A/C Performance Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Durango. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Review the warnings and cautions for this system before performing the procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious 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.

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.

Conduct the A/C System Performance Test (Cooldown Test) found within the HVAC System Test. Refer to A/C COOLDOWN TEST . If no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are found in the A/C heater module, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the Body Control Module (BCPM), 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.
Operate the heating and A/C system under the following conditions.
- Engine at 1, 000 rpm at operating temperature
- Doors and windows closed
- Transmission in Park
- A/C heater controls set to Recirculation mode (max A/C), full cool, panel mode, high blower and with A/C compressor engaged. If the A/C compressor does not engage, see A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS .
- If equipped with rear A/C, set rear controls to full cool and high blower
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.

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

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)
Maximum Allowable Air Temperature at Center Panel Outlet	9°C (48°F)	9°C (48°F)	12°C (54°F)	15°C (59°F)	18°C (65°F)
Suction Pressure at Service Port (Low Side)	138 to 207 kPa (20 to 30 psi)	138 to 207 kPa (20 to 30 psi)	207 to 276 kPa (30 to 40 psi)	207 to 276 kPa (30 to 40 psi)	241 to 310 kPa (35 to 45 psi)
Discharge Pressure at Service Port (High Side)	1034 to 1724 kPa (150 to 250 psi)	1379 to 2068 kPa (200 to 300 psi)	1551 to 2241 kPa (225 to 325 psi)	1724 to 2413 kPa (250 to 350 psi)	2068 to 2758 kPa (300 to 400 psi)

If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the specifications in the A/C Performance Temperature and Pressure chart, or if the A/C compressor discharge pressure is high, see A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS .

A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

Condition	Possible Causes	Correction
Rapid A/C clutch cycling (ten or more cycles per minute)	1. Very low refrigerant system charge	1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this service information. Refer to PLUMBING, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . 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 in this service information. Refer to PLUMBING, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	2. Open fuse	2. See SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Module (PDC). Repair the shorted circuit or component and replace the fuse(s), if required.
	3. Inoperative A/C clutch coil	3. See COMPRESSOR, A/C . Test the A/C clutch coil and replace, if required.
	4. Improperly installed or inoperative evaporator temperature sensor	4. See SENSOR, EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE . Test the sensor and replace, if required.
	5. Inoperative A/C-heater Module, PCM or BCM	5. See DTC INDEX . Test the A/C-heater Module, PCM or BCM and replace, if required.
	6. Inoperative A/C pressure transducer	6. See TRANSDUCER, A/C PRESSURE . Test the sensor 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(s) improperly installed or inoperative	2. See ACTUATOR, BLEND DOOR . Inspect the actuators for proper operation and replace, if required.
	3. Blend-air door(s) inoperative or sealing improperly	3. See HOUSING, HVAC . Inspect the blend-air doors 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. See CONDENSER, A/C . 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 receiver/drier is restricted	2. See DRIER, A/C RECEIVER . Replace the restricted receiver/drier, if required.
	3. Inoperative radiator cooling fan	3. See ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM . Test the radiator cooling fan and replace, if required.
	4. Refrigerant system overcharged	4. See R-1234YF 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 in this service information. Refer to PLUMBING, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if required.
	6. Engine overheating	6. See ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM . Test the engine cooling system and repair, if required.
The low side pressure is too high, and the high side pressure is too low	1. Accessory drive belt slipping	1. See ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM . Inspect the accessory drive belt condition and tension. Repair as required.
	2. Inoperative A/C expansion valve	2. See VALVE, A/C EXPANSION . Test and replace the valve, 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 expansion valve	2. See VALVE, A/C EXPANSION . Test and replace the valve, if required.
	3. Restricted refrigerant flow through the A/C condenser	3. See CONDENSER, A/C . Replace the restricted A/C condenser, if required.