Performance Test
| 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 A/C 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.
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- Do the A/C system inspection (see «A/C SYSTEM INSPECTION»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#climate-control-v6__ac-system-inspection) ), and correct any problems found.
- 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 passenger's dashboard trim (see «SPEAKER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#dashboard-v6__speaker-cover-removalinstallation) ), then remove the glove box (see «GLOVE BOX SEPARATOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#dashboard-v6__glove-box-separator-removalinstallation) ).
- Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.
- Place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit's recirculation inlet duct.
- Test conditions: Move the vehicle out of direct sunlight and let it cool down to the surrounding (ambient) temperature. If necessary, wash the vehicle to cool it down more quickly. The ambient temperature must be at least 60°F (16°C). Open the hood. Open the front doors. Start the engine. Set the temperature control switch to Max Cool, the mode control button to Vent, and the recirculation control button to Recirculate. Turn the air conditioning button ON and the fan control button to Max. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm. No driver or passengers in the vehicle.
- Inspect the A/C components for the following conditions: A/C compressor clutch not engaged. Abnormal frost areas. Unusual noises. If you observe any of these conditions, refer to the «SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#climate-control-v6__symptom-troubleshooting-index) .
- 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 vent (delivery)/ambient air (intake) temperature chart: Mark the vent (delivery) temperature on the vertical line. Mark the ambient air (intake) temperature on the bottom line. Draw a vertical line from the ambient air (intake) temperature mark. Draw a horizontal line from the vent (delivery) temperature mark until it intersects the vertical line. NOTE: The vent temperature and the ambient air temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the area may indicate the need for further inspection.
- To complete the high side (discharge) pressure/ambient air (intake) temperature chart: Mark the high side (discharge) pressure on the vertical line. Mark the ambient air (intake) temperature on the bottom line. Draw a vertical line from the ambient air (intake) temperature mark. Draw a horizontal line from the high side (discharge) pressure mark until it intersects the vertical line. NOTE: The high side pressure and the ambient air temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the area may indicate the need for further inspection.
- To complete the low side (suction) pressure/ambient air (intake) temperature chart: Mark the low side (suction) pressure along the vertical line. Mark the ambient air (intake) temperature along the bottom line. Draw a vertical line from the ambient air (intake) temperature mark. Draw a horizontal line from the low side (suction) pressure mark until it intersects the vertical line. NOTE: The low side pressure and the ambient air temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the area may indicate the need for further inspection.
Pressure Test
| Test Results | Related Symptoms | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Driver and passenger's side A/C vent temperatures may vary by approximately 20°F (11°C) or more | Suction pressure may be low | Low refrigerant charge Expansion valve not opening sufficiently |
| Driver's or passenger's air mix door DTCs present | One air mix door stuck or inoperative | |
| Discharge pressure abnormally High | Discharge pressure reduced when A/C condenser cooled with water spray | Significant refrigerant overcharge |
| Restricted/weak airflow through A/C condenser With doors open, fresh air selected and radiator and A/C condenser fan run on high speed, temperature drop across A/C condenser inlet to outlet is less than 41°F (5°C) | Dirty A/C condenser or damaged fins Debris between A/C condenser and radiator One or more cooling fans malfunctioning | |
| Discharge pressure abnormally Low | Suction and discharge pressures equalize rapidly after stopping A/C compressor Suction pressure higher than normal | Faulty A/C compressor discharge valve or seal |
| Suction pressure abnormally Low | Weak or insufficient airflow across evaporator | Restricted blower intake or dust and pollen filter |
| Suction pressure varies from near normal to a vacuum, as moisture freezes in expansion valve orifice | Moisture in the system Faulty expansion valve | |
| Reduced airflow from vents Vent temperature is very low | Condensation freezing on evaporator Faulty evaporator temperature sensor (check DTC) Faulty expansion valve or A/C compressor clutch relay | |
| Suction pressure abnormally High | Lack of slight suction pressure variation at 1,500 rpm when "Recirculated" airflow is switched to "Fresh Air" Discharge pressure near normal | Expansion valve stuck open or open too long |
| Suction and Discharge pressures abnormally High | Sheet of paper does not stick to front of A/C condenser surface with cooling fans on With doors open, fresh air selected and radiator and A/C condenser fan run on high speed, temperature drop across A/C condenser inlet to outlet is less than about 41°F (5°C) | One (or both) cooling fan motor inoperative or wires reversed |
| A/C compressor clutch remains engaged during off cycle Pressure relief valve may open | Insufficient A/C compressor clutch clearance A/C compressor clutch relay or circuit problem Excessive air in system |
PRESSURE TEST RESULTS CHART
| Test Results | Related Symptoms | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Suction and Discharge pressures abnormally Low | Suction line from expansion valve to A/C compressor is not cold | Excessively low refrigerant charge |
| Lack of slight suction pressure variation at 1,500 rpm when "Recirculated" airflow is switched to "Fresh Air" | Expansion valve clogged with debris/desiccant, stuck closed, or not opening sufficiently | |
| More than 50-60°F (10-16°C) temperature drop across A/C condenser inlet to outlet pipes | Blocked or restricted A/C condenser internal passages or lines/components restricting refrigerant flow | |
| Significant temperature difference along high or low side A/C lines or components NOTE: Some restrictions may not show up until 3,000 rpm | Restriction in A/C suction or discharge lines or components (check temperatures to isolate) | |
| Suction pressure High and Discharge pressure Low | Excessive A/C compressor noise Pressures equalize quickly and noise after A/C compressor turns off | A/C compressor internal damage (Check for A/C system debris contamination) |
| Suction and Discharge pressures normal (or near normal) | Vent temperature too high | Slightly low refrigerant charge Air mix door sticking, misadjusted or inoperative Excessive refrigerant oil in system |
| Static pressures high with A/C system equalized. (After engine is off 4-12 hours) | Air/Non-condensable gasses in system Contaminated or incorrect refrigerant |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Some restrictions may not show up until 3,000 rpm |
PRESSURE TEST RESULTS CHART
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- Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#climate-control-v6__refrigerant-recovery) ).
- Remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-v6__front-bumper-removalinstallation) ).
- Remove the bolt, then disconnect the receiver pipe (A) from the A/C condenser. Remove the O-ring (B).
- Remove the bolts and the radiator upper mount brackets (A).
- Remove the bolt, then disconnect the discharge hose (A) from the A/C condenser. Remove the O-ring (B).
- Remove the bolts, then remove the A/C condenser (A) by lifting it up. Be careful not to damage the radiator or A/C condenser fins when removing the A/C condenser.
- Install the A/C condenser in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If you're installing a new A/C condenser, add refrigerant oil (DENSO ND-OIL 8) (see «A/C REFRIGERANT OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#climate-control-v6__ac-refrigerant-oil-replacement) ). Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage. Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately. Be careful not to damage the radiator or the A/C condenser fins when installing the A/C condenser. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#climate-control-v6__system-charging) ).