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Performance Test

WARNING:
  • Compressed air mixed with R-134a forms a combustible vapor.
  • The vapor can burn or explode causing serious injury.
  • Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems.
CAUTION:
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

The performance test will help determine if the air conditioner system is operating within specifications.

Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioning system.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.

R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

  1. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station to the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure service port, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
  3. Remove the glove box stops, and let the glove box hang down (see GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  4. Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent, and place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit.
    Fig 1: Inserting Thermometer In Center Vent
    G03652979Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Test conditions:
    • Avoid direct sunlight.
    • Open the hood.
    • Open the front doors.
    • Set the temperature control dial on Max Cool (58°F or 18°C), the mode control dial on Vent and the recirculation control switch on Recirculate.
    • Turn the A/C switch on and the fan switch on Max.
    • Run the engine at 1,500 RPM.
    • No driver or passengers in vehicle.
  6. After running the air conditioning for 10 minutes under the above test conditions, read the delivery temperature from the thermometer in the center vent, the intake temperature near the blower unit, and the high and low system pressure from the A/C gauges.
  7. To complete the charts:
    • Mark the delivery temperature along the vertical line.
    • Mark the intake temperature (ambient air temperature) along the bottom line.
    • Draw a line straight up from the air temperature to the humidity.
    • Mark a point 10 % above and 10 % below the humidity level.
    • From each point, draw a horizontal line across the delivery temperature.
    • The delivery temperature should fall between the two lines.
    • Complete the low-side pressure test and high-side pressure test in the same way.
    • Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.

    Example Intake temperature (dry): 86°F (30°C) Humidity level 70 %

    Intake temperature (wet): 77.9°F (25.5°C)

    Intake pressure: 281 kPa (2.9 kgf/cm2 ) (40.8 psi)

    Delivery temperature: 56.1 °F (13.4°C)

    Delivery pressure: 1,707 kPa (17.4 kgf/cm2 ) (247.5 psi)

    Results: Within normal range

    Fig 2: Identifying Delivery Pressure And Intake Temperature Graph
    G03652980Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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