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Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction




Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions 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 ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CMPRSR 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 4760 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 A/C Compressor Clutch

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing

* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CMPRSR relay.

2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 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 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 CMPRSR relay.

4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 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 of resistance between the A/C compressor clutch 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 and the control circuit terminal. 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 and the control circuit terminal.

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 CMPRSR relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Air Conditioning Clutch Assembly Replacement Service and Repair

* Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement

* Control Module References Control Module References for HVAC control module and ECM replacement, setup and programming