Pinpoint Test O: The Air Conditioning (A/C) Is Always On - A/C Compressor Does Not Cycle
Climate Control System
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test O: The Air Conditioning (A/C) is Always On - A/C Compressor Does Not Cycle
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 25 for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 26 for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 55, Automatic Climate Control System for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number
Normal Operation
Under normal operation, when the A/C button is pressed, a message is sent from the Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM) over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) bus to the HVAC module. The HVAC module then sends an A/C request message over the MS-CAN bus to the Instrument Cluster (IC), then from the IC through the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) bus to the PCM.
When MAX A/C is selected on the touch screen, the Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) sends a message over the MS-CAN bus to the HVAC module that MAX A/C has been selected.
Voltage is provided to the A/C clutch relay switch contacts. When the PCM energizes the relay, voltage is supplied to the A/C clutch from the relay. Ground is supplied for the A/C clutch.
The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor is used for A/C compressor cycling. An accurate evaporator discharge air temperature is critical to prevent evaporator icing. The temperature measurement is used by the HVAC module to turn off the A/C compressor before the evaporator temperatures are cold enough to freeze the condensation. This prevents ice blockage of airflow over the evaporator core.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- PCM
- A/C evaporator discharge temperature sensor
- A/C control relay
- A/C clutch air gap
PINPOINT TEST O: THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) IS ALWAYS ON - A/C COMPRESSOR DOES NOT CYCLE
NOTE: Before carrying out the following test, diagnose any HVAC, PCM or IC DTCs.
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O1 CHECK THE A/C EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE (EVAP_TEMP) HVAC PID
- Ignition ON.
- Allow the vehicle exterior and interior to stabilize to the outside ambient temperature.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: EVAP_TEMP HVAC PID.
- Does the EVAP_TEMP HVAC PID read similar to the ambient temperature?
Yes
For 3.5L only, GO to O2.
For 3.5L GTDI only, GO to O3.
No
INSTALL a new A/C evaporator discharge temperature sensor. TEST the system for normal operation.
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O2 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING CLUTCH (WAC/ACCR) PCM PID WITH THE A/C OFF
- Start the engine.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: WAC/ACCR PCM PID.
- Select PANEL press the A/C button (indicator off) on the HVAC controls.
- Does the WAC/ACCR PCM PID read OFF?
Yes
GO to O4.
No
GO to O6.
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O3 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR COMMANDED STATE (ACC_CMD) PCM PID WITH THE A/C OFF
- Start the engine.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: ACC_CMD PCM PID.
- Select PANEL press the A/C button (indicator off) on the HVAC controls.
- Does the ACC_CMD PCM PID read OFF?
Yes
GO to O4.
No
GO to O6.
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O4 CHECK FOR VOLTAGE TO THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH FIELD COIL
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: A/C Compressor Clutch Field Coil C100.
- Ignition ON.
- Select the OFF position on the HVAC module.
- Measure the voltage between A/C compressor clutch field coil C100-1, circuit CH401 (VT/WH), harness side and ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes
GO to O5.
No
ADJUST the A/C compressor clutch gap. REFER to Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Air Gap Adjustment Adjustments. TEST the system for normal operation.
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O5 CHECK CIRCUIT CH401 (VT/WH) FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: A/C Clutch Relay.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between A/C compressor clutch field coil C100-1, circuit CH401 (VT/WH), harness side and ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes
REPAIR circuit CH401 (VT/WH) for a short to voltage. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new A/C clutch relay. TEST the system for normal operation.
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O6 CHECK THE PCM CONNECTION
- Disconnect all the PCM connectors.
- Inspect the module connectors for:
- corrosion.
- pushed-out terminals.
- damaged terminals.
- Connect and correctly seat all the PCM connectors.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new PCM. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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