Pinpoint Test O: The Air Conditioning (A/C) Is Always On - A/C Mode Always Commanded On

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Flex. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before carrying out the following test, diagnose any HVAC, PCM or IC DTCs.

O1 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH STATUS (CC_SW_AC) FCIM PID WITH THE A/C OFF
- Ignition ON.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: CC_SW_AC FCIM PID.
- Select PANEL press the A/C button (indicator off) on the HVAC controls.
- Does the CC_SW_AC FCIM PID read Inactive?
  - Yes : For 3.5L only , GO to O2.
    For 3.5L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) only , GO to O4.
  - No : INSTALL a new FCIM. TEST the system for normal operation.
O2 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR CYCLING SWITCH (ACCS) PCM PID WITH THE A/C OFF
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: ACCS PCM PID.
- Select PANEL press the A/C button (indicator off) on the HVAC controls.
- Does the ACCS PCM PID read OFF?
  - Yes : GO to O7.
  - No : GO to O3.
O3 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR CYCLING SWITCH (ACCS) PCM PID WITH HVAC MODULE DISCONNECTED
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - Electronic Manual Temperature Control (EMTC) C2357.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) C228A.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - DATC C228B.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: ACCS PCM PID.
- Observe the ACCS PCM PID.
- Does the ACCS PCM PID read OFF?
  - Yes : GO to O6.
  - No : GO to O7.
O4 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING REQUEST SIGNAL (AC_REQ) PCM PID WITH THE A/C OFF
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: AC_REQ PCM PID.
- Select PANEL press the A/C button (indicator off) on the HVAC controls.
- Does the AC_REQ PCM PID read OFF?
  - Yes : GO to O7.
  - No : GO to O5.
O5 CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONING REQUEST SIGNAL (AC_REQ) PCM PID WITH HVAC MODULE DISCONNECTED
- Disconnect: HVAC Module C228A.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module C228B.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: ACCS PCM PID.
- Observe the AC_REQ PCM PID.
- Does the AC_REQ PCM PID read OFF?
  - Yes : GO to O6.
  - No : GO to O7.
O6 CHECK THE MODULE CONNECTION
- Inspect the module connectors for:
  - corrosion.
  - pushed-out terminals.
  - damaged terminals.
- Connect and correctly seat all the HVAC module connectors.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
  - Yes : INSTALL a new HVAC module. REFER to CLIMATE CONTROL . TEST the system for normal operation.
  - No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
O7 CHECK THE PCM CONNECTION
- Disconnect all the PCM connectors.
- Inspect the module connectors for:
  - corrosion.
  - pushed-out terminals.
  - damaged terminals.
- Connect and correctly seat all the PCM connectors.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
  - Yes : INSTALL a new PCM. TEST the system for normal operation.
  - No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.