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Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test


This test measures the operating efficiency of the A/C system under the following conditions:


The current ambient air temperature

The current relative humidity

The high side pressure of the A/C system

The low side pressure of the A/C system

The temperature of the air being discharged into the passenger compartment


Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1

This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.

2

This step measures the performance of the A/C system.

3

This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient temperatures.

Step Action Values Yes No
Note
The ambient air temperature must be at least 16°C (60°F) .

Do not induce additional air flow across the front of the vehicle during the test.

If you were sent here from a DTC diagnostic table, clear the DTC upon completion of this test.


1

1. Park the vehicle inside or in the shade.

2. Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.

3. If the A/C system was operating, allow the A/C system to equalize for about 2 minutes.

4. Turn OFF the ignition.

5. Install the J-43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center or GE-48800 CoolTech A/C Recharge Machine

6. Record the ambient air temperature and humidity.

7. Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings.


Are both the low side and high side pressures within the specified value?
More than 16°C (60°F) - 345 kPa (50 psi) More than 24°C (75°F) - 483 kPa (70 psi) More than 33°C (90°F) - 690 kPa (100 psi) Go to Step 2 Go to Leak Testing
2

1.
Note

Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.


Close the vehicle doors and windows.

2. Open the drivers door window 12.7-15.2 cm (5-6 in).

3. Select the following HVAC control settings:

The A/C is ON.

The coldest temperature setting

The maximum blower speed

Recirculation mode

The instrument panel (I/P) outlet mode

All I/P outlets are OPEN.

4. Install thermometers in the left and right center panel air outlets.

5. Apply the parking brake.

6. Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions:

PARK (Automatic)

NEUTRAL (Manual)

7. Start the engine and warm to operating temperature.

8. Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes.

9. Inspect A/C components for the following conditions:

Abnormal frost areas

Unusual noises

10. Record the following information:

The panel outlet air temperatures

The low-side pressure

The high-side pressure

11. Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the A/C Performance Table below.


Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table below?
- Go to Step 5 Go to Step 3
3
If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges:
1. Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes.

2. Record the pressures and temperatures again.

3. Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperature to the A/C Performance Table below.


Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table below?
- Go to Step 5 Go to Step 4
4
Perform the necessary repairs. Refer to A/C Diagnostics Chart . Is the action complete? - Go to Step 5 -
5
Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results? - System OK Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic



A/C Performance Table

Ambient Temperature Relative Humidity Low Side Service Port Pressure High Side Service Port Pressure Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F) 0-100% 175-200 kPa (25-30 psi) 500-850 kPa (70-125 psi) 5°C (40°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F) Less than 40% 175-240 kPa (25-35 psi) 690-1100 kPa (100-160 psi) 5°C (40°F)
Greater than 40% 175-240 kPa (25-35 psi) 690-1100 kPa (100-160 psi) 7°C (45°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F) Less than 35% 175-240 kPa (25-35 psi) 1000-1300 kPa (145-190 psi) 10°C (50°F)
35-60% 175-240 kPa (25-35 psi) 1000-1340 kPa (145-195 psi) 10°C (50°F)
Greater than 60% 175-280 kPa (25-40 psi) 1000-1370 kPa (145-200 psi) 10°C (50°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F) Less than 30% 175-280 kPa (25-40 psi) 1240-1590 kPa (180-230 psi) 13°C (55°F)
30-50% 175-280 kPa (25-40 psi) 1240-1620 kPa (180-235 psi) 13°C (55°F)
Greater than 50% 175-280 kPa (25-40 psi) 1240-1650 kPa (180-240 psi) 13°C (55°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F) Less than 20% 240-320 kPa (35-45 psi) 1500-1860 kPa (215-270 psi) 15°C (60°F)
20-40% 240-320 kPa (35-45 psi) 1500-1900 kPa (215-275 psi) 15°C (60°F)
Greater than 40% 240-320 kPa (35-45 psi) 1500-1900 kPa (215-275 psi) 15°C (60°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F) Less than 20% 280-350 kPa (40-50 psi) 1765-2100 kPa (255-305 psi) 18°C (65°F)
Greater than 20% 280-350 kPa (40-50 psi) 1765-2100 kPa (255-305 psi) 18°C (65°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F) Below 30% 320-380 kPa (45-55 psi) 2000-2240 kPa (290-325 psi) 20°C (70°F)