Refrigerant: Testing and Inspection

AIR CONDITIONING: REFRIGERANT:

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. INSPECT REFRIGERANT VOLUME





(a) Check the sight glass on the air conditioning tube & accessory assembly.
(1) Prepare the vehicle according to the chart below.





(2) Compare the sight glass to the following chart.






*: Bubbles in the sight glass with the vehicle's interior temperature above 35°C (95°F) can be considered normal if cooling is sufficient.
2. INSPECT REFRIGERANT PRESSURE WITH MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
HINT: This is a method where a manifold gauge set is used to help locate the problem.

(a) Read the manifold gauge pressure when the following conditions are established.
Test conditions:
- Temperature at the air inlet with the switch set at RECIRC is 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F).
- Engine is running at 1,500 rpm.
- Blower speed control switch is at "HI".
- Temperature control dial is at "COOL".
- A/C switch is ON.
- Doors are fully open.
- Ignition switch is in a position that enables the AC compressor to run.




(1) Normally functioning refrigeration system





(2) Moisture is present in refrigeration system.









(3) Insufficient cooling









(4) Poor circulation of refrigerant









(5) Refrigerant does not circulate.









(6) Refrigerant is overcharged or cooling effectiveness of condenser is insufficient.









(7) Air is present in refrigeration system.









(8) Expansion valve malfunction









(9) Insufficient compressor compression









Gauge readings (Reference)