Performance Test - Service Stall
IMPORTANT:If ambient air temperature is lower than 0°C (32°F), A/C compressor will not be enabled.
IMPORTANT:
This test must be performed in a service stall environment that protects the vehicle from wind that could cause incorrect pressure/temperature readings.
1. Open hood and leave open during entire test.
2. Install a manifold gauge set to high and low side service ports making sure gauge set is visible from inside the vehicle.
3. Start engine.
4. Turn A/C Off- A/C button indicator light Off.
5. Depress re-circulation button so that indicator light is lit.
6. Install thermometer into right center outlet.
7. Set mode knob to I/P outlet position - full counter-clockwise.
8. Set temperature knob to full cold position - full counter-clockwise.
9. Set blower to third speed - M2.
10. Open both front doors and windows to stabilize interior air temperature with outside ambient temperature.
IMPORTANT:
A Tech 2 with version 19.005 or higher software is required to perform this test.
11. Connect Tech 2 to data link connector (DLC).
12. Using the Tech 2, verify engine is operating at thermostat control temperature - ECT is 188°F (87°C) or greater.
13. Use the appropriate Tech 2 special function to set engine cooling fan speed to medium.
^ For L81 engines:
a. Select Fan Control 1 and press enter.
b. Command fan control On. Display will remain on HIGH for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, display will then indicate fans are operating at MED.
c. Turn A/C on - A/C button indicator light On.
IMPORTANT:
Allow A/C system pressures to stabilize before beginning test.
d. Using throttle, increase engine speed to 2000 rpm and hold.
^ For L61 engines:
a. Select HVAC Performance special function and press enter. Display should indicate fans are operating at MED.
b. Turn A/C On A/C button indicator light On.
IMPORTANT:
Allow A/C system pressures to stabilize before beginning test.
c. Using Tech 2, increase engine speed to 2000 rpm:
14. Record A/C system pressures and outlet temperature every minute for five minutes.
15. Release throttle to return engine to idle.
16. Release Tech 2 control of engine cooling fans.
17. Compare recorded values to system performance charts as shown.
^ If recorded values match the "Normal System Performance" chart, torque suction pipe and discharge line-to-compressor bolts. Refer to L61 or L81 Suction Pipe and Discharge Line Torquing Procedure in this bulletin. After proper torque is achieved no other repairs are necessary.
^ If recorded values match the "Low Refrigerant Charge" chart, proceed to L61 or L81 service repair procedure in this bulletin.
^ If values do not match either "Normal System Performance" or "Low Refrigerant Charge" charts, match the values with the appropriate chart in the 2000/2001 L-Series HVAC Service Manual and make necessary repairs. When repairs are completed make sure to torque suction pipe and discharge line bolts to the specified torque value. Refer to L61 or L81 Suction Pipe and Discharge Line Torquing Procedure in this bulletin.
GENERAL SYSTEM CONDITION - LOW REFRIGERANT CHARGE - L61
KEY: POOR COOLING AT HIGHER AMBIENTS.
THEN: System is operating with a LOW charge.
^ Leak test all components and connections.
^ If refrigerant charge level is unknown, reclaim, evacuate and recharge system with .95 kg (2.09 lbs.) of R134a refrigerant.
^ Run another performance test.
GENERAL SYSTEM CONDITION - LOW REFRIGERANT CHARGE - L81
KEY: POOR COOLING AT HIGHER AMBIENTS.
THEN: System is operating with a low charge.
^ Leak test all components and connections.
^ If refrigerant charge level is unknown, reclaim, evacuate and recharge system with .95 kg (2.09 lbs.) of R134a refrigerant.
^ Run another performance test.
NORMAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SERVICE STALL - L61
IMPORTANT:
To ensure accurate pressure and temperature readings make sure the vehicle is properly set up to run the performance test. (Refer to vehicle set up section in this manual.) All test parameters must be followed to obtain accurate readings.
IMPORTANT:
Use a refrigerant identifier to verify refrigerant purity. Non-condensable gases or refrigerant substitutes will affect system pressure/temperature readings.
NORMAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SERVICE STALL HIGH HUMIDITY - L61
^ High humidity conditions affect system performance by increased heat load on system. This extra heat load will increase discharge pressure and outlet temperature. High humidity is defined as a relative humidity higher than 70 percent at 21°C (70°F), 60 percent at 27°C (80°F), 50 percent at 32°C (90°F), and 40 percent at 38°C (100°F).
^ This chart illustrates the effect high humidity has on the Saturn air conditioning system. Use this chart to determine normal system performance under high humidity conditions.
NORMAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SERVICE STALL - L81
IMPORTANT:
To ensure accurate pressure and temperature readings make sure the vehicle is properly set up to run the performance test. (Refer to vehicle set up section in this manual.) All test parameters must be followed to obtain accurate readings.
IMPORTANT:
Use a refrigerant identifier to verify refrigerant purity. Non-condensable gases or refrigerant substitutes will affect system pressure/temperature readings.
NORMAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SERVICE STALL HIGH HUMIDITY - L81
^ High humidity conditions affect system performance by increased heat load on system. This extra heat load will increase discharge pressure and outlet temperature. High humidity is defined as a relative humidity higher than 70 percent at 21°C (70°F), 60 percent at 27°C (80°F.), 50 percent at 32°C (90°F), and 40 percent at 38°C (100°F).
^ This chart illustrates the effect high humidity has on the Saturn air conditioning system. Use this chart to determine normal system performance under high humidity conditions.