AutoCodes – GMC – P1EC9 GMC

P1EC9 GMC Code - A/C Compressor Motor Instantaneous High Current

Quick Answer

The AC compressor function is to provide refrigerant flow in the AC refrigerant loop to help cool down the cabin, help dehumidify the air in a defrost mode and help maintain the battery temperature. Common causes include Faulty A/C Compressor Motor, A/C Compressor Motor harness is open or shorted, A/C Compressor Motor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1EC9 GMC indicates A/C Compressor Motor Instantaneous High Current.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty A/C Compressor Motor, A/C Compressor Motor harness is open or shorted, A/C Compressor Motor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 939

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 25, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1EC9 GMC Description

The AC compressor function is to provide refrigerant flow in the AC refrigerant loop to help cool down the cabin, help dehumidify the air in a defrost mode and help maintain the battery temperature. Rather than a more typical pulley, the A/C compressor uses a 3-phase alternating current, high voltage electric motor to operate. It has an on-board inverter that takes High Voltage direct current from the vehicle's High Voltage Battery and inverts it to alternating current for the motor. The AC compressor shall be activated when any of the three following events occur:
- The customer pushes the AC button
- The HVAC control, in AUTO mode, requests the electric AC compressor on to help in cooling the cabin or removing moisture in the defrost mode
- The High Voltage Battery Thermal System requests the AC compressor on to help maintain the battery temperature
The Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2 uses values from the A/C refrigerant pressure transducers, A/C refrigerant thermistor, duct temperature sensors, ambient air temperature sensor, passenger compartment temperature sensor, evaporator temperature sensor, battery cell temperature sensors, battery coolant temperature sensors and battery coolant pumps to determine the speed at which the compressor will operate. This speed request message is sent from the Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2 to the A/C compressor control module via GM LAN message.

OBDII Code P1EC9 GMC - A/C Compressor Motor Instantaneous High Current - AutoCodes.com — P1EC9 GMC Code - A/C Compressor Motor Instantaneous High Current

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1EC9 GMC?

Faulty A/C Compressor Motor
A/C Compressor Motor harness is open or shorted
A/C Compressor Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1EC9 GMC?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1EC9 GMC code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1EC9 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1EC9 in a GMC related to the A/C compressor motor?

- Common symptoms include the A/C system not cooling properly, unusual noises coming from the compressor, and the A/C system intermittently cutting out.

2. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P1EC9 indicating high current in the A/C compressor motor in a GMC?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty A/C compressor motor, damaged wiring or connectors, low refrigerant levels, or a problem with the A/C compressor clutch.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1EC9 in my GMC related to the high current of the A/C compressor motor?

- Diagnose the code by inspecting the A/C compressor motor and its wiring for any visible damage, testing the electrical connections, checking refrigerant levels, and using a multimeter to measure current draw.

4. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code P1EC9 in a GMC indicating high current in the A/C compressor motor?

- Repair tips include replacing a faulty A/C compressor motor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, recharging the refrigerant, and ensuring proper operation of the A/C compressor clutch.

5. Can OBDII code P1EC9 in a GMC related to the A/C compressor motor be safely driven with?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with OBDII code P1EC9 active, as it can lead to further damage to the A/C system and potentially affect the overall performance of the vehicle.

6. How urgent is it to address OBDII code P1EC9 indicating high current in the A/C compressor motor in a GMC?

- It is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any further damage to the A/C system and ensure optimal cooling performance, especially in hot weather conditions.

7. Are there any preventative measures to avoid triggering OBDII code P1EC9 related to the A/C compressor motor in a GMC?

- Regularly servicing the A/C system, checking for refrigerant leaks, and ensuring proper electrical connections can help prevent issues that may trigger the code.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge repair OBDII code P1EC9 in a GMC affecting the A/C compressor motor?

- Depending on the specific cause, a DIY enthusiast with basic knowledge may be able to address the issue by replacing the A/C compressor motor, checking wiring, or recharging refrigerant. However, diagnosing and repairing electrical issues may require professional help.

9. Will resetting the OBDII system clear OBDII code P1EC9 related to the A/C compressor motor in a GMC?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but it is essential to diagnose and address the root cause of the issue to prevent the code from reoccurring.

10. How much can I expect to pay for repairing OBDII code P1EC9 in a GMC associated with the A/C compressor motor?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code P1EC9 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.