Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test. Cadillac CTS 2004

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2004 🢒 CTS 🢒 HVAC 🢒 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning 🢒 Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test w/o LS6

Table 1:	A/C Performance Table (LY7)
Table 2:	A/C Performance Table (LA3, LY9)

Test Description

This test measures the operating efficiency of the A/C system under the following conditions:

•	The current ambient air temperature

•	The current relative humidity

•	The high side pressure of the A/C system

•	The low side pressure of the A/C system

•	The temperature of the air being discharged into the passenger compartment

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.

This step measures the performance of the A/C system.

This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient temperatures.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Important:

•	The ambient air temperature must be at least 16°C (60°F) .

•	Do not induce additional air flow across the front of the vehicle during the test.

•	If you were sent here from a DTC diagnostic table, clear the DTC before starting this test.

Park the vehicle inside or in the shade.
Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
If the A/C system was operating, allow the A/C system to equalize for about 5 minutes.
Turn OFF the ignition.
Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 .
Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings.

Are both the low side and high side pressures above the specified value?

More than 16°C (60°F) - 345 kPa (50 psi)

More than 24°C (75°F) - 483 kPa (70 psi)

More than 33°C (90°F) - 690 kPa (100 psi)

Go to Step 2

Go to Leak Testing

Important:

•	If DTC B0157 is set, the compressor clutch will not engage until it is cleared.

•	Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.

Close the vehicle doors and windows.
Open the drivers door window 5-6 inches (12.7-15.24cm).
Start the engine.
With a scan tool clear any DTCs stored in the HVAC module.
Select the following HVAC control settings:

•	The A/C is ON

•	The maximum blower speed

•	The Face mode

•	The coldest temperature setting

•	Passenger setting is off

•	All A/C outlets are OPEN

Install the temperature probes of the J 43600 in the left and right center A/C air outlets.
Apply the parking brake.
Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions:

•	PARK, Automatic

•	NEUTRAL, Manual

Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes.
Inspect A/C components for the following conditions:

•	Abnormal frost areas

•	Unusual noises

Important: Make sure that the compressor is engaged when taking the data.

Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 .

Print the following information:

•	The outlet air temperatures

•	The low-side pressure

•	The high-side pressure

Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperatures to the A/C Performance Table.

Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table:

Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes.
RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again.
Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperature to the A/C Performance Table.

Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

See the A/C system Pressure -- Zone Classification chart.

Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges, but the outlet temperatures do not?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone A

Go to Step 5

Is the low side pressure greater than the specified range, but the high side pressure within or less than the specified range?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone B

Go to Step 6

Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone C

Go to Step 7

Is the high side pressure greater than or within the specified range, but the low side pressure is less than the specified range?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone D

Go to Step 8

Operate the system in order to verify the test results.

Did you find the same results?

System OK

Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic

A/C Performance Table (LY7)

Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Service Port Pressure		Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Low Side	High Side	Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F)	0-100%	150-208 kPa (21-30 psi)	630-1040 kPa (91-151 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	150-206 kPa (21-30 psi)	700-1110 kPa (101-161 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	153-222 kPa (22-32 psi)	810-1230 kPa (117-179 psi)	11°C (52°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	155-215 kPa (22-31 psi)	960-1280 kPa (139-186 psi)	9°C (50°F)
	35% to 50%	164-219 kPa (23-32 psi)	1020-1320 kPa (148-192 psi)	10°C (50°F)
	Above 50%	170-226 kPa (24-33 psi)	1060-1390 kPa (153-202 psi)	12°C (54°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	170-229 kPa (24-33 psi)	1150-1490 kPa (166-216 psi)	11°C (52°F)
	30% to 50%	174-229 kPa (25-33 psi)	1190-1530 kPa (172-222 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	Above 50%	179-230 kPa (26-33 psi)	1240-1580 kPa (180-229 psi)	12°C (54°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	188-245 kPa (27-36 psi)	1380-1710 kPa (200-249 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	20% to 40%	188-241 kPa (27-35 psi)	1400-1730 kPa (230-251 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	Above 40%	186-238 kPa (27-35 psi)	1430-1750 kPa (207-254 psi)	15°C (56°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	207-259 kPa (30-38 psi)	1620-1900 kPa (235-276 psi)	15°C (56°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	205-252 kPa (29-37 psi)	1630-1910 kPa (236-277 psi)	15°C (56°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	219-263 kPa (31-38 psi)	1820-2020 kPa (264-293 psi)	16°C (61°F)

A/C Performance Table (LA3, LY9)

Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Service Port Pressure		Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Low Side	High Side	Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F)	0-100%	150-221 kPa (22-32 psi)	1120-1500 kPa (163-218 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	150-230 kPa (22-33 psi)	1090-1440 kPa (158-209 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	1764-256 kPa (24-37 psi)	1230-1570 kPa (179-228 psi)	12°C (54°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	173-247 kPa (25-36 psi)	1270-1530 kPa (184-222 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	35% to 50%	186-257 kPa (27-37 psi)	1340-1570 kPa (194-228 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	Above 50%	196-278 kPa (28-40 psi)	1390-1630 kPa (202-237 psi)	14°C (57°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	194-269 kPa (28-39 psi)	1410-1660 kPa (205-241 psi)	14°C (57°F)
	30% to 50%	204-283 kPa (30-41 psi)	1440-1680 kPa (209-244 psi)	15°C (56°F)
	Above 50%	217-303 kPa (31-44 psi)	1490-1700 kPa (216-247 psi)	17°C (63°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	216-288 kPa (31-42 psi)	1570-1810 kPa (228-263 psi)	16°C (61°F)
	20% to 40%	223-301 kPa (32-44 psi)	1580-1800 kPa (229-261 psi)	17°C (63°F)
	Above 40%	236-315 kPa (34-46 psi)	1590-1790 kPa (231-260 psi)	18°C (64°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	241-309 kPa (35-45 psi)	1740-1940 kPa (253-282 psi)	18°C (64°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	248-322 kPa (36-47 psi)	1730-1910 kPa (251-277 psi)	19°C (66°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	269-328 kPa (39-48 psi)	1860-2000 kPa (270-290 psi)	20°C (61°F)

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test w/ LS6

Table 1:	A/C Performance Table (LY7)
Table 2:	A/C Performance Table (LA3, LY9)
Table 3:	A/C Performance Table (LS6)

Test Description

This test measures the operating efficiency of the A/C system under the following conditions:

•	The current ambient air temperature

•	The current relative humidity

•	The high side pressure of the A/C system

•	The low side pressure of the A/C system

•	The temperature of the air being discharged into the passenger compartment

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.

This step measures the performance of the A/C system.

This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient temperatures.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Important:

•	The ambient air temperature must be at least 16°C (60°F) .

•	Do not induce additional air flow across the front of the vehicle during the test.

•	If you were sent here from a DTC diagnostic table, clear the DTC upon completion of this test.

Park the vehicle inside or in the shade.
Open the windows in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
If the A/C system was operating, allow the A/C system to equalize for about 5 minutes.
Turn OFF the ignition.
Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 .
Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings.

Are both the low side and high side pressures above the specified value?

More than 16°C (60°F) - 345 kPa (50 psi)

More than 24°C (75°F) - 483 kPa (70 psi)

More than 33°C (90°F) - 690 kPa (100 psi)

Go to Step 2

Go to Leak Testing

Important: Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.

Close the vehicle doors and windows.
Open the driver's door window 5-6 inches (12.7-15.24cm).
Select the following HVAC control settings:

•	The A/C is ON

•	The maximum blower speed

•	The Face mode

•	The coldest temperature setting

•	Passenger setting is off

•	All A/C outlets are OPEN

Install the temperature probes of the J 43600 in the left and right center A/C air outlets.
Apply the parking brake.
Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions:

•	PARK, Automatic

•	NEUTRAL, Manual

Start the engine.
Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes.
Inspect A/C components for the following conditions:

•	Abnormal frost areas

•	Unusual noises

Important: Make sure that the compressor is engaged when taking the data.

Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 .

Print the following information:

•	The outlet air temperatures

•	The low-side pressure

•	The high-side pressure

Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperatures to the A/C Performance Table.

Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges of the A/C Performance Table:

Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes.
RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again.
Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperature to the A/C Performance Table.

Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

See the A/C system Pressure -- Zone Classification chart.

Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges, but the outlet temperatures do not?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone A

Go to Step 5

Is the low side pressure greater than the specified range, but the high side pressure within or less than the specified range?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone B

Go to Step 6

Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone C

Go to Step 7

Is the high side pressure greater than or within the specified range, but the low side pressure is less than the specified range?

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone D

Go to Step 8

Operate the system in order to verify the test results.

Did you find the same results?

System OK

Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic

A/C Performance Table (LY7)

Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Service Port Pressure		Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Low Side	High Side	Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F)	0-100%	150-208 kPa (21-30 psi)	630-1040 kPa (91-151 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	150-206 kPa (21-30 psi)	700-1110 kPa (101-161 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	153-222 kPa (22-32 psi)	810-1230 kPa (117-179 psi)	11°C (52°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	155-215 kPa (22-31 psi)	960-1280 kPa (139-186 psi)	9°C (50°F)
	35% to 50%	164-219 kPa (23-32 psi)	1020-1320 kPa (148-192 psi)	10°C (50°F)
	Above 50%	170-226 kPa (24-33 psi)	1060-1390 kPa (153-202 psi)	12°C (54°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	170-229 kPa (24-33 psi)	1150-1490 kPa (166-216 psi)	11°C (52°F)
	30% to 50%	174-229 kPa (25-33 psi)	1190-1530 kPa (172-222 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	Above 50%	179-230 kPa (26-33 psi)	1240-1580 kPa (180-229 psi)	12°C (54°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	188-245 kPa (27-36 psi)	1380-1710 kPa (200-249 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	20% to 40%	188-241 kPa (27-35 psi)	1400-1730 kPa (230-251 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	Above 40%	186-238 kPa (27-35 psi)	1430-1750 kPa (207-254 psi)	15°C (56°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	207-259 kPa (30-38 psi)	1620-1900 kPa (235-276 psi)	15°C (56°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	205-252 kPa (29-37 psi)	1630-1910 kPa (236-277 psi)	15°C (56°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	219-263 kPa (31-38 psi)	1820-2020 kPa (264-293 psi)	16°C (61°F)

A/C Performance Table (LA3, LY9)

Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Service Port Pressure		Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Low Side	High Side	Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F)	0-100%	150-221 kPa (22-32 psi)	1120-1500 kPa (163-218 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	150-230 kPa (22-33 psi)	1090-1440 kPa (158-209 psi)	10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	170-256 kPa (24-37 psi)	1230-1570 kPa (179-228 psi)	12°C (54°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	173-247 kPa (25-36 psi)	1270-1530 kPa (184-222 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	35% to 50%	186-257 kPa (27-37 psi)	1340-1570 kPa (194-228 psi)	13°C (55°F)
	Above 50%	196-278 kPa (28-40 psi)	1390-1630 kPa (202-237 psi)	14°C (57°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	194-269 kPa (28-39 psi)	1410-1660 kPa (205-241 psi)	14°C (57°F)
	30% to 50%	204-283 kPa (30-41 psi)	1440-1680 kPa (209-244 psi)	15°C (56°F)
	Above 50%	217-303 kPa (31-44 psi)	1490-1700 kPa (216-247 psi)	17°C (63°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	216-288 kPa (31-42 psi)	1570-1810 kPa (228-263 psi)	16°C (61°F)
	20% to 40%	223-301 kPa (32-44 psi)	1580-1800 kPa (229-261 psi)	17°C (63°F)
	Above 40%	236-315 kPa (34-46 psi)	1590-1790 kPa (231-260 psi)	18°C (64°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	241-309 kPa (35-45 psi)	1740-1940 kPa (253-282 psi)	18°C (64°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	248-322 kPa (36-47 psi)	1730-1910 kPa (251-277 psi)	19°C (66°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	269-328 kPa (39-48 psi)	1860-2000 kPa (270-290 psi)	20°C (61°F)

A/C Performance Table (LS6)

Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Service Port Pressure		Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
Ambient Air Temperature	Relative Humidity	Low Side	High Side	Maximum Left Center Discharge Air Temperature
13-18°C (55-65°F)	0-100%	150-212 kPa (22-31 psi)	990-1730 kPa (144-251 psi)	8°C (46°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	150-214 kPa (22-31 psi)	890-1560 kPa (129-226 psi)	8°C (46°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	152-234 kPa (22-34 psi)	1210-1840 kPa (176-267 psi)	10°C (50°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	162-231 kPa (24-34 psi)	1310-1760 kPa (190-255 psi)	10°C (50°F)
	35-50%	172-235 kPa (25-34 psi)	1440-1820 kPa (209-264 psi)	10°C (50°F)
	Above 50%	179-244 kPa (28-40 psi)	1550-1930 kPa (225-280 psi)	11°C (52°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	186-254 kPa (27-37 psi)	1610-2050 kPa (234-298 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	30-50%	190-255 kPa (28-37 psi)	1670-2050 kPa (242-298 psi)	12°C (54°F)
	Above 50%	195-256 kPa (28-37 psi)	1740-2040 kPa (253-296 psi)	13°C (55°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	214-281 kPa (31-41 psi)	1980-2400 kPa (287-348 psi)	14°C (57°F)
	20-40%	214-277 kPa (31-40 psi)	1980-2320 kPa (287-337 psi)	14°C (57°F)
	Above 40%	215-272 kPa (31-39 psi)	1970-2230 kPa (286-324 psi)	15°C (59°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	243-303 kPa (35-44 psi)	2360-2690 kPa (343-390 psi)	17°C (63°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	241-295 kPa (35-43 psi)	2320-2540 kPa (337-369 psi)	16°C (61°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	263-311 kPa (38-45 psi)	2610-2770 kPa (379-402 psi)	18°C (64°F)