A/C Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis

Diagram Chart:

Electrical:

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

The A/C Request Circuit - When the HVAC controls are in any position that enables the A/C compressor, and the A/C compressor refrigerant switch is closed (low and high), the A/C Request circuit is connected to B+. The ECM energizes the A/C compressor control circuit when a high signal voltage is detected on the A/C Request circuit. The ECM will de-energize the A/C compressor control circuit during the Wide Open Throttle (WOT) maneuvers, when the ECT exceeds a predetermined threshold or when the A/C Request circuit signal voltage goes low (either by a pressure switch opening, or the HVAC system is in a non-A/C mode).

The A/C Load Signal - The ECM also receives an input on the A/C load signal circuit. This is accomplished through a pressure switch connected to B+ which is normally open. When the refrigerant high side pressure reaches approximately 1,200 kPa, the switch closes sending a B+ signal to the ECM.

The ECM will then raise the idle speed by approximately 50 RPM in order to help compensate for these conditions.

The A/C Compressor Control Circuit - The ignition voltage is supplied directly to the A/C Compressor Control relay coil. The ECM controls the relay by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. When the ECM is commanding a component on, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component off, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage).

The relay controls the high current flow to the A/C Compressor Clutch. This allows the ECM driver to only have to handle the relatively low current used by the relay.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

An intermittent may be caused by the following:

^ Corrosion

^ A mis-routed harness

^ A rubbed through wire insulation

^ A broken wire inside the insulation

Refer to Symptoms / Intermittents.

TEST DESCRIPTION

The number(s) below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

2. Listen for an audible click when the relay operates. Repeat the commands as necessary.

3. This check can detect a partially shorted coil which would cause an excessive current flow. Leaving the circuit energized for 2 minutes allows the coil to warm up. When warm the coil may open (amps drop to 0), or short (goes above 0.75 amp).

5. It is important to identify and test the relay coil terminals in order to avoid an improper diagnosis.

13. If no trouble is found in the control circuit or the connection at the ECM, the ECM may be malfunctioning, however, this is an extremely unlikely failure.