Performance Test

2006 Honda Ridgeline RTLSECTION Performance Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Honda Pilot, 2007 Honda Pilot, and 2006 Honda Pilot. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

The performance test will help determine if the air conditioner system is operating within specifications.

NOTE:
  • If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
  • Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/ charging station to the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure service port, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
  3. Remove the glove box stops (see GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ), and let the glove box hang down.
  4. Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.
    Fig 1: Inserting Thermometer In Center Vent & Placing Thermometer Near Blower Unit
    G04246908Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit.
  6. Test conditions:
    • Avoid direct sunlight.
    • Open hood.
    • Open front doors.
    • Set the temperature control dial to Max Cool, the mode control switch to Vent, and the recirculation control switch to Recirculate.
    • Turn the A/C switch on and the fan switch to Max.
    • Run the engine at 1,500 RPM.
    • No driver or passengers in vehicle.
  7. After running the air conditioning for 10 minutes under the above test conditions, read the delivery temperature from the thermometer in the center vent, the intake temperature near the blower unit, and the high and low system pressure from the A/C gauges.
  8. Refer to the inspection data.

    Inspection data 

    Example Intake temperature (dry): 86°F (30°C) Humidity level 70% 

    Intake temperature (wet): 77.9°F (25.5°C) 

    Intake pressure: 294 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm 2  ) (42.7 psi) 

    Delivery temperature: 68.9°F (20.5°C) 

    Delivery pressure: 2010 kPa (20.5 kgf/cm 2  ) (291.6 psi) 

    Results: Within normal range 

    Fig 2: Delivery Temperature & Pressure Graph
    G04246909Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Pressure Test 

PROBLEM SYMPTOM TABLE (PRESSURE TEST)

Test results Related symptoms Probable cause Remedy
Discharge (high) pressure abnormally high After stopping A/C compressor, pressure drops about 196 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 , 28 psi) quickly, and then falls gradually Air in system Recover, evacuate (see SYSTEM EVACUATION  ), and recharge with specified amount (see SYSTEM CHARGING  )
Reduced or no airflow through A/C condenser
  • Clogged condenser or radiator fins
  • Condenser or radiator fan not working properly
  • Clean
  • Check voltage and fan RPM
  • Check fan direction
Line to A/C condenser is excessively hot Restricted flow of refrigerant in system Restricted lines
Discharge pressure abnormally low
  • High and low-pressures are balanced soon after stopping A/C compressor
  • Low side is higher than normal
  • Faulty A/C compressor discharge valve
  • Faulty A/C compressor seal
Replace the A/C compressor
Outlet of expansion valve is not frosted, low-pressure gauge indicates vacuum
  • Faulty expansion valve
  • Moisture in system
  • Replace
  • Recover, evacuate, and recharge with specified amount
Suction (low) pressure abnormally low Expansion valve is not frosted, and low-pressure line is not cold. Low-pressure gauge indicates vacuum
  • Frozen expansion valve (Moisture in system)
  • Faulty expansion valve
  • Recover, evacuate, and recharge with specified amount
  • Replace the expansion valve
Discharge temperature is low, and the airflow from vents is restricted Frozen evaporator Run the fan with A/C compressor off, then check evaporator temperature sensor
Expansion valve is frosted Clogged expansion valve Clean or replace
Suction pressure abnormally high Low-pressure hose and check joint are cooler than the temperature around evaporator Expansion valve open too long Repair or replace
Suction pressure is lowered when A/C condenser is cooled by water Excessive refrigerant in system Recover, evacuate, and recharge with specified amount
High and low-pressures are equalized as soon as the A/C compressor is stopped, and both gauges fluctuate while running
  • Faulty gasket
  • Faulty high-pressure valve
  • Foreign particle stuck in high-pressure valve
Replace the A/C compressor
Suction and discharge pressures abnormally high Reduced airflow through A/C condenser
  • Clogged A/C condenser or radiator fins
  • A/C condenser or radiator fan not working properly
  • Clean
  • Check voltage and fan RPM
  • Check fan direction
Suction and discharge pressures abnormally low Low-pressure hose and metal end areas are cooler than evaporator Clogged or kinked low-pressure hose parts Repair or replace
Temperature around expansion valve is too low compared with that around receiver/dryer Clogged high-pressure line Repair or replace
Refrigerant leaks A/C compressor clutch is dirty A/C compressor shaft seal leaking Replace the A/C compressor
A/C compressor bolt(s) are dirty Leaking around bolt(s) Tighten bolt(s) or replace A/C compressor
A/C compressor gasket is wet with oil Gasket leaking Replace the A/C compressor
A/C fitting is dirty Leaking O-ring Clean the A/C fitting and replace the O-ring
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.