Refrigerant System Troubleshooting

WARNING: Always wear safety goggles when charging or discharging system. Be sure work area is well ventilated. R-12 is heavier than air and can accumulate in areas of poor air circulation. Leak detection should be performed with a locally supplied electronic leak detector.

CAUTION: Refrigerant system has no sight glass and must not be topped up. If refrigerant level cannot be determined, system must be evacuated and refilled.





General Circuit Diagram

Troubleshooting preparations
- Do not park car in sunlight
- V-belt properly tensioned
- Condenser and radiator free of obstructions
- Air ducts for condenser and radiator installed properly
- Close valves on pressure test gauges
- Connect high pressure gauge to refrigerant high pressure valve
- Remove refrigerant low pressure switch and connect low pressure gauge
- Bridge terminals of refrigerant low pressure switch connector
- Run engine until warm, oil temp. over 165°F (60~C)
- Set climate control head to AUTO 60°F (15°C)
- Open center vents in instrument panel
- Insert thermometer in center vent
- Recirculation air door closed
- Temp. regulating heater flaps closed (check by hand)
- Engine speed set to 2000 RPM
- Radiator fan operating
- Compare pressures with those on graph






Hi Pressure vs Ambient Air Temp
Pressure on high pressure side of refrigerant circuit will vary with outside temperatures.

Pressure on low pressure side of refrigerant circuit will vary between 1.2 bar (18.9 psi) and 1.6 bar (24.7 psi).

Note: Refrigerant system has no sight glass. System must not be topped up. If low refrigerant charge is suspected, system must be evacuated and recharged with 1100g (38.0 oz) refrigerant R-12.

CAUTION: Always discharge refrigerant from air conditioner system before loosening connections, hoses, etc. Plug all openings in system when removingireplacing parts. This prevents entry of dirt and moisture.