A/C Performance Testing

Fig. 3 Performance Temperature Chart. Front Wheel Drive Vans:

A/C PERFORMANCE TEST
The air-conditioning system is designed to remove heat and humidity from the air entering the passenger compartment. The evaporator, located in the heater A/C unit behind the instrument panel, is cooled to temperatures near the freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the fins in the evaporator, moisture in the air condenses to water, dehumidifying the air. Condensation on the evaporator fins reduces the evaporators ability to absorb heat. During periods of high heat and humidity, an air-conditioning system will be less effective than during periods of high heat and low humidity. With the instrument control set to RECIRC, only air from the passenger compartment passes through the evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehumidifies, A/C performance levels rise.

PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings before proceeding with this procedure.

NOTE: Air temperature in test room and on vehicle must be 70°F (21°C) minimum for this test.

1. Connect a tachometer and manifold gauge set.
2. Set control to A/C, RECIRC, PANEL, or MAX A/C, temperature lever on full cool and blower on high.
3. Start engine and hold at 1000 rpm with A/C clutch engaged.
4. Engine should be warmed up with doors and windows closed.
5. Insert a thermometer in the left center A/C outlet and operate the engine for five minutes. The A/C clutch may cycle depending on ambient conditions.
6. With the A/C clutch engaged, compare the discharge air temperature to the A/C Performance Temperatures chart.
7. If the discharge air temperature fails to meet the specifications in the performance temperature chart. Refer to the Performance Temperature charts above for further test information.