GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0530 LU3, LR4, LM7, LQ4, and L18

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure via a A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. When the pressure is high the signal voltage is high. When the pressure is low the signal voltage is low. When pressure is too high the PCM will not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0530 Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

The PCM/ECM detects an A/C request.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal is less than 0.1 volt for 5 seconds.
    • The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal is greater than 4.9 volts for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the PCM/ECM no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 fault-free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

For an intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range.

  2. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to ground.

  3. This step tests for a short to voltage in the 5-volt reference circuit.

  4. This step tests for a high resistance or an open in the low reference circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter in the Powertrain Engine Data list.

Does the scan tool indicate the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is within the specified range?

0.1-4.9 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

0.09 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 10

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor and the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the A/C Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.9 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the fused jumper wire.
  2. Measure the voltage between the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor and the low reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

5.1 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Measure the resistance from the low reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor to a good ground.

Does the resistance measure less than the specified value?

5 Ω

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 11

7

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

8

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 9

9

Test the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

10

Test the signal circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

11

  1. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM)/engine control module (ECM).
  2. Test the low reference circuit of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

12

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 14

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM or ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

15

Replace the PCM/ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK