Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test. Pontiac Grand Prix 2001

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 HVAC 🢒 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning 🢒 Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

Table 1:

A/C Performance Table

Test Description

The following test measures the A/C system operating efficiency by comparing:

•	The ambient air temperature

•	The ambient air humidity

•	The pressure at the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system

•	The pressure at the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system

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

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

This step determines if there is enough refrigerant in the A/C system in order 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 air temperatures.

Step

Action

Value(s)

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 (about 2 minutes).
Ensure that the ignition key is in the OFF position.
Install the J 43600 .
Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 .
Record readings of the low and high side STATIC pressures.

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

Above 16°C (60°F) - 345 kPa (50 psi)

Above 24°C (75°F) - 483 kPa (70 psi)

Above 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 door window 5-6 inches.
Set the HVAC control to the following positions:

•	The A/C on

•	The blower control to the highest position

•	The HVAC control module to discharge air through the A/C outlets

•	The temperature control to the coldest position

•	All A/C outlets 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 in PARK
Start the engine and allow to idle.
Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes.
Inspect for the following:

•	Abnormal frost areas

•	Unusual noises

Important: When performing this step it is necessary to press the RESET button on the J 43600 before pressing the PRINT button after the 5 minute operating time.

Record 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 table below.

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

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges:

Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes.
Record the pressures and temperatures again.
Compare the low and high side pressures and the output temperature to the table below.

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

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

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 higher than the specified range and the high side pressure within or lower 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 higher than the specified ranges?

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

Go to Step 7

Is the low side pressure within or lower than the specified range and the high side pressure higher 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 - Manual in HVAC Systems - Manual

A/C System Pressure -- Zone Classification

A/C Performance Table

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%	175-243 kPa (25.4-35.3 psi)	640-990 kPa (93-143.7 psi)	12°C (53.6°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Below 40%	175-256 kPa (25.4-37.2 psi)	750-1120 kPa (109-162.6 psi)	12°C (53.6°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)	Above 40%	184-287 kPa (26.7-41.7 psi)	820-1240 kPa (119-180 psi)	15°C (59°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)	Below 35%	196-277 kPa (28.4-40.2 psi)	960-1280 kPa (139.3-185.8 psi)	14°C (57.2°F)
	35-60%	212-290 kPa (30.8-42.1 psi)	1020-1340 kPa (148-194.5 psi)	16°C (60.8°F)
	Above 60%	223-316 kPa (32.4-46 psi)	1070-1460 kPa (155.3-212 psi)	18°C (64.4°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)	Below 30%	220-303 kPa (32-44 psi)	1130-1480 kPa (164-214.8 psi)	17°C (62.6°F)
	30-50%	223-322 kPa (33.8-46.7 psi)	1190-1570 kPa (172.7-228 psi)	19°C (66.2°F)
	Above 50%	250-350 kPa (36.3-50.8 psi)	1260-1710 kPa (183-248.2 psi)	21°C (69.8°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)	Below 20%	245-324 kPa (35.6-47 psi)	1300-1630 kPa (188.7-236.6 psi)	19°C (66.2°F)
	20-40%	254-344 kPa (36.9-50 psi)	1350-1750 kPa (196-254 psi)	21°C (69.8°F)
	Above 40%	273-364 kPa (39.6-52.8 psi)	1440-1860 kPa (209-270 psi)	23°C (73.4°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Below 20%	273-348 kPa (39.6-50.5 psi)	1440-1860 kPa (209-270 psi)	22°C (71.6°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)	Above 20%	284-370 kPa (41.2-53.7 psi)	1550-1930 kPa (217.7-261.2 psi)	24°C (75.2°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)	Below 30%	308-374 kPa (44.7-54.3 psi)	1720-1970 kPa (249.6-286 psi)	24°C (75.2°F)