Performance Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS) . Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

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.

Perform the Heating and A/C System Self Diagnostics (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATING AND A/C SELF DIAGNOSTICS) . If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are found in the body control module (BCM) or the powertrain control module (PCM), go to step 2. If any DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to step 2.
Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set and adjust the heating-A/C controls as outlined below.

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. If the vehicle has been sitting in the sun prior to testing, place the vehicle in the testing area until the temperature within the vehicle reaches a minimum of 18° C (65° F).

Manual Temperature Control (MTC) System

Blower motor control to the highest speed position.
Temperature control to the full cool position.
Mode control to the Recirculation (max-A/C) position.
A/C control to the ON position.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) System

Blower motor control to the highest speed position.
Temperature control to the LO position.
Recirculation control ON (A/C and RECIRC symbols should be lit).
Mode control to PANEL position.

NOTE: The word MANUAL should appear in the ATC display, confirming that the system is set manually.

Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,000 RPM with the compressor clutch engaged. If the A/C compressor does not engage, see A/C PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS .
The engine should be warmed to operating temperature with the doors closed and windows open.
Insert a thermometer in the driver side center panel outlet and operate the A/C system until it stabilizes.
Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,000 RPM with the compressor clutch engaged. If the A/C compressor does not engage, see A/C PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS .

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

A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE	21°C (70°F)	26.5°C (80°F)	32.5°C (90°F)	37°C (100°F)	43°C (110°F)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AIR TEMPERATURE AT CENTER LEFT PANEL OUTLET	6°C (42°F)	7°C (45°F)	10°C (50°F)	12°C (54°F)	15°C (59°F)
COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE PRESSURE	1379-1585 kPa (200-230 psi)	1448-1723 kPa (210-250 psi)	1654-1930 kPa (240-280 psi)	1930-2206 kPa (280-320 psi)	2206-2516 kPa (320-365 psi)
COMPRESSOR SUCTION PRESSURE	103-172 kPa (15-25 psi)	139-208 kPa (20-30 psi)	172-241 kPa (25-35 psi)	208-276 kPa (30-40 psi)	241-310 kPa (35-45 psi)

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, refer to the A/C Pressure Diagnosis chart.

A/C PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS

Condition	Possible Causes	Correction
Rapid compressor clutch cycling (ten or more cycles per minute).	1. Low refrigerant system charge.	1. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
Equal pressures, but the compressor clutch does not engage.	1. No refrigerant in the refrigerant system.	1. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	2. Faulty fuse.	2. Check the fuses in the power distribution center. Repair the shorted circuit or component and replace the fuses, if required. Refer to POWER DISTRIBUTION - EXCEPT COUPE .
	3. Faulty A/C compressor clutch coil.	3. See A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL . Test the compressor clutch coil and replace, if required.
	4. Faulty A/C compressor clutch relay.	4. See A/C CLUTCH RELAY . Test the compressor clutch relay and relay circuits. Repair the circuits or replace the relay, if required.
	5. Improperly installed or faulty evaporator temperature sensor.	5. See EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR . Test the sensor and replace, if required.
	6. Faulty A/C pressure transducer.	6. See A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER . Test the sensor and replace, if required.
	7. Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM).	7. Refer to the ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES - EXCEPT COUPE article for testing of the PCM. Test the PCM and replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C Performance Test air temperatures at center panel outlet are too high.	1. Excessive refrigerant oil in system.	1. See REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL . Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system and inspect the refrigerant oil content. Restore the refrigerant oil to the proper level, if required.
	2. Blend door actuator improperly installed or faulty.	2. See BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR . Inspect the actuator for proper operation and replace, if required.
	3. Blend door inoperative or sealing improperly.	3. See HVAC HOUSING . Inspect the blend door for proper operation and sealing. Repair if required.
The low side pressure is normal or slightly low, and the high side pressure is too low.	1. Low refrigerant system charge.	1. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	2. Refrigerant flow through the A/C evaporator is restricted.	2. See A/C EVAPORATOR . Replace the restricted A/C evaporator, if required.
	3. Faulty A/C compressor.	3. See A/C COMPRESSOR . Replace the compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is normal or slightly high, and the high side pressure is too high.	1. A/C condenser air flow restricted.	1. Check the A/C condenser for damaged fins, foreign objects obstructing air flow through the condenser fins, and missing or improperly installed air seals. Clean, repair, or replace components as required.
	2. Refrigerant flow through the receiver/drier is restricted.	2. See RECEIVER/DRIER . Replace the restricted receiver/drier, if required.
	3. Inoperative radiator cooling fan.	3. Test the radiator cooling fan and replace, if required. Refer to COOLING - EXCEPT COUPE .
	4. Refrigerant system overcharged.	4. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE . Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. Charge the refrigerant system to the proper level, if required.
	5. Air in the refrigerant system.	5. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	6. Engine overheating.	6. Test the engine cooling system and repair, if required. Refer to COOLING - EXCEPT COUPE .
The low side pressure is too high, and the high side pressure is too low.	1. Accessory drive belt slipping.	1. Inspect the accessory drive belt condition and tension. Tighten or replace the accessory drive belt, if required. Refer to COOLING - EXCEPT COUPE .
	2. Faulty A/C expansion valve.	2. See A/C EXPANSION VALVE . Replace the valve, if required.
	3. Faulty A/C compressor.	3. See A/C COMPRESSOR . Replace the compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is too low, and the high side pressure is too high.	1. Restricted refrigerant flow through the refrigerant lines.	1. See LIQUID LINE , SUCTION LINE and A/C DISCHARGE LINE . Inspect the refrigerant lines for kinks, tight bends or improper routing. Correct the routing or replace the refrigerant line, if required.
	2. Restricted refrigerant flow through the A/C expansion valve.	2. See A/C EXPANSION VALVE . Replace the valve, if required.
	3. Restricted refrigerant flow through the A/C condenser.	3. See A/C CONDENSER . Replace the restricted condenser, if required.