A/C Performance Test

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

NOTE: When connecting the service equipment coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the amount of effort required to make the connection.

1. Connect a tachometer and manifold gauge set.
2. Set control to A/C, RECIRC, and PANEL, 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 closed and windows open.
5. Insert a thermometer in the left center A/C panel outlet and operate the engine for five minutes. The A/C clutch may cycle depending on ambient conditions. If the clutch cycles, unplug the low pressure cycling clutch switch wire harness connector from the switch located on the accumulator. Place a jumper wire across the terminals of the low pressure cycling clutch switch wire harness connector.
6. With the A/C clutch engaged, compare the discharge air temperature to the A/C Performance Temperatures charts.

A/C Performance Temperatures - Non-Turbo:

A/C Performance Temperatures - 2.4L Turbo:

7. If the discharge air temperature fails to meet the specifications in the performance temperature charts, refer to SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST for further diagnosis.