Pinpoint Test K : The A/C (Air Conditioning) Is Inoperative

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may cause damage to the connector.

NOTE: Some PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may inhibit A/C operation. If any PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are retrieved, diagnose those first. Refer to DTC Chart: PCM .

K1 CHECK THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) SYSTEM PRESSURE

NOTE: Static refrigerant pressure, under perfect conditions, should approximately reflect ambient air temperature. Do not rely upon the static refrigerant pressure alone to determine if the system is properly charged. Refer to the current Ford Web Based Technical Training courses for basic HVAC system refrigerant operation.

Ignition OFF.

With a manifold gauge set connected, check for minimum A/C system pressure.

Is the A/C system pressure above 290 kPa (42 psi)?

Yes

GO to K2

CHECK the A/C system for leaks. REFER to: Electronic Leak Detection - Vehicles With: R1234YF Refrigerant . REFER to: Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection - Vehicles With: R1234YF Refrigerant .RECHARGE the A/C system. REFER to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging - Vehicles With: R1234YF Refrigerant .

K2 CHECK THE COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Ignition ON.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, carry out the network test.

Do the HVAC control module and the PCM pass the network test?

Yes

GO to K3

No	DIAGNOSE the HVAC control module or PCM does not communicate with the diagnostic scan tool. REFER to: Communications Network .

K3 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) PRESSURE SENSOR (ACP_PRESS) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
- With the manifold gauge set connected, compare the pressure readings of the manifold gauge set and the ACP_PRESS PID.
Are the pressure values of the manifold gauge set and the ACP_PRESS PCM PID within ± 15 psi (103 KPA)?

Yes GO to K4

No DIAGNOSE the pressure transducer. GO to Pinpoint Test B

K4 ELECTRIC COOLING FAN FUNCTIONAL CHECK

Ignition ON.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, carry out the PCM KOEO self-test.

Does the electric cooling fan operate sometime during the KOEO self-test?

Yes

GO to K5

No	DIAGNOSE the electric cooling fan operation. REFER to Engine Controls - Introduction (Except Diesel & Hybrid) .

K5 COMPARE THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION) AND THE OTHER TEMPERATURE SENSOR READINGS TO THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE (AAT) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)

NOTE: Compare multiple engine sensor readings to the ambient temperature to determine sensors are reading correctly. A faulty sensor can cause the PCM to disable the A/C with or without a DTC.

Allow the vehicle exterior and interior to stabilize to ambient temperature. This can take a soak period of at least 6 hours.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).

Monitor the AAT, CACT, CHT, ECT, IAT, IAT2, MAF, MAPT, TCB and TCIPT Parameter Identifications (PIDs) (as applicable).

Are the temperature values similar (typically within 18 °C (32.4 °F))?

Yes

GO to K6

DIAGNOSE the suspect temperature sensor. REFER to Information Center - Instrumentation, Message Center And Warning Chimes for Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor or Outside Air Temperature Display concerns. For all other temperature sensor concerns, REFER to Engine Controls - Introduction (Except Diesel & Hybrid) .

K6 COMPARE ALL AVAILABLE HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING) CONTROL MODULE TEMPERATURE SENSOR PARAMETER IDENTIFICATIONS (PIDS) TO THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE (AAT) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)

Ignition OFF.

Allow the vehicle exterior and interior to stabilize to ambient temperature.

Ignition ON.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).

Monitor and record the PCM AAT PID.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the HVAC control module Parameter Identifications (PIDs).

Monitor the HVAC control module temperature sensor Parameter Identifications (PIDs) AIRTEMP_LF, AIRTEMP_LP, AIRTEMP_RF, AIRTEMP_RP, EVAP_TEMP, INT_TEMP, LDFTEMP, LDPT (as applicable).

Are the temperature values similar (typically within 18 °C (32.4 °F)?

Yes	If equipped with the active grille shutter system, GO to K7If not equipped with the active grille shutter system, GO to K8

DIAGNOSE the suspect temperature sensor. REFER to Information Center - Instrumentation, Message Center And Warning Chimes for Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor or Outside Air Temperature Display concerns. For evaporator temperature sensor concern, GO to Pinpoint Test F For in-vehicle temperature sensor concern, GO to Pinpoint Test E

K7 VERIFY THE GRILLE SHUTTER OPERATION USING THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) GRILL SHUTTER A POSITION - COMMANDED (GRILL_A_CMD) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)

Start the engine and allow it to idle for at least 30 seconds to allow for the grille shutter calibration to complete.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view PCM PID.

Using a diagnostic scan tool, select the PCM PID GRILL_A_CMD and command the grille shutter from 100% (open) to 0% (closed) while observing the grille shutter operation from the front of the vehicle.

Does the grill shutter fully open and close when commanded by the scan tool?

Yes

GO to K8

No	DIAGNOSE the active grille shutter is inoperative or does not operate correctly. REFER to: Active Grille Shutter .

K8 CHECK THE HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING) CONTROL MODULE A/C SWITCH (CC_SW_AC) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION) WITH THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) ON
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, monitor the HVAC control module CC_SW_AC PID.
- On the HVAC controls, select PANEL and then press the A/C button (indicator ON).
Does the PID display On when the button is pressed?

Yes GO to K9

No GO to K17

K9 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) AIR CONDITIONING REQUEST SIGNAL (AC_REQ) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION) WITH THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) ON
- Start the engine.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, monitor the PCM AC_REQ PID.
- On the HVAC controls, select PANEL and then press the A/C button (indicator ON).
Does the PID display Yes when the button is pressed?

Yes GO to K11

No GO to K10

K10 RESET THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE (AAT) SENSOR

On the HVAC controls, press the A/C (air conditioning) and Recirc buttons simultaneously, then release both. Within 2 seconds press A/C button again.

Start the engine.

On the HVAC controls, set the temperature to full cold, select PANEL and select the A/C button (indicator on).

Does the A/C compressor turn on?

Yes	RETEST the A/C system for normal operation. CARRY OUT the refrigerant system tests. REFER to: Refrigerant System Tests .

GO to K11

K11 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR COMMANDED STATE (ACC_CMD) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION) WITH THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) COMMANDED ON
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, activate the PCM ACC_CMD PID.
Does the A/C compressor turn on?

Yes GO to K18

No GO to K12

K12 CHECK THE VOLTAGE TO THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) CLUTCH RELAY

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect the A/C clutch relay.

Measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
A/C clutch relay socket 1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground
A/C clutch relay socket 3	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Are the voltages greater than 11 volts?

Yes

GO to K13

No	VERIFY BJB fuse 27 (15A) and 34 (10A) are OK. If OK, REPAIR the circuit. If not OK, REFER to OEM Electrical Wiring Diagram Introduction to identify the possible causes of the circuit short.

K13 BYPASS THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) CLUTCH RELAY

Connect a fused jumper wire:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
A/C clutch relay socket 3	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	A/C clutch relay socket 5

Does the A/C compressor clutch engage?

Yes	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. INSTALL a new A/C clutch relay.

No	LEAVE the fused jumper wire installed. GO to K14

K14 CHECK THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) COMPRESSOR CLUTCH FIELD COIL VOLTAGE SUPPLY CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

Disconnect A/C clutch field coil C100 (1.5L and 2.0L engines) or C1680 (2.5L engines).

For vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine, measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C100-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

For vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C1680-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?

Yes	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. GO to K15

No	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. REPAIR the circuit.

K15 CHECK THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) COMPRESSOR CLUTCH FIELD COIL GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

For vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine, measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C100-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

For vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C1680-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?

Yes

GO to K16

No	REPAIR the circuit.

K16 CHECK THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) COMPRESSOR CLUTCH AIR GAP

Measure the A/C compressor clutch air gap at 3 equally spaced locations between the clutch hub and the A/C compressor clutch pulley. REFER to: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Air Gap Adjustment .

Is the A/C compressor clutch air gap greater than 0.6 mm (0.0236 in)?

Yes	ADJUST the A/C compressor clutch air gap. REFER to: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Air Gap Adjustment .

No	INSTALL a new A/C clutch and A/C clutch field coil. REFER to: Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch and Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Field Coil .

K17 CHECK FOR CORRECT HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING) CONTROL MODULE OPERATION

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect and inspect all HVAC control module electrical connectors (if not previously disconnected).

Repair:
- corrosion (install new connector or terminal - clean module pins)
- damaged or bent pins - install new terminals or pins
- pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary

Connect all HVAC control module electrical connectors. Make sure they seat and latch correctly.

Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?

Yes

CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA. If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new HVAC control module. REFER to: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module .

No	The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues.

K18 CHECK FOR AN INPUT DISABLING THE A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) CLUTCH RELAY

NOTE: The PCM strategy may disable the A/C compressor operation. If the A/C compressor clutch can be commanded on using IDS PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs) Active Commands, PCM replacement will not resolve the condition.

Diagnose the PCM not energizing the A/C clutch relay using the suggestions in the table below. Refer to Engine Controls - Reference Values (Except Diesel & Hybrid) .

A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because strategy has not yet detected hardware that indicates vehicle is equipped with A/C
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the strategy is operating in Ignition System Failure Mode
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the (ECU) received a Request to Command the A/C Off
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the engine has not yet reached a stable running mode after starting
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the A/C Discharge (Head) Pressure is Too High
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the Engine Coolant Temperature is Too High
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Prevent Frost and Ice Build Up on the Evaporator
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Prevent an Engine Stall during a Low Engine Speed condition
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Protect the Compressor from a Compressor Over-speed condition
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to temporarily make more power available when Accelerator Pedal is Fully Depressed
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because Low A/C Refrigerant Charge has been detected
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Protect the Compressor from Operating at Too Low of an Ambient Temperature
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited due to Missing Climate Control Message
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because the strategy is operating in Failsafe Cooling Mode
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Protect the Clutch from Damage because the Compressor Load and Speed are Too High
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited by the off portion of the A/C Cycling Strategy invoked to manage High Engine Temperature
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited due to Low Battery State of Charge
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Protect the Variable Displacement Compressor from Operating at Too Low of a Temperature
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to improve Brake Booster Vacuum
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited because Evaporator Temperature is sufficiently low and compressor was at minimum displacement
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited (Disabled) because the Evaporator Temperature is sufficiently below the target temperature
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to satisfy A/C Clutch minimum off time
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited Due to Request from Torque Control Strategy (to Temporarily Make More Power Available)
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited to Prevent Engine Stalling
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited Due to Request to Disable A/C from Stop-Start Strategy
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited (Delayed) to make Power Available for Power Steering
A/C Clutch Engagement Is Inhibited Due To State Of Auxiliary A/C Disable (Typically A Pressure Or Temperature) Switch 1 input
A/C Clutch Engagement is inhibited due to state of auxiliary A/C Disable (Typically a Pressure or Temperature) Switch 2 input

Are any of the conditions described above not within normal parameters?

Yes	DIAGNOSE the condition found to be disabling the A/C clutch relay. REFER to the appropriate service information or Refer to: Engine Controls - Introduction (Except Diesel & Hybrid) .

The A/C compressor clutch can be commanded on using the IDS PCM Active command PID. The A/C inoperative concern may be caused by an intermittent condition due to a component or module connection, wiring or pin issue. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues. CHECK the vehicle service history for recent service actions that have replaced modules. This condition may be due to incomplete or incorrect PMI procedures.