Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction

2009 Chevrolet Impala V6-3.9LSECTION 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.

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module grounds the A/C request signal circuit. This input will request the ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CMPRSR 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:

* Battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
* Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
* Engine speed is less than 4760 RPM.
* Engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
* A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi).
* Throttle position is less than 100 percent.
* Evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F)
* ECM does not detect excessive torque load
* ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
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 CMPRSR relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 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 and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition circuit fuse is open, test or replace the A/C CMPRSR relay.

4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal for a short to ground.

5. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C compressor clutch.
6. Test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the A/C compressor clutch 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 compressor clutch.
8. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal and the control circuit terminal. Verify the A/C compressor clutch is activated.

If the A/C compressor clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C compressor clutch.

9. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal and the control circuit terminal.
10. Command the A/C relay 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 CMPRSR relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Compressor Clutch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LZE, LZ4, LGD) (Service and Repair)Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LS4) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for HVAC control module and ECM replacement, setup and programming

RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.