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Symptom Troubleshooting Index

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Symptom Diagnostic procedure Also check for
The blower and heater controls and the A/C system do not work Probable cause: HVAC control malfunction Do the heater control power and ground circuit troubleshooting (see HEATER CONTROL POWER AND GROUND CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  )
The A/C compressor clutch and the A/C condenser/radiator fans are inoperative, but the blower and heater controls work Probable cause: A/C pressure switch circuit malfunction
Troubleshoot the A/C pressure switch circuit (see A/C PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING )
The A/C compressor clutch does not engage, but the A/C condenser/radiator fans operate, and the blower and heater controls work Probable cause: No power to the A/C compressor clutch
Do the A/C compressor clutch circuit troubleshooting (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  )
The A/C compressor clutch does not disengage when the A/C switch is off Probable cause: The A/C compressor clutch circuit is on (energized) continuously, or the A/C compressor clutch is mechanically jammed
The A/C compressor relief valve. If it has vented refrigerant to the atmosphere, correct the problem with the A/C compressor clutch or clutch circuit, then replace the relief valve (see A/C COMPRESSOR RELIEF VALVE REPLACEMENT  )
The A/C compressor relief valve has vented refrigerant Probable cause: A high-side restriction, the A/C condenser/radiator fans are inoperative, or the A/C compressor clutch is not disengaging
Powertrain DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION )
The A/C condenser fan is inoperative, but the radiator fan runs with the A/C on. The blower and heater controls work normally Probable cause: A/C condenser fan circuit malfunction
Do the A/C condenser fan circuit troubleshooting (see A/C CONDENSER FAN CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  )
The A/C condenser and radiator fans are inoperative with the A/C on. The blower and heater controls work normally Probable cause: Radiator/condenser fan common circuit malfunction
Do the radiator and A/C condenser fan common circuit troubleshooting (see RADIATOR AND A/C CONDENSER FAN COMMON CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  )
The A/C compressor clutch cycles rapidly on and off Probable cause:
Warm air comes out of the vents. The suction line is cool to warm, and the discharge line is warm to hot Probable cause: A/C system is low on refrigerant, indicating a possible leak
Do the refrigerant leak check (see REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK  ) and repair any leaks. Recharge the system to specifications (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
Warm air comes out of the vents, and the high pressure liquid line is very hot Probable causes: The A/C system is overcharged (too much refrigerant), or the A/C condenser is malfunctioning
Recover A/C refrigerant (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY  ), then check the A/C condenser for restrictions or poor airflow. Repair as needed. Recharge the system to specifications (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
  • Incorrect tension or abnormal wear on the drive belt. Replace the belt and/or the belt tensioner as needed
  • Proper operation of the A/C condenser/radiator fans. Repair as needed
  • Signs of an overheated engine. Repair as needed
Warm air comes out of the vents. The suction line is cool to warm, the discharge line is warm to hot, and there is no frost on the expansion valve Probable cause: Excessive air and/or moisture in the system, indicating a possible leak
Do the refrigerant leak check (see REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK  ) and repair any leaks. Replace the receiver/dryer (see RECEIVER/DRYER DESICCANT REPLACEMENT  ), then recharge the system to specifications (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
Warm air comes out of the vents. The liquid line or the condenser outlet is abnormally cool, or there is frost or condensation on the receiver/dryer Probable cause: A restriction in the high-pressure side of the system
Recover A/C refrigerant (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY  ), then check the liquid line, the receiver/dryer and the A/C condenser for restrictions. Repair as needed. Recharge the system to specifications (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
HVAC DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION  )
There is heavy frost or condensation on the expansion valve, and frost on the suction line Probable cause: A restriction in the low-pressure side of the system
Recover A/C refrigerant (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY  ), then check the suction line, and the expansion valve for restrictions. Repair as needed. Recharge the system to specifications (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
HVAC DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION  )
Warm air comes out of the vents, but A/C command is normal (A/C button and clutch are on) Probable cause: Compressor failure
Do the A/C system test (see A/C SYSTEM TEST  ), and correct any problems. If necessary, replace the A/C compressor (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT  )
Driver's and passenger's side vent temperatures vary by more than 20°F (11°C) Probable causes: The recirculation control door or the air mix door is malfunctioning
Do the following troubleshooting:
Warm air comes out of the vents, and there is frost on the expansion valve Probable cause: The expansion valve is stuck closed Replace the expansion valve (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT  )
  • HVAC DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION  )
  • Check the old expansion valve for contamination. If contaminants are found, replace the A/C system component that caused the contamination
The temperature of the liquid line is the same on both sides of the expansion valve, and the evaporator coil or suction line has heavy condensation Probable cause: The expansion valve is stuck open Replace the expansion valve (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT  )
  • HVAC DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION  )
  • Check the old expansion valve for contamination. If contaminants are found, replace the A/C system component that caused the contamination
Insufficient heating
  1. Check the coolant level (see COOLANT REPLACEMENT )
  2. Check the radiator cap (see RADIATOR CAP TEST )
  3. Check the coolant temperature during normal operation
  4. Check the operation of the heater valve (see HEATER VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT  )
  5. Check the heater core inlet hose temperature:
    • If it is COLD, check for restrictions in the hose, a damaged or leaking thermostat, or a damaged or leaking water pump
    • If it is HOT, check for restrictions in the heater core. Back flush or replace the heater core
  6. Do the air mix control motor test (see AIR MIX CONTROL MOTOR TEST  )
  7. Check the blower motor unit for obstructions
  8. Check for air leaks around the ducts and vents