Chevrolet Trax: DTC P0532 OR P0533: Air conditioning (a/c) refrigerant pressure sensor

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of the diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0532

Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0533

Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) monitors the high side refrigerant pressure through the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. The ECM supplies a 5 V reference and a low reference to the sensor. Changes in the A/C refrigerant pressure cause the sensor signal to the ECM to vary. When the pressure is high, the signal voltage is high. When the pressure is low, the signal voltage is low. The ECM may use this information to turn the cooling fans on as well as to monitor clutch engagement. The HVAC module will receive the A/C refrigerant pressure information from the ECM via serial data.

Conditions for Running the DTC

• Engine is running.
• Any of the conditions for setting the DTC are met for 15 s.
• Battery voltage is between 11-18 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0532

The ECM detects that the A/C pressure is less than 1 psi (0.25 V).

P0533

The ECM detects that the A/C pressure is more than 428 psi (4.92 V).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• The A/C compressor is disabled.
• The ECM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

A malfunction within the refrigerant system causing high pressure can cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics (Encore)

Connector End View Reference

WIRING SYSTEMS AND POWER MANAGEMENT - COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX - ENCORE WIRING SYSTEMS AND POWER MANAGEMENT - COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX - TRAX

Description and Operation

Automatic HVAC Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (LUV) , Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (2H0)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON
2. Verify the scan tool engine control module A/C High Side Pressure Sensor parameter is between 6.8 kPa (1 psi) and 2950 kPa (428 psi).

• If not between 6.8 kPa (1 psi) and 2950 kPa (428 psi)

Refer to Circuit/System Testing

If between 6.8 kPa (1 psi) and 2950 kPa (428 psi)

3. All OK

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B1 A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor. It may take up to 2 min for all vehicle systems to power down.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.

If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the low reference circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If less than 10 ohms

3. Ignition ON.
4. Test for 4.8-5.2 V between the 5 V reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

If less than 4.8 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the 5 V reference circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the 5 V reference circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If greater than 5.2 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the 5 V reference circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If between 4.8-5.2 V

5. Verify the scan tool A/C High Side Pressure Sensor parameter is less than .25 V.

If .25 V or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If less than .25 V

6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the 5 V reference circuit terminal 2.
7. Verify the scan tool A/C High Side Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than 4.8 V.

If 4.8 V or less

1. Ignition OFF, remove the jumper wire, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If greater than 4.8 V

8. Test or replace the B1 A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

• HVAC Component Replacement Reference
• Control Module References for engine control module replacement, programming and setup

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