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Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln Aviator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the climate control system to duplicate the condition.
  2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

    Mechanical Electrical
    • Loose, missing or damaged A/C compressor drive belt
    • Loose or disconnected A/C clutch
    • Loose, misrouted or damaged vacuum lines (1)
    • Broken or leaking vacuum control motor (1)
    • Discharged A/C system
    • Broken or leaking refrigerant lines
    • Open fuses
    • Blower motor inoperative
    • A/C compressor inoperative
    • Circuitry open/shorted
    • Disconnected, loose fitting, or incorrectly installed electrical connectors and pins
    (1) A leak in the vacuum control circuit may occur during acceleration (slow leak), may exist at all times (large leak), and may exist only when specific functions are selected (indicating a leak in that portion of the circuit). The vacuum hoses used in the passenger compartment control circuit are constructed from PVC plastic material. The vacuum hoses used in the engine compartment are constructed of Hytrel®. Because of the materials used, never pinch the vacuum hoses off during diagnosis to locate a leak. A golf tee can be used as a plug when it is necessary to plug one end of the vacuum hose for leak test purposes.
  3. As pinpoint tests and measurements are being carried out, be sure to inspect for any disconnected, loose-fitting, or incorrectly installed component, module and in-line electrical connectors and pins.
  4. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  5. If the cause is not visually evident, connect a diagnostic tool to the data link connector and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
    • Check that the program card is correctly installed.
    • Check the connections to the vehicle.
    • Check the ignition switch position.
  6. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.
  7. Carry out the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
    • SCP+, SCP-or UBP circuit fault = ALL ECUS NO RESP/NOT EQUIP, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK to diagnose the network concern.
    • If the powertrain control module (PCM) is not listed for a communication concern, turn the A/C controls to OFF and execute self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
    • If the DATC module is not listed for a communication concern, execute self-test diagnostics for the DATC module.
  8. If any PCM or DATC DTCs are retrieved, and are related to the concern, go to the INTRODUCTION - CNG, FLEX-FUEL & GASOLINE article or the DUAL/ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX .
  9. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart  to continue diagnostics.
  10. If the dual automatic temperature control module cannot be accessed by the diagnostic tool, Go To PINPOINT TEST F .
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