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Test 4: Insufficient A/C Cooling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Connect manifold gauge set. Start and run engine at 1500 RPM. Set A/C controls to MAX A/C. Set blower/fan on high speed and close doors and windows. Insert thermometer in center vent. Operate system for 10-15 minutes to allow system to stabilize.

    When vehicle has stabilized, check and record center register and ambient temperature. Compare readings with AMBIENT/CENTER REGISTER TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are within specification, system is functioning normally. If readings are not within specification, go to next step.

    AMBIENT/CENTER REGISTER TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS

    Ambient Temp. - °F (°C) Center Register Temp. - °F (°C)
    60 (16) 34-46 (1.1-7.7)
    70 (21) 34-46 (1.1-7.7)
    80 (27) 34-46 (1.1-7.7)
    90 (32) 34-46 (1.1-7.7)
    100 (38) 38-52 (3.3-11.1)
  2. Check and record ambient temperature and compressor discharge (high) pressure. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/DISCHARGE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are within specification, go to next step. If readings are not within specification, go to step  8.
    AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/DISCHARGE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

    Ambient Temp. - °F (°C) Discharge Pressure - psi (kg/cm2 )
    60 (16) 75-175 (5-12)
    70 (21) 100-200 (7-14)
    80 (27) 125-225 (9-16)
    90 (32) 150-250 (11-18)
    100 (38) 175-350 (12-25)
  3. Check and record ambient temperature and compressor suction (low) pressure. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/SUCTION PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are within specification, go to next step. If readings are not within specification, go to step  6.
    AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/SUCTION PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

    Ambient Temp. - °F (°C) Suction Pressure - psi (kg/cm2 )
    60 (16) 24-45 (2-3)
    70 (21) 24-45 (2-3)
    80 (27) 24-45 (2-3)
    90 (32) 24-45 (2-3)
    100 (38) 38-60 (3-4)
  4. Check and record ambient temperature and total compressor clutch cycle time (time on plus time off) in seconds. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH CYCLE TIME SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are above upper limit of specification, go to next step. If readings are within specification, repair evaporator core for partial restriction or plugged condition. Recheck system operation.
    AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH CYCLE TIME SPECIFICATIONS

    Ambient Temp. - °F (°C) Clutch Cycle Time In Seconds
    60 (16) 28-50
    70 (21) 30-65
    80 (27) 45-120
    90 (32) 95-Continuous
  5. Check and record ambient temperature and total compressor off time in seconds. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH OFF TIME SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are above upper limit of specification, repair system for excessive moisture or refrigerant oil. Recheck system operation. If readings are within specification, go to step  7.
    AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH OFF TIME SPECIFICATIONS

    Ambient Temp. - °F (°C) Clutch Off Time In Seconds
    60 (16) 17-24
    70 (21) 14-23
    80 (27) 2-17
    90 (32) 2-3
  6. If readings in step  3 are above upper limit of specifications, repair evaporator core orifice for missing or damaged (leaking) "O" rings. Recheck system operation. If readings in step  3 are not above upper limit of specification, replace A/C clutch cycling switch for low cut-out condition. Recheck system operation.
  7. Refer to readings obtained in step  5. If ambient temperature is more than 80°F (27°C), this is normal operation for refrigerant system in high humidity conditions. If ambient temperature is not more than 80°F (27°C), repair system for overcharge condition. Recheck system operation.
  8. Refer to readings obtained in step  2. If reading is above upper limit of specification, go to next step. If reading is not above upper limit of specification, go to step  11.
  9. Check and record ambient temperature and compressor suction (low) pressure. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/SUCTION PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are within specification, repair engine for overheating condition. Recheck system operation. If readings are not within specification, go to next step.
  10. Refer to readings obtained in step  9. If reading is below lower limit of specification, repair partially restricted or plugged condition in evaporator core orifice tube. Recheck system operation. If reading is not below lower limit of specification, repair partially blocked or inadequate airflow condition in condenser core. Recheck system operation.
  11. Check and record ambient temperature and compressor suction (low) pressure. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/SUCTION PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are within specification, go to next step. If readings are not within specification, go to step  15.
  12. Check and record ambient temperature and total compressor clutch cycle time (time on plus time off) in seconds. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH CYCLE TIME SPECIFICATIONS  table. If readings are above upper limit of specification, repair partially restricted or plugged condition in evaporator-to-compressor suction line. Recheck system operation. If readings are within specification, go to next step.
  13. Check and record ambient temperature and total compressor off time in seconds. Compare readings with AMBIENT TEMPERATURE/CLUTCH OFF TIME SPECIFICATIONS  table. If reading is within specification, repair low or restricted airflow in evaporator core. Recheck system operation. If readings are not within specification, go to next step.
  14. Refer to readings obtained in step  13. If reading is above upper limit of specification, repair partially or plugged condition in condenser core. Recheck system operation. If reading is not above upper limit of specification, repair system low refrigerant condition.
  15. Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove condenser-to-evaporator tube. Check for presence of fixed orifice tube. If fixed orifice tube is missing, install a new orifice tube. Recheck system operation. If fixed orifice tube is not missing, replace A/C compressor. Recheck system operation.
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