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A/C Performance






A/C PERFORMANCE

The A/C system is designed to provide the passenger compartment with low temperature and low humidity air. The A/C evaporator, located in the HVAC housing is cooled to temperatures near the freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the fins of the A/C evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the refrigerant in the evaporator coils and the moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods of high heat and humidity, an A/C 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 A/C evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehumidifies, the A/C system performance levels rise.

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 A/C system. When humidity is high, the A/C 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 coils. This reduces the amount of heat the A/C evaporator can absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces the ability of the A/C 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 A/C system on humid days. A performance test is the best way to determine whether the system is performing up to design standards. This test also provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of trouble with the A/C system. The ambient air temperature of the vehicle and the location where the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21° C (70° F) for this test. Also the evaporator temperature sensor must be a minimum of 18° C (65° F) for this test as well.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models use infrared, humidity, ambient and sun load sensors to calculate an A/C evaporator temperature target. This target range can be 3° - 10° C (38° - 50° F). Changing the temperature set point to Low in either the driver or passenger side front settings will request a 3° C (38° F) evaporator temperature target. Under certain conditions the A/C compressor will be requested off in Auto mode to reduce fuel consumption.

HEV models also use ambient based recirculation door logic. If the ambient air temperature is between 18° - 27° C (65° - 80° F), the recirculation air door will gradually move from 0 to 90 percent recirculation, to reduce the load on the A/C compressor.

A/C PERFORMANCE TEST

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation Warning and Caution . Failure to follow the warnings and cautions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

CAUTION: The use of an A/C recycling/charging station for purposes of determining the actual charge level of an A/C system is not recommend. Service recycling/charging stations do not reflect the correct amount of refrigerant charge in the A/C system after a single "reclaim" cycle. Tests have shown that it can take two or more "reclaim" cycles to remove all of the refrigerant charge, depending on the equipment being used. Use only the following procedure for determining the proper charge level.

CAUTION: Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) oil can contaminate the refrigerant system of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and lead to A/C system damage and failure. If the refrigerant recovery/recycling and charging equipment was last used on a non-HEV model, flush the hoses of the equipment with a solvent approved by the equipment manufacturer before using the equipment on an HEV model, or use refrigerant recovery/recycling and charging equipment designated only for HEV models by your service facility. See the operating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper use and care of the refrigerant recovery/recycling and charging equipment.

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. Perform the A/C System Performance Test, found within the HVAC System Test HVAC System Test. If no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are found in the A/C-heater control or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), go to 2. If any DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to 2.
2. Connect a tachometer and manifold gauge set or a A/C Charging/Recycling Station.

NOTE: The ambient air temperature of the vehicle and the location where the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21° C (70° F) before performing this test. Also the evaporator temperature sensor must be a minimum of 18° C (65° F) for this test as well. Place the vehicle in the testing area until the temperature within the vehicle reaches a minimum of 21° C (70° F) prior to conducting the A/C Performance Test.

3. Operate the heating-A/C system under the following conditions.
- Engine at idle at operating temperature
- Door and windows closed
- Transmission in Park
- A/C-heater controls set to Recirculation mode (max-A/C), full cool, panel mode, high blower and with A/C compressor engaged. If the A/C compressor does not engage, see the A/C System Diagnosis table.

4. Insert a thermometer in the driver side center panel air outlet and operate the A/C system until the thermometer temperature stabilizes.

NOTE: This procedure requires the technician to know what the temperature and relative humidity is at the time of the test. The temperature must be combined with the relative humidity to calculate the apparent ambient air temperature, when temperatures are above 21° C (70° F). Use the current ambient temperature and the relative humidity in your location. This information can be obtained from multiple sources, such as the internet or local news media.

5. With the A/C compressor engaged, compare the air temperature at the center panel outlet and the compressor discharge pressure (high side) to the A/C Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. The compressor may cycle, depending upon the ambient temperature and humidity. If the compressor cycles, use the readings obtained before the compressor disengaged.
A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE - GASOLINE MODELS






A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE - HEV MODELS






6. If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the specifications in the A/C Performance Temperature and Pressure chart, or if the compressor discharge pressure is high, see the A/C System Diagnosis table.
A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS










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