A/C Compressor Does Not Operate

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, and 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Use scan tool to ensure no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present. If DTCs are present, see BODY CONTROL MODULES - CAVALIER & SUNFIRE article for diagnostics.

NOTE: Ensure HVAC, ERLS fuses (10-amp) located in instrument panel fuse block and A/C fuse (10-amp) are okay.

Turn ignition ON. Check for voltage at connector C3 terminal "B" (Brown wire) of A/C-heater control (HVAC) panel. If voltage is present, go to next step. If voltage is not present, check for open in Brown wire.
Turn mode selector to defrost and blower switch to low. Using DVOM, check for voltage at terminal "A" (Light Green wire) at HVAC panel. If voltage is not present, replace HVAC panel. If voltage is present, go to next step.
Check for voltage at connector C1 terminal "F" (Brown wire) of HVAC panel. If voltage is present, go to next step. If voltage is not present, check for open in Brown wire and repair as necessary. If Brown wire is okay, replace HVAC panel.
Turn mode selector to vent and turn A/C switch ON. Remove instrument cluster. Check for voltage at connector C1 terminal B11 (terminal B10 on Sunfire) Light Green/Black wire. If voltage is present, go to next step. If voltage is not present, check for open in Light Green/Black wire. If Light Green/Black wire is okay, replace HVAC panel.
Disconnect A/C relay, located in underhood fuse block. Check for voltage at terminals No. 85 (Pink wire) and 30 (Orange wire). If voltage is not present, check for open in appropriate wire. If voltage is present, go to next step.
Using DVOM, check for continuity between terminal No. 86 (Dark Green/White wire) and ground. If continuity is present, go to next step. If continuity is not present, check for open in Dark Green/White wire. If continuity is present, replace Powertrain Control module (PCM).
Using a fused jumper wire, jump terminals No. 30 (Orange wire) and 87 (Dark Green wire). If compressor operates, replace A/C relay. If compressor does not operate, go to next step.
Disconnect A/C compressor connector. Check for voltage at terminal "A" (Dark Green wire) at A/C compressor. If voltage is present, check for continuity between terminal "B" (Black wire) and ground. If continuity is present, replace A/C compressor clutch. If continuity is not present, check for open in ground circuit and recheck compressor operation.