Heating and A/C Operation

The purpose of the heating and A/C system is to provide heated and cooled air to the interior of the vehicle. The A/C system will also remove humidity from the interior and reduce windshield fogging. The vehicle operator can determine the passenger compartment temperature by adjusting the air temperature switch. Regardless of the temperature setting, the following can effect the rate that the HVAC system can achieve the desired temperature:
^ Recirculation
^ Difference between inside and desired temperature
^ Difference between ambient and desired temperature
^ Blower motor speed setting
^ Mode setting

The vehicle operator can activate the A/C system by pressing the A/C switch. The A/C system can operate regardless of the temperature setting.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will operate the A/C system automatically in FRONT DEFROST mode to help reduce moisture inside the vehicle. The A/C LED will not illuminate unless the driver presses the A/C request switch on the HVAC control assembly.

The A/C system maybe running without the A/C LED indicator illuminated when in FRONT DEFROST mode. The following conditions must be met in order for the PCM to turn on the compressor clutch:
^ BCM
- Battery voltage between 9-18 volts
- A/C request from the HVAC control assembly
^ PCM
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) is less than 121°C (250°F)
- Engine RPM is less than 5000 rpm
- A/C Pressure is between 2979-186 kPa (432-27 psi)

Once engaged, the compressor clutch will be disengaged for the following conditions:
^ Throttle position is 100%
^ A/C Pressure is more than 2979 kPa (432 psi)
^ A/C Pressure is less than 186 kPa (27 psi)
^ Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 121°C (250°F)
^ Engine speed is more than 5000 rpm
^ Transmission shift
^ PCM detects excessive torque load
^ PCM detects insufficient idle quality
^ PCM detects a hard launch condition

When the compressor clutch disengages, the compressor clutch diode protects the electrical system from a voltage spike.