GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Important: 

   • The vehicle must be parked inside or in the shade. The ambient temperature must be at least 16°C (60°F).
   • Do not induce additional air flow across the front of vehicle during the test.
   • If you were sent here from a DTC diagnostic table, clear the DTC upon completion of this test.

DEFINITION: This test measures the A/C system operating efficiency by comparing:

    • The ambient air temperature
    • The relative humidity
    • Low side refrigerant pressure
    • High side refrigerant pressure
    • Passenger compartment discharge air temperature

1

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Engage the parking brake.
  3. Allow the A/C system to equalize (This will take about 2 minutes).
  4. Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior.
  5. Open the hood and install a J 39500-B .
  6. Record the high and the low side static pressures.
  7. Record the ambient temperature.

Are both the high and the low side pressures within 103 kPa (15 psi) of the ambient temperature?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

  1. Vent the engine exhaust, if necessary.
  2. Close all the doors and the windows, but leave the driver's side window open 13 cm (5 in).
  3. Set the A/C control to the following:
  4. • A/C ON
    • Full cold position
    • Blower on the HIGH
    • Recirc mode
    • Passenger control in the neutral position
  5. Open the A/C air outlet deflectors.
  6. Install a J 6742-03 .
  7. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK.
  8. Start the engine and maintain idle.
  9. Record the ambient temperature.
  10. Record the relative humidity. Use a psychrometer or consult the local weather bureau.
  11. Run the A/C system until the outlet air reaches a stabilized temperature (about 5 minutes).
  12. Inspect the system for any abnormal frost areas.
  13. Listen for any unusual noises.
  14. Record the following data:
  15. • Center outlet air temperatures
    • High side pressure
    • Low side pressure
  16. Compare the readings with the data in the table below.

Does all of the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Continue to perform the A/C system test for an additional 5 minutes.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Record the pressures and temperatures.
  4. Compare the readings with the table below.

Does all of the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to VDOT Air Conditioning (A/C) System Diagnosis

4

  1. Perform a leak test. Refer to Leak Testing .
  2. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  3. Repair the leak as necessary and recharge.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 5

--

5

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Symptoms

Ambient Temperature

Relative Humidity

Low Side Service Port Pressure

High Side Service Port Pressure

Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature

16°C (60°F)

0-100 %

228-269 kPa (33-39 psi)

1000-1207 kPa (145-175 psi)

11°C (52°F)

21°C (70°F)

Below 40 %

228-269 kPa (33-39 psi)

869-1076 kPa (126-156 psi)

11°C (52°F)

Above 40 %

241-283 kPa (34-41 psi)

890-1096 kPa (129-159 psi)

12°C (56°F)

27°C (80°F)

Below 40 %

276-317 kPa (40-46 psi)

1048-1255 kPa (152-182 psi)

16°C (60°F)

Above 40 %

290-331 kPa (42-48 psi)

1069-1276 kPa (155-185 psi)

16°C (60°F)

32°C (90°F)

Below 40 %

324-365 kPa (47-53 psi)

1283-1496 kPa (186-217 psi)

19°C (67°F)

Above 40 %

352-393 kPa (51-57 psi)

1310-1517 kPa (190-220 psi)

21°C (70°F)

38°C (100°F)

Below 40 %

345-386 kPa (50-56 psi)

1427-1703 kPa (207-247 psi)

19°C (67°F)

Above 40 %

372-414 kPa (54-60 psi)

1455-1731 kPa (211-251 psi)

21°C (70°F)

43°C (110°F)

Below 40 %

372-414 kPa (54-60 psi)

1572-1848 kPa (228-268 psi)

22°C (71°F)

Above 40 %

421-462 kPa (61-67 psi)

1655-1931 kPa (240-280 psi)

24°C (75°F)

49°C (120°F)

Below 40 %

462-503 kPa (67-73 psi)

1820-2096 kPa (264-304 psi)

26°C (79°F)