P2521
DTC P2520 or P2521
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic strategy.
DTC Descriptors
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:
* DTC P2520 Air Conditioning (A/C) Request Circuit Low Voltage
* DTC P2521 Air Conditioning (A/C) Request Circuit High Voltage
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit Description
Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the A/C compressor clutch relay. The HVAC control module controls the a/c request circuit by grounding the a/c request circuit via an internal solid state device called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. The driver has a fault line which is monitored by the engine control module (ECM). When the HVAC control module is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the a/c request circuit should be near 0 volts. When the HVAC control module is commanding the request circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, these DTCs will set.
The ECM will monitor the request circuit for the following:
* A short to ground
* A short to voltage
* An open circuit
When the ECM detects any of the above malfunctions, this DTC is set and the affected driver is disabled.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The engine is ON.
* The ignition voltage is between 8.7-16 volts.
* The engine speed is more than 80 RPM.
* The HVAC control module driver transitions from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P2520
* The ECM detects a short to ground on the a/c request circuit of the HVAC control module.
* The ECM detects the a/c request signal circuit that has a PWM cycle of less than 10%.
P2521
* The ECM detects a short to voltage on the a/c request circuit of the HVAC control module.
* The ECM detects the a/c request signal circuit that has a PWM cycle of greater than 70%.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* The ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
* The ECM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.
* A/C Compressor is disabled
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* A History DTC clears after 100 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction monitored by the ECM.
* The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Be sure to verify that the ECM engine grounds are secure and clean.
If DTC P2520, P2521cannot be duplicated, reviewing the Failure Records vehicle millage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.
If the condition is not present, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Diagnostic Aids. Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Circuit System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool A/C request parameter while pressing the a/c request switch of the HVAC control head. The reading should change between Yes and No a/c request value.
Circuit System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the HVAC harness connector at the a/c switch.
2. Test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the HVAC control module ground circuit terminal C1 pin 12 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECM A/C request parameter is No or open.
• If not the specified value, test the a/c request signal circuit terminal HVAC control module terminal C1 pin 8 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC Control Module.
4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C1 pin 8 and the ground circuit terminal C1 pin 12. Verify the scan tool ECM a/c request switch parameter is YES or closed.
• If not the specified value, test the a/c request signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair. Verification Tests
Refer to Control Module References for HVAC replacement, setup, and programming.