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.
Circuit/System Description
When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control assembly sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM) for an A/C request. This input will request the ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CLUTCH 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:
* The battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
* The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
* The engine speed is less than 4,760 RPM.
* The engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
* The A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi).
* The throttle position is less than 100 percent.
* The evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F).
* The ECM does not detect excessive torque load.
* The ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
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)
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 Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLUTCH relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 86 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 85 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C clutch coil.
6. Test for less than 1 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 clutch coil.
8. Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and control circuit terminal 87. Verify the A/C clutch is activated.
• If the A/C clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C clutch.
9. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
10. Command the A/C relay output function 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 clutch relay.
Component Testing
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))
* Compressor Clutch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming