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.
Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction
2009 Chevrolet Impala V8-5.3LSECTION 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
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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.