Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

A/C System Performance Test




WARNING: R134a is hazardous. Service Precautions


Carry out this test with bonnet and doors or windows open, air conditioning switched on, temperature control set to cold and blower at maximum speed. Set the air supply control to supply fresh air.

1. Close low pressure valve on refrigerant station.
2. Close high pressure valve on refrigerant station.
3. Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and low pressure servicing connections.
4. Insert dry bulb thermometer into cold air outlet and position dry and wet bulb thermometer close to outside air inlet.
Do not spill water from the wet thermometer (psychrometer).
5. Start engine and run it at 1500 rev/min for 10 minutes with air conditioning switched on.
6. Read both pressure gauges and thermometers. Check readings against table below with humidity between 60% and 80%. If readings are incorrect. See Fault diagnosis. A/C System Fault Diagnosis
7. Switch off air conditioning, stop engine, disconnect test equipment.


Performance Range:






Table 1: