GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Malibu 🢒 HVAC 🢒 HVAC - Manual 🢒 Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control assembly sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM) for an A/C request. This input will request the ECM to ground the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C CLUTCH 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:

    • The battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
    • The engine speed is less than 4,760 RPM.
    • The engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
    • The A/C high side pressure is between 2929-269 kPa (425-39 psi).
    • The throttle position is less than 100 percent.
    • The evaporator temperature is greater than 0°C (32°F).
    • The ECM does not detect excessive torque load.
    • The ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Air Temperature Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C CLUTCH relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 86 and ground.
    3. ⇒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 85 and ground.
    4. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
    5. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or a open/high resistance.
  5. Disconnect the harness connector at the A/C clutch coil.
  6. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.
    7. ⇒If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  7. Connect the harness connector at the A/C clutch coil.
  8. Connect a 10-amp fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and control circuit terminal 87. Verify the A/C clutch is activated.
    9. ⇒If the A/C clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A/C clutch.
  9. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
  10. Command the A/C relay output function ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
    11. ⇒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 clutch relay.

Component Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the A/C COMP relay.
  2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.
    3. ⇒If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
    4. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    ⇒If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  4. Install a 30-amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.
    5. ⇒If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Compressor Clutch Assembly Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming