Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

HVAC Compressor Clutch Does Not Engage

Diagnostic Aids

Compressor clutch engagement cannot be used to determine status of the low pressure switch. The low pressure switch is one of several inputs to the HVAC control module for A/C request authorization. A/C request is one of several inputs to the powertrain control module (PCM) that control A/C compressor clutch engagement.

To accurately determine what pressure the A/C low pressure switch opens and closes at use Kent Moore GE-47742 which will allow the technician to measure the switch point pressure at the switch.

Using a scan tool, monitor the "low pressure switch" status while monitoring the "low side" pressure at the switch to determine the switch points of the low pressure switch.

The low pressure switch "connector seal" must be removed before plugging it into the switch for testing. The "plunger effect" of plugging the connector with seal into the switch induces a pressure on the back side of the switch, this pressure will skew the opening/closing characteristics of the switch 5-10 psi until the pressure bleeds off. The time required for the connection induced pressure to bleed off can take 20 minutes or longer.

Test Description

Step 1 - Step 7:

Step 8 - Step 17:

Step 18 - Step 29:

Step 30 - Step 42:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. The A/C compressor output is disabled if the engine is idling at a low unstable RPM.
3. The A/C compressor relay output is disabled if the engine coolant temperature is above 121°C (250°F).
6. The HVAC control assembly is inoperative when the assembly does not respond to any operator control requests.