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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Overview GMC Sierra 3500 HD

Automatic HVAC System 3 illustrations ~279 words

Test Description

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

  1. 1: This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
  2. 2: This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
  3. 3: This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient air temperatures.
StepActionValuesYesNo
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.
1Park 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 2 minutes. Turn OFF the ignition. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Refrigerant Station. See Special Tools . Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings. 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 2Go to Leak Testing
2IMPORTANT: 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 127-152 mm (5-6 inches). Select the following HVAC control settings: The A/C ON The coldest temperature setting The maximum blower speed The IP panel outlet mode All IP panel outlets are OPEN Recirculation mode Install the temperature probes to the J 43600 in the left and right center air outlets. See Special Tools . Apply the parking brake. Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions: PARK for Automatic NEUTRAL for 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: Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Print the following information: The panel outlet air temperatures The low-side pressure The high-side pressure Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 3
3If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges: Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes. RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again. See Special Tools . Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperature to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 4
4Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges but the panel outlet temperatures do not?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone AGo to Step 5
5Is 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 BGo to Step 6
6Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone CGo to Step 7
7Is the high side pressure greater than the specified range, but the low side pressure is within or less than the specified range?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone DGo to Step 8
8Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results?System OKGo to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual or Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
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.
IMPORTANT
Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.
IMPORTANT
Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools .

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: A/C System Pressure Zone Classification Diesel Engine
Ambient Air TemperatureRelative HumidityService Port PressureMaximum Discharge Air Temperature
Low SideHigh Side
13-18°C (55-65°F)0-100%150-279 kPa (22-41 psi)420-1140 kPa (61-165 psi)9°C (48°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)Below 40%150-298 kPa (22-43 psi)531-1240 kPa (77-180 psi)11°C (52°F)
Above 40%176-366 kPa (26-53 psi)760-1510 kPa (110-219 psi)14°C (57°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)Below 35%216-359 kPa (31-52 psi)990-1550 kPa (143-225 psi)15°C (59°F)
35-50%250-382 kPa (36-55 psi)1130-1640 kPa (164-238 psi)16°C (61°F)
Above 50%275-430 kPa (40-62 psi)1230-1820 kPa (178-264 psi)18°C (64°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)Below 30%287-434 kPa (42-63 psi)1350-1930 kPa (195-280 psi)19°C (66°F)
30-50%311-463 kPa (45-67 psi)1440-2040 kPa (209-296 psi)21°C (70°F)
Above 50%342-506 kPa (50-73 psi)1560-2190 kPa (226-318 psi)23°C (73°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)Below 20%366-506 kPa (53-73 psi)1750-2300 kPa (254-334 psi)23°C (73°F)
20-40%382-531 kPa (55-77 psi)1800-2390 kPa (261-347 psi)25°C (77°F)
Above 40%409-557 kPa (59-81 psi)1900-2480 kPa (276-360 psi)27°C (81°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)Below 20%452-575 kPa (66-84 psi)2180-2660 kPa (316-386 psi)27°C (81°F)
Above 20%465-599 kPa (68-87 psi)2220-2730 kPa (322-396 psi)29°C (84°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)Below 30%535-629 kPa (78-91 psi)2580-2900 kPa (375-421 psi)30°C (86°F)

A/C Performance Table - Diesel Engine

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

  1. 1: This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
  2. 2: This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
  3. 3: This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient air temperatures.
StepActionValuesYesNo
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.
1Park 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 2 minutes. Turn OFF the ignition. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Refrigerant Station. See Special Tools . Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings. 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 2Go to Leak Testing
2IMPORTANT: 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 127-152 mm (5-6 inches). Select the following HVAC control settings: The A/C ON The coldest temperature setting The maximum blower speed The IP panel outlet mode All IP panel outlets are OPEN Recirculation mode Install the temperature probes to the J 43600 in the left and right center air outlets. See Special Tools . Apply the parking brake. Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions: PARK for Automatic NEUTRAL for 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: Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Print the following information: The panel outlet air temperatures The low-side pressure The high-side pressure Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 3
3If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges: Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes. RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again. See Special Tools . Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperature to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 4
4Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges but the panel outlet temperatures do not?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone AGo to Step 5
5Is 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 BGo to Step 6
6Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone CGo to Step 7
7Is the high side pressure greater than the specified range, but the low side pressure is within or less than the specified range?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone DGo to Step 8
8Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results?System OKGo to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual or Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
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.
IMPORTANT
Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.
IMPORTANT
Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools .

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: A/C System Pressure Zone Classification - Gas Engine With Electric Cooling Fan or RPO HP2
Ambient Air TemperatureRelative HumidityService Port PressureMaximum Discharge Air Temperature
Low SideHigh Side
13-18°C (55-65°F)0-100%165-257 kPa (24-37 psi)830-1180 kPa (120-171 psi)10°C (50°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)Below 40%185-290 kPa (27-42 psi)1010-1340 kPa (147-194 psi)11°C (52°F)
Above 40%202-313 kPa (29-45 psi)990-1370 kPa (144-199 psi)13°C (55°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)Below 35%225-319 kPa (33-46 psi)1180-1470 kPa (171-213 psi)14°C (57°F)
35-50%238-330 kPa (35-48 psi)1180-1490 kPa (171-216 psi)14°C (57°F)
Above 50%248-352 kPa (36-51 psi)1190-1520 kPa (173-221 psi)16°C (61°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)Below 30%257-359 kPa (37-52 psi)1320-1610 kPa (192-234 psi)17°C (63°F)
30-50%267-375 kPa (39-54 psi)1340-1650 kPa (194-239 psi)18°C (64°F)
Above 50%281-399 kPa (41-58 psi)1360-1710 kPa (197-248 psi)20°C (68°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)Below 20%290-393 kPa (42-57 psi)1480-1760 kPa (215-255 psi)19°C (66°F)
20-40%298-411 kPa (43-60 psi)1500-1820 kPa (218-264 psi)21°C (70°F)
Above 40%313-429 kPa (45-62 psi)1540-1880 kPa (224-273 psi)22°C (72°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)Below 20%327-428 kPa (47-62 psi)1650-1910 kPa (239-277 psi)21°C (70°F)
Above 20%336-448 kPa (49-65 psi)1680-1980 kPa (244-287 psi)23°C (73°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)Below 30%367-474 kPa (53-69 psi)1830-2100 kPa (266-305 psi)25°C (77°F)

A/C Performance Table - Gas Engine With Electric Cooling Fan or RPO HP2

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

  1. 1: This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
  2. 2: This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
  3. 3: This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient air temperatures.
StepActionValuesYesNo
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.
1Park 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 2 minutes. Turn OFF the ignition. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Refrigerant Station. See Special Tools . Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings. 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 2Go to Leak Testing
2IMPORTANT: 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 127-152 mm (5-6 inches). Select the following HVAC control settings: The A/C ON The coldest temperature setting The maximum blower speed The IP panel outlet mode All IP panel outlets are OPEN Recirculation mode Install the temperature probes to the J 43600 in the left and right center air outlets. See Special Tools . Apply the parking brake. Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions: PARK for Automatic NEUTRAL for 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: Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Print the following information: The panel outlet air temperatures The low-side pressure The high-side pressure Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 3
3If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges: Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes. RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again. See Special Tools . Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperature to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 4
4Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges but the panel outlet temperatures do not?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone AGo to Step 5
5Is 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 BGo to Step 6
6Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone CGo to Step 7
7Is the high side pressure greater than the specified range, but the low side pressure is within or less than the specified range?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone DGo to Step 8
8Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results?System OKGo to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual or Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
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.
IMPORTANT
Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.
IMPORTANT
Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools .

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

  1. 1: This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
  2. 2: This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
  3. 3: This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient air temperatures.
StepActionValuesYesNo
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.
1Park 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 2 minutes. Turn OFF the ignition. Install the J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. See Special Tools . Record the ambient air temperature displayed on the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Record the low and high side STATIC pressure readings. Are both the low and high side pressures within the specified value?Greater than 16°C (60°F), 345 kPa (50 psi) Greater than 24°C (75°F), 483 kPa (70 psi) Greater than 33°C (90°F), 690 kPa (100 psi)Go to Step 2Go to Leak Testing
2IMPORTANT: 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 127-152 mm (5-6 in). Select the following HVAC control settings: The A/C ON. The coldest temperature setting The maximum blower speed The I/P panel outlet mode All I/P panel outlets are OPEN Recirculation mode Install the temperature probes to the J 43600 in the left and right center A/C air outlets. See Special Tools . Apply the parking brake. Place the transaxle/transmission in one of the following positions: PARK for Automatic NEUTRAL for Manual Start the engine. With engine running press the A/C on button and the Recriculation button simultaneously. Operate the A/C system for 5 minutes. Inspect A/C components for the following conditions: Abnormal frost areas Unusual noises IMPORTANT: Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools . Print the following information: The panel outlet air temperatures The low-side pressure The high-side pressure Compare the low and high side pressures and the panel output temperatures to the table below. Does all the data recorded fall within the specified ranges of the table below?Go to Step 8Go to Step 3
3If the pressures and temperatures recorded do not fall within the specified ranges: Continue to operate the A/C system for an additional 5 minutes. RESET the J 43600 and record the pressures and temperatures again. See Special Tools . 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 8Go to Step 4
4Do the high and low side pressures fall within the specified ranges but the panel outlet temperatures do not?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone AGo to Step 5
5Is 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 BGo to Step 6
6Are the low and high side pressures both greater than the specified ranges?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone CGo to Step 7
7Is the high side pressure greater than the specified range, but the low side pressure is within or less than the specified range?Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone DGo to Step 8
8Operate the system in order to verify the test results. Did you find the same results?System OKGo to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual or Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
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.
IMPORTANT
Record the relative humidity and the ambient air temperature at the time of the test.
IMPORTANT
Press the RESET button, before using the print function of the J 43600 . See Special Tools .

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Ambient Air TemperatureRelative HumidityService Port PressureMaximum Discharge Air Temperature
Low SideHigh SideLeft Front CenterLeft Rear
13-18°C (55-65°F)0-100%179-268 kPa (26-39 psi)682-999 kPa (99-145 psi)11°C (51°F)13°C (54°F)
19-24°C (66-75°F)Below 40%199-289 kPa (29-42 psi)813-1157 kPa (118-168 psi)14°C (56°F)15°C (59°F)
Above 40%206-3102 kPa (30-45 psi)861-1191 kPa (125-173 psi)14°C (56°F)15°C (59°F)
25-29°C (76-85°F)Below 35%234-316 kPa (34-46 psi)1061-1350 kPa (154-196 psi)17°C (61°F)18°C (64°F)
35-50%248-323 kPa (36-47 psi)1081-1350 kPa (157-196 psi)18°C (64°F)18°C (64°F)
Above 50%254-344 kPa (37-50 psi)1088-1350 kPa (158-196 psi)18°C (64°F)19°C (66°F)
30-35°C (86-95°F)Below 30%261-351 kPa (38-51 psi)1260-1577 kPa (183-229 psi)19°C (65°F)22°C (70°F)
30-50%268-365 kPa (39-53 psi)1267-1557 kPa (184-226 psi)19°C (66°F)23°C (72°F)
Above 50%282-385 kPa (41-56 psi)1267-1543 kPa (184-224 psi)20°C (68°F)23°C (73°F)
36-41°C (96-105°F)Below 20%296-378 kPa (43-55 psi)1508-1818 kPa (219-264 psi)20°C (68°F)23°C (73°F)
20-40%303-392 kPa (44-57 psi)1502-1791 kPa (218-260 psi)22°C (70°F)25°C (77°F)
Above 40%316-406 kPa (46-59 psi)1488-1756 kPa (216-255 psi)23°C (72°F)27°C (79°F)
42-46°C (106-115°F)Below 20%330-406 kPa (48-59 psi)1756-2018 kPa (255-293 psi)23°C (72°F)27°C (79°F)
Above 20%337-420 kPa (49-61 psi)1743-1970 kPa (253-286 psi)24°C (75°F)28°C (82°F)
47-49°C (116-120°F)Below 30%365-447 kPa (53-65 psi)1942-2191 kPa (282-318 psi)25°C (77°F)30°C (86°F)

A/C Performance Table with Aux A/C