Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Performance Test
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
- Remove the glove box stops (see GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ), and let the glove box hang down.
- Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.
- Place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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 |
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| Line to A/C condenser is excessively hot | Restricted flow of refrigerant in system | Restricted lines | |
| Discharge pressure abnormally low |
|
|
Replace the A/C compressor |
| Outlet of expansion valve is not frosted, low-pressure gauge indicates vacuum |
|
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|
| Suction (low) pressure abnormally low | Expansion valve is not frosted, and low-pressure line is not cold. Low-pressure gauge indicates vacuum |
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| 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 |
|
Replace the A/C compressor | |
| Suction and discharge pressures abnormally high | Reduced airflow through A/C condenser |
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| 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 |
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.