A/C Performance Testing

The air conditioning system is designed to provide the passenger compartment with low temperature and low humidity air. The evaporators, located in the heater-A/C housing on the dash panel below the instrument panel and in the rear overhead A/C unit housing above the headliner, are cooled to temperatures near the freezing point. As warm damp air passes through the cooled evaporators, the air transfers its heat to the refrigerant in the evaporator tubes and the moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods of high heat and humidity, an air conditioning system will be more effective in the recirculation mode (Max-A/C). With the system in the recirculation mode, only air from the passenger compartment passes through the evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehumidifies, the air conditioning system performance levels improve.

Humidity has an important bearing on the temperature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehicle. it is important to understand the effect that humidity has on the performance of the air conditioning system. When humidity is high, the evaporator has to perform a double duty it must lower the air temperature, and it must lower the temperature of the moisture in the air that condenses on the evaporator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air transfers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing. This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature of the air.

However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wringing some of the moisture out of the air entering the vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers, Although, an owner may expect too much from their air conditioning system on humid days. A performance test is the best way to determine whether the system is performing up to standard. This test also provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of trouble with the air conditioning system.

Review the Service Warnings and Precautions in the General Information before performing this procedure. The air temperature in the test room and in the vehicle must be a minimum of 21° C (70° F) for this test.
1. Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set.
2. Set the heater-A/C mode control switch knob in the recirculation mode (Max-A/C) position, the temperature control knob in the full cool position, and the blower motor switch knob in the highest speed position.
3. Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. If the compressor clutch does not engage, see the A/C Diagnosis chart in the Diagnosis and Testing.
4. The engine should be at operating temperature. The doors and windows must be closed and the hood must be mostly closed.

CAUTION: Never insert a thermometer probe into the outlet for the optional rear overhead A/C unit. Failure to observe this caution could result In damage to the rear blower wheel and/or the thermometer.

5. Insert a thermometer in the driver side center A/C (panel) outlet for testing of the front unit, or hold a thermometer near the center outlets in the headliner for testing of the rear unit. Operate the engine for five minutes.
6. With the compressor clutch engaged, record the panel outlet or left center outlet discharge air temperature, the condenser out pressure (high side), and the compressor inlet pressure (low side). The compressor clutch may cycle, depending upon the ambient temperature and humidity If the clutch cycles, use the readings obtained before the clutch disengaged.
7. Compare the discharge air temperature reading to the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If the temperature reading is high for the rear unit, see Refrigerant System Leaks in the Diagnosis and Testing, and Refrigerant System Charge in the Service Procedures. If the temperature reading is high for the front unit, clamp off both heater hoses (inlet and outlet), wait five minutes and record the temperature again. Compare the second reading to the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If the temperature reading is now OK, see Temperature Control Cable in the Replacement and in the Adjustments. If the temperature reading is still too high, see Refrigerant System Leaks in the Diagnosis and Testing, and Refrigerant System Charge in the Service Procedures.

Performance Temperature And Pressure Chart:

8. Compare the discharge (high side) and suction (low side) pressure readings to the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If the pressures are abnormal, suction pressure is not normal, see the A/C Diagnosis chart in the Diagnosis and Testing.