Performance Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. 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 (Refer to CAUTION ).

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.

Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set.
Set the mode control to the Recirculation Mode position, the temperature control to the full cool position and the blower to the highest speed position.
Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,000 rpm with the A/C compressor clutch engaged.
The Engine should be warmed up to operating temperature with the doors closed and windows open.
Insert a thermometer in the driver's side center panel A/C-heater outlet and operate the engine for five minutes.
If the compressor clutch does not engage, proceed with diagnosis of the compressor clutch coil (Refer to A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL ).

With the A/C compressor clutch engaged, compare the discharge air temperature and the compressor discharge pressure to the A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE 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 Air Temperature	21 °C (70°F)	27°C (80°F)	32°C (90°F)	38°C (100°F)	43°C (110°F)
Maximum Allowable Air Temperature at Center Panel Outlet	7°C (45°F)	7°C (45°F)	13°C (55°F)	13°C (55°F)	18°C (64°F)
Compressor Inlet Pressure at Service Port (Low Side)	138 to 207 kPa (20 to 30 psi)	172 to 241 kPa (25 to 35 psi)	207 to 276 kPa (30 to 40 psi)	241 to 310 kPa (35 to 45 psi)	276 to 345 kPa (40 to 50 psi)
Condenser Outlet Pressure at Service Port (High Side)	1034 to 1724 kPa (150 to 250 psi)	1379 to 2068 kPa (200 to 300 psi)	1724 to 2413 kPa (250 to 350 psi)	1999 to 2689 kPa (290 to 390 psi)	2413 to 2965 kPa (350 to 430 psi)

If the discharge air 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 PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS chart.