Circuit Description
Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the A/C compressor clutch relay. The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) controls the relay by grounding the A/C clutch relay control circuit via an internal solid state device called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. The driver has a fault line which is monitored by the PCM/ECM. When the PCM/ECM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be near 0 volts. When the PCM/ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, this DTC will set.
The PCM/ECM will monitor the control circuit for the following:
- A short to ground
- A short to voltage
- An open circuit
- An open relay coil
- An internally shorted or excessively low resistance relay coil
When the PCM/ECM detects any of the above malfunctions, this DTC is set and the affected driver is disabled.