A/C Performance Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and 2013 Chrysler 200. 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 WARNING and CAUTION . Failure to follow these instructions 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 takes up to 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.

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.

NOTE:

The work area ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature must be above 18.3°C (65°F) prior to conducting the A/C Performance Test.

Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using a scan tool. If no DTCs are found in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), go to 2. If any DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to 2.
Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set or an A/C recycling/charging station.
Operate the heating-A/C system under the following conditions.
- Engine at idle and operating temperature
- Doors or windows open
- Transaxle in Park or Neutral with parking brake set (depending on application)
- A/C-heater controls set to Recirculation mode (max-A/C), full cool, panel mode, high blower and A/C on.
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 temperature ("feels like" temperature), when the 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.

Compare the air temperature at the center panel outlet and the A/C system pressures to the A/C Performance Temperature and Pressure chart.

A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE

Ambient Air Temperature (Apparent)	21° C (70° F)	27° C (80° F)	32° C (90° F)	38° C (100° F)	43° C (110° F)
Air Temperature at Center Panel Outlet	6 -15° C (42 - 59° F)	7 -18° C (45 - 64° F)	9 - 21° C (48 - 69° F)	11 - 22° C (52 - 72° F)	13 - 24° C (56 - 75° F)
A/C High Side Pressure	1034 - 1896 kPa (150 - 275 psi)	1207 - 2068 kPa (175 - 300 psi)	1379 - 2241 kPa (200 - 325 psi)	1551 - 2413 kPa (225 - 350 psi)	1724 - 2241 kPa (250 - 375 psi)
A/C Low Side Pressure	214 - 365 kPa (31 - 53 psi)	248 - 407 kPa (36 - 59 psi)	283 - 476 kPa (41 - 69 psi)	317 - 483 kPa (46 - 70 psi)	359 - 496 kPa (52 - 72 psi)

If the air outlet temperature or the A/C system pressures are not within specifications, see the A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS table.

A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

Condition	Possible Causes	Correction
Equal refrigerant pressures	1. No refrigerant in the refrigerant system.	1. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	2. Inoperative A/C compressor or A/C clutch (depending on compressor application).	2. See COMPRESSOR, A/C . Test the A/C compressor or A/C clutch and replace, if required.
	3. Improperly installed or inoperative A/C pressure transducer.	4. See TRANSDUCER, A/C PRESSURE . Test the transducer and replace, if required.
	4. Inoperative A/C-heater control, TIPM or PCM.	4. See the appropriate Electrical Diagnostic Procedures for testing of the A/C-heater control, TIPM or PCM. Test the module and replace, if required.
Normal refrigerant pressures, but A/C Performance Test air temperatures at center panel outlet are too high.	1. Excessive refrigerant oil in system.	1. See OIL, REFRIGERANT . 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 inoperative.	2. See ACTUATOR, BLEND DOOR . Inspect the actuator for proper operation. Replace the actuator as required.
	3. Blend door inoperative or sealing improperly.	3. See HOUSING, HVAC . 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 DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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 EVAPORATOR, A/C . Replace the restricted A/C evaporator, if required.
	3. Inoperative A/C compressor.	3. See COMPRESSOR, A/C . Replace the A/C 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 A/C accumulator is restricted.	2. See ACCUMULATOR . Replace the restricted A/C accumulator, if required.
	3. Inoperative radiator cooling fan.	3. Test the radiator cooling fan and replace, if required. Refer to ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM .
	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 DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM .
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. Replace the accessory drive belt or tensioner, if required. Refer to ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM .
	2. Inoperative A/C orifice tube.	2. See TUBE, A/C ORIFICE . Replace A/C liquid line if required.
	3. Inoperative A/C compressor.	3. See COMPRESSOR, A/C . Replace the A/C 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 LINE, A/C LIQUID , LINE, A/C SUCTION and LINE, A/C DISCHARGE . 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 orifice tube.	2. See TUBE, A/C ORIFICE . Replace A/C liquid line if required.
	3. Restricted refrigerant flow through the A/C condenser.	3. See CONDENSER, A/C . Replace the restricted A/C condenser, if required.