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A/C System Performance Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Cadillac Eldorado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Tools Required: ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center (J-43600) or equivalent.
NOTE: This test measures the operating efficiency of the A/C system under the following conditions: The current ambient air temperature, current relative humidity, high side pressure of the A/C system, low side pressure of the A/C system and temperature of the air being discharged into the passenger compartment.
NOTE: The ambient air temperature must be at least 60°F (16°C). 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.
    NOTE: This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
  1. Park the vehicle inside or in the shade. Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle. If the A/C system was operating, allow the A/C system to equalize for about 2 minutes. Turn the ignition off. Install the ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. Record the low and high side static pressure readings. Are both the low side and high side pressures within the specified value?
    • More than 60°F (16°C) - 50 psi (345 kPa).
    • More than 75°F (24°C) - 70 psi (483 kPa).
    • More than 90°F (33°C) - 100 psi (690 kPa).
    If so, go to next step. If not, check system for a refrigerant leak. See LEAK TESTING in GENERAL SERVICING PROCEDURES article in GENERAL SERVICING.
    2. NOTE: This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
  2. Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test. Close the vehicle doors and windows. Open the drivers door window 5-6 inches. Select the following HVAC control settings:
    • The A/C compressor is on.
    • Maximum blower speed.
    • Panel outlets.
    • Coldest temperature setting.
    • Open all air outlets.
    Install the temperature probes of the ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center in the left and right center panel air outlets. Apply the parking brake. Place automatic transaxle in Park or place manual transaxle in Neutral. Start the engine. Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes. Inspect A/C components for abnormal frost areas and unusual noises. Press the RESET button before using the print function of the ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. Print the panel outlet air temperatures, the low-side pressure and the high-side pressure. Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the table. See Fig 1. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table? If so, go to step  4. If not, go to next step.
    3. NOTE: This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient temperatures.
  3. If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges, continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes. Reset the ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center and record the pressures and temperatures again. Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperature to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table? See Fig 1. If so, go to step  8. If not, go to next step.
  4. Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges, but the outlet temperatures do not? If so, go to A/C PRESSURE ZONE "A" DIAGNOSIS  under SYSTEM TESTS. If not, go to next step.
  5. Is the low side pressure greater than the specified range, but the high side pressure within or less than the specified range? If so, go to A/C PRESSURE ZONE "B" DIAGNOSIS  under SYSTEM TESTS. If not, go to next step.
  6. Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges? If so, go to A/C PRESSURE ZONE "C" DIAGNOSIS  under SYSTEM TESTS. If not, go to next step.
  7. Is the high side pressure greater than the specified range, but the low side pressure is within or less than the specified range? If so, go to A/C PRESSURE ZONE "D" DIAGNOSIS  under SYSTEM TESTS. If not, go to next step.
  8. Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results? If so, system is okay. If not, see SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS  under TROUBLE SHOOTING.
Fig 1: A/C Performance Table
G00210115Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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