Performance Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Acura TL and 2007 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

NOTE:

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

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.
Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
Remove the glove box housing (see GLOVE BOX HOUSING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.

Fig 1: Inserting Thermometer In Center Vent
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit's recirculation inlet duct.
Test conditions:
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Open hood.
- Open front doors.
- Set the temperature control dial to LO and turn off the dual mode.
- Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm.
- No driver or passengers in vehicle.
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 discharge (high) and suction (low) pressures on the A/C gauges.
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.
- 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.
  
  Fig 2: Ambient Temperature (Intake) Vs. Vent (Delivery) Temperature Graph
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 3: Ambient Temperature (Intake) Vs. Temperature Graph

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 4: Ambient Temperature (Intake) Vs. Low Side Temperature Graph

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.