Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
A/C Signal Circuit Troubleshooting
A/C Signal Circuit Troubleshooting
- A/C compressor clutch condition check
-1. Start the engine, and let it idle.
- 2. Turn the blower switch on.
- 3. Turn the A/C switch on.
- 4. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS.
Signal Threshold Current conditions Values Unit Values Unit A/C CLUTCH ON Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?
YES
Go to step 2.
NO
Do the A/C system test - Refer to: A/C System Test, or A/C System Test, or A/C System Test (2017 2018 2019 2020) .
- A/C system check
-1. Check the A/C system.
Does the A/C system operate?
YES
The A/C system circuit is OK.
NO
Go to step 3.
- A/C compressor clutch circuit check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
- 2. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
- 3. Activate the A/C CLUTCH in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
A/C CLUTCH
Is there a clicking noise from the A/C compressor clutch?
YES
The A/C compressor clutch circuit is OK. Do the A/C system test - Refer to: A/C System Test, or A/C System Test, or A/C System Test (2017 2018 2019 2020) .
NO
Go to step 4.
- Open wire check (ACCL line)
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
- 2. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
- 3. Disconnect the following connector.
- 4. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
- 5. Connect terminals A and B with a jumper wire.
Terminal A PCM connector A (51P) No. 23 (PUR) Terminal B Body ground Is there a clicking noise from the A/C compressor clutch?
YES
The ACCL wire is OK. Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good PCM - Refer to: PCM Removal and Installation (2014 2015), or PCM Removal and Installation (2016) , then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away and the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the symptom/indication goes away and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM - Refer to: PCM Removal and Installation (2014 2015), or PCM Removal and Installation (2016) .
NO
Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the A/C compressor clutch relay and the PCM. If the connections and terminals are OK, check the A/C compressor clutch relay. If needed, repair open in the ACCL wire between the PCM (A23) and the A/C compressor clutch relay, or other parts in the A/C systems.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.