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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBUICK1996ROADMASTER BASEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)HEATING, VENTILATION & A/C (HVAC)HVAC CONTROL SYSTEMSHVAC SYSTEM - AUTOMATICTESTINGA/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
1996 Buick Roadmaster Base

A/C System Performance

1996 Buick Roadmaster BaseSECTION A/C System Performance
  1. Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Connect tachometer. Install manifold gauge set. Start engine. Turn A/C on. Place mode selector in A/C position, temperature control on maximum cooling and blower motor switch in HI position.
  2. Close doors and windows and open hood. Place a high volume fan in front of radiator to ensure maximum airflow across condenser. Insert thermometer in right center air outlet. Idle engine for 10 minutes. Increase idle to 2000 RPM and measure temperature. Temperatures and pressures should be within correct range. See A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS and A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS tables.
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

Ambient Temp. °F (°C) Outlet Vent Temp. °F (°C)
70 (21) (2) 42 (6)
70 (21) (3) 43-52 (6-11)
80 (27) (2) 50-52 (10-11)
80 (27) (3) 54-62 (12-17)
90 (32) (2) 54-56 (12-13)
90 (32) (3) 60-72 (15-22)
100 (38) (2) 57-64 (14-18)
100 (38) (3) 69-78 (21-26)
(1) With engine at normal operating temperature and 2000 RPM.
(2) With relative humidity at less than 50 percent.
(3) With relative humidity at 50 percent or more.
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

Ambient Temp. °F (°C) High Side psi (kg/cm2 ) Low Side psi (kg/cm2 )
70 (21) (2) 190-200 (13.4-14.1) 23 (1.6)
70 (21) (3) 200-275 (14.1-19.3) 23-32 (1.6-2.2)
80 (27) (2) 250-285 (17.6-20.0) 30 (2.1)
80 (27) (3) 300-345 (21.1-24.3) 33-41 (2.3-2.9)
90 (32) (2) 300-320 (21.1-22.5) 35 (2.5)
90 (32) (3) 340-380 (23.9-26.7) 39-49 (2.7-3.4)
100 (38) (2) 330-370 (23.2-26.0) 37-43 (2.6-3.0)
100 (38) (3) 375-385 (26.4-27.1) 47-55 (3.3-3.9)
(1) With engine at normal operating temperature and 2000 RPM.
(2) With relative humidity at less than 50 percent.
(3) With relative humidity at 50 percent or more.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.