A/C System Performance

NOTE: Before proceeding with A/C system performance test, perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system check. If DTC P0530 or DTC P1546 is displayed, repair DTC according to procedures. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Open windows to equalize temperatures. Open hood and install A/C manifold gauge set. Route gauge hoses over rear hood seal and close hood. Record ambient temperature and relative humidity at time of test. Close all doors and windows.
Set A/C mode control to A/C, blower motor to high speed, and temperature control to full cold. Open A/C outlets. Insert thermometer into right center A/C outlet. Place transaxle in Park or Neutral position. Start and run engine at 2000 RPM.
Operate A/C system until A/C outlet air temperature is at its lowest (about 3 minutes). Record outlet air temperature and high-side and low-side pressures. Turn engine off. See A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS or A/C SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS tables.
If system temperatures and pressures are not as specified, ensure outer surfaces and area between radiator and condenser cores are free of dirt, leaves or other foreign material that could block airflow. Ensure evaporator and condenser cores are free of restrictions. Check air ducts for leaks or restrictions. Low air duct airflow could indicate a restricted evaporator core.
Check for kinked hoses and tubes. Check for refrigerant leaks. Check for compressor clutch slippage or improper drive belt tension. Check for a plugged accumulator or orifice tube. Perform repairs as necessary. Ensure system is operating properly.

A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS⁽¹⁾

Ambient Temp. - °F (°C)

Outlet Air Temp. - °F (°C)

65 (18)

48 (9)

75 (23)

54 (12)

85 (29)

59 (15)

95 (35)

65 (18)

⁽¹⁾	Specifications are with relative humidity at 60 percent and engine speed at 2000 RPM.

A/C SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS⁽¹⁾

Ambient Temp. - °F (°C)

Low-Side Pressure - psi (kg/cm² )

High-Side Pressure - psi (kg/cm² )

95 (35)

34-45 (2.3-3.1)

187-254 (12.9-17.5)

85 (29)

34-45 (2.3-3.1)

165-229 (11.4-15.8)

75 (23)

29-36 (2.0-2.4)

160-199 (1.1-1.3)

65 (18)

29-33 (1.9-2.2)

160-178 (1.1-1.2)

⁽¹⁾	Specifications are with relative humidity at 60 percent and engine speed at 2000 RPM.