* The battery voltage is between 11-18 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0530
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal voltage is less than 0.2 volt or more than 4.88 volts for more than 3 seconds.
P0532
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal voltage is less than 0.2 volt for more than 3 seconds.
P0533
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal voltage is more than 4.88 volts for more than 3 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* The PCM / ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
* The PCM / ECM stores the failure records.
* The A/C compressor clutch is disabled.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
* The DTC will become history if the PCM / ECM no longer detects a failure.
Diagnostic Aids
A malfunction within the refrigerant system causing high or low pressure can cause these DTC to set.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
HVAC Schematics (HVAC - Manual)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
* Air Temperature Description and Operation (Air Temperature Description and Operation)
* Air Delivery Description and Operation (Air Delivery Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Ignition ON, observe the scan tool A/C High Side Pressure parameter. The reading should be between 0.2 and 4.90 volts (9 and 453 psi), and change with pressure.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
3. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM / ECM.
4. Verify the scan tool A/C High Side Pressure Sensor parameter is less than 0.1 volts (1 psi).
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 3 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM / ECM.
5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool A/C Refrigerant High Side Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than 4.90 volts (425 psi).
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM / ECM.
6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for PCM / ECM setup, replacement, and programming