Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction
Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction
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.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module grounds the A/C request signal circuit. 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 COMP 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 ECM to turn on the compressor clutch:
* Battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
* Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
* Engine speed is less than 4,760 RPM.
* Engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
* A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi).
* Throttle position is less than 100 percent.
* Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F).
* ECM does not detect excessive torque load.
* ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
HVAC Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Automatic HVAC Description and Operation (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
Engine running, observe the function of the A/C compressor clutch while commanding the A/C relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The A/C compressor clutch should engage and disengage.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C COMP relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal H9 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 F9 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition circuit fuse is open, test or replace the A/C COMP relay.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal F8 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal for a short to ground.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
6. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and 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 compressor clutch.
8. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal F8 and the control circuit terminal H9. Verify the A/C compressor clutch is activated.
• 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 clutch.
9. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal F9 and the control circuit terminal H8.
10. Command the A/C relay 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 COMP relay.
Component Testing
Relay Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C COMP relay.
2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 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 30-amp 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.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for ECM replacement, setup, and programming