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Refrigerant System Tests

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Special Tool (Refrigerant System Tests)
G01388517Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Adjust the climate controls for maximum cooling.
    • Start the engine.
    • Select MAX A/C operation.
    • Set the blower motor speed to maximum.
  2. Stabilize the in-vehicle temperature at 21-27°C (70-80°F).
    3. NOTE: When the ambient temperatures exceed 38°C (100°F), do not run the engine above normal idle speed.
    Fig 2: Identifying RPM Meter
    G01388518Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Maintain the engine speed at 1,500 rpm.
  4. Determine the compressor discharge (high) pressure.
    1. Record the ambient temperature.
    2. Record the discharge (high) pressure.
      3. NOTE: In ambient temperatures between 38-43°C (100-110°F), the system performance pressures will be the same as those for ambient temperatures shown on the chart in the 32-38°C (90-100°F) range.
    3. The system performance is acceptable when the pressure reading falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
    Fig 3: Identifying Compressor Discharge (High) Pressure Graph
    G01388519Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Determine the compressor suction (low) pressure.
    1. Record the ambient temperature.
    2. Record the suction (low) pressure.
      3. NOTE: In ambient temperatures between 38-43°C (100-110°F), the system performance pressures will be the same as those for ambient temperatures shown on the chart in the 32-38°C (90-100°F) range.
      Fig 4: Identifying Compressor Suction (Low) Pressure Graph
      G01388520Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    3. The system performance is acceptable when the pressure reading falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
    4. Determine the A/C clutch ON time.
      1. Record the ambient temperature.
      2. Record the A/C clutch ON time in seconds.
        3. NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 26°C (80°F), the A/C clutch may not cycle.
        Fig 5: A/C Clutch On Time Graph
        G01388521Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
      3. The system performance is acceptable when the recorded time falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
    5. Determine the A/C clutch OFF time.
      1. Record the ambient temperature.
      2. Record the A/C clutch OFF time in seconds.
        3. NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 26°C (80°F), the A/C clutch may not cycle.
      3. The system performance is acceptable when the recorded time falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
      Fig 6: A/C Clutch Off Time Graph
      G01388522Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Determine the total A/C clutch cycle time.
    1. Record the ambient temperature.
    2. Record the time the A/C clutch is engaged plus the time it is disengaged (time ON plus time OFF).
      3. NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 26°C (80°F), the A/C clutch may not cycle.
      Fig 7: A/C Clutch Cycle Time Graph
      G01388523Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    3. The system performance is acceptable when the recorded time falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
  7. Determine the A/C clutch cycle rate per minute.
    1. Record the ambient temperature.
    2. Record the number of A/C clutch cycles occurring in one minute.
      3. NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 26°C (80°F), the A/C clutch may not cycle.
      Fig 8: A/C Clutch Cycle Rate Per Minute Graph
      G01388524Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    3. The system performance is acceptable when the recorded number of cycles falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
  8. Determine the center A/C register discharge temperature.
  1. Record the ambient temperature.
  2. Record the center A/C register discharge temperature.
    3. NOTE: In ambient temperatures between 38-43°C (100-110°F), the A/C register discharge temperatures will be the same as those for ambient temperature shown on the chart in the 32-38°C (90-100°F) range.
    Fig 9: A/C Register Discharge Temperature Graph
    G01388525Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. The system performance is acceptable when the center A/C register discharge temperature falls between the upper and lower limits shown.
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